How To Use Firefox Privacy Settings to Make Your Browsing Secure

While Firefox provides decent privacy and security features out of the box, its default settings prevent it from being considered a private browser. With some modifications to its settings and the addition of certain add-ons, Firefox’s security improves considerably — making it comparable and competitive with other private browsers.

Keep reading to find out which privacy settings you should change to improve your Firefox browser’s anonymity as well as which add-ons, including the best VPNs with advanced online protection, to use with your browser.

5 Firefox privacy settings to change for online anonymity

1. Change your default search engine

One of the simplest ways to increase your browsing privacy is to change Firefox's default search engine to a private search engine.

As far as free private search engines go, DuckDuckGo is easy to use and never stores or tracks any personal information. You’re essentially browsing anonymously when using it. 

Here’s how to set your default search engine to DuckDuckGo in Firefox:

1. Open the Firefox application menu, located in the top-right corner of your browsing screen by clicking the three horizontal lines. Navigate to and click Settings.

2. Click Search in the left menu.

3. Find the section labeled “Default Search Engine,” click the dropdown menu, and select DuckDuckGo from the list of options.

2. Set up Enhanced Tracking Protection (formerly known as Content Blocking)

Enhanced Tracking Protection is Firefox’s native malware and tracker-blocking tool. By default, Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks the following:

• Cryptominers
• Social media trackers
• Fingerprinters
• Cross-site tracking cookies
• Tracking content

Enhanced Tracking Protection comes in three modes: Standard, Strict, and Custom, and it’s set to Standard by default. Users should know that in Standard mode, tracking content will be blocked only while using Private Windows. Thus, users looking for more protection will need to adjust Firefox’s Privacy & Security settings manually.

To change Enhanced Tracking Protection from Standard to Strict:

1. Click the shield icon located on the left side of the address bar.

2. In the dropdown menu, click Protection Settings. It should read “Standard” on the right side.

3. Click the toggle labeled Strict.

4. Users looking for more control over what Firefox blocks can instead enable Custom mode, in which they may manually enable or disable security features as they desire.

What should I do if Enhanced Tracking Protection breaks a website?

If a website is malfunctioning, you can easily toggle Enhanced Tracking Protection off for that specific website:

1. Click the shield icon located on the left side of the address bar.
2. Click the toggle labeled Enhanced Tracking Protection to ON for this site.
3. The web page should reload automatically, and Enhanced Tracking Protection will be off for that site only.

3. Toggle on “Do Not Track”

Most websites track your behavior to store and sell that information to other companies for advertising purposes. This means even if you’re using a private search engine, websites you visit may still try to store your personal information.

Firefox has a privacy setting that sends a Do Not Track signal to websites you visit. To toggle on Do Not Track in Firefox:

1. Click the menu button represented by the three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner of your browsing window and then click Settings.
2. Select Privacy & Security from the menu on the left of the screen.
3. Find the section labeled “Send websites a ‘Do Not Track’ signal that you don’t want to be tracked” and click the toggle to Always.

Note: Websites aren’t required to honor the Do Not Track request, so while we still recommend this setting in Firefox, it shouldn’t be your primary source of privacy protection.

4. Disable Firefox telemetry

Firefox collects telemetry data by default in order to improve its stability and performance. Telemetry data exists in two forms: interaction data and technical data.

• Interaction data consists of information centered around your interactions with Firefox, such as the number of webpages visited, number and type of installed add-ons, number of open tabs and windows, and session length.
• Technical data pertains to information such as the operating system and device hardware you’re using, the version of Firefox and language you’re using, information about errors and crashes, and update and safe browsing logs.

In addition to all of the above, your IP address is sent to Firefox and stored for 14 days when telemetry data is collected. If you’re concerned about your privacy, you should opt out of telemetry data collection by doing the following:

1. Click the menu button represented by the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner of your browsing window and then click Settings.
2. Select Privacy & Security located in the menu on the left of the screen.
3. Scroll down to the section labeled “Firefox Data Collection and Use.”
4. Disable the box labeled “Allow Firefox to send technical and interaction data to Mozilla.”

5. Clear your cookies and cache

When you browse websites, Firefox stores data such as scripts and images to speed up loading times. It even keeps you logged into accounts for a smoother browsing experience. Clearing Firefox cookies and cache manually takes only a few moments and can help keep your browsing history and online accounts secure. 

To clear cookies and cache:

1. Click the menu button represented by the three horizontal lines on the upper right side of your browser window and select Settings.
2. Choose Privacy & Security and scroll down to the section labeled “Cookies and Site Data." 
3. Select the Clear Data button.
4. Select Clear in the window that opens.

7 advanced Firefox privacy settings

You can adjust several more advanced settings to increase Firefox security. However, these modifications require commands and — if done incorrectly — could damage Firefox. We recommend only advanced users consider these settings.

To open Firefox’s advanced privacy settings, type about:config in the web address bar and hit enter. Click Accept the Risk and Continue in the warning window that opens. A new window will open in Firefox with a search bar at the top of the screen where you can enter commands.

1. Disable WebRTC

Web Real-Time Communication (or WebRTC) allows P2P sharing, video chat, and voice in your browser, but a WebRTC leak can also expose your IP address.

Disable WebRTC in Firefox by entering media.peerconnection.enabled into the advanced settings search bar. Then double-click the double arrows to change it to read “False.”

2. Block browser fingerprinting

Fingerprinting refers to another form of online tracking that uses your device hardware, software, preferences, add-ons, and even installed fonts to create a unique profile for you. This allows companies to track you for months — even when applying best security practices like using private browsing mode or clearing your browsing storage.

Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection currently protects against certain types of fingerprinting. To further harden Firefox’s protection from other types of fingerprinting, we recommend turning on resist fingerprinting.

Turn on resist fingerprinting

Type privacy.resistFingerprinting = true into the advanced settings search bar and hit enter. You will be provided with a result under the search bar with a + sign to the right of the result.

Leave the toggle in the middle set to Boolean and click the + button on the right side of the result so the value reads “true” in the center.

Block cryptominers

Type privacy.trackingprotection.cryptomining.enabled = true into the advanced settings bar and follow the same steps as above to make the value read “true.”

3. Turn on privacy tracking protection

Type privacy.trackingprotection.enabled = true into the advanced setting bar, following the same steps above to make the value read “true.”

4. Disable geolocation tracking

Type geo.enabled = false into the advanced settings bar and follow the same steps as above, keeping the toggle set to Boolean. This time, click the + button on the right until it reads “false” in the center of the result.

5. Disable tracking cookies

Type network.cookie.cookieBehavior into the advanced settings bar. This setting is an integer type where different values denote different cookie preferences. The value preferences are as follows:

• 0 = Accept all cookies by default (not recommended for security)
• 1 = Only accept cookies from the originating site (block third-party cookies)
• 2 = Block all cookies by default
• 3 = Block cookies from unvisited sites
• 4 = New Cookie Jar policy (prevent storage access to trackers)

Double-click the pencil button next to network.cookie.cookieBehavior in your results, type in the value you want, and press enter. Values 1–4 offer increasing amounts of privacy; however 4 can prevent certain websites from functioning properly.

6. Turn off microphone and camera tracking

Type media.navigator.enabled = false into the advanced settings bar, keeping the value set to Boolean and clicking the + button on the right side of the value until it reads “false” in the center.

7. Turn off clipboard tracking

Type dom.event.clipboardevents.enabled = false into the advanced settings bar, keeping the value set to Boolean and clicking the + button on the right side of the value until it reads “false” in the center.

3 Firefox add-ons for more online privacy

Firefox add-ons are a great way to further secure your privacy. Below are some common and popular add-ons worth considering.

1. Virtual private network (VPN)

A virtual private network is a service that secures the connection between your device and the internet by masking your real IP address and encrypting your internet activity. When your VPN is active, it’s harder to track your location and online behavior. VPNs also allow you to bypass content blocking and censorship.

Here are two of the most valuable VPNs we've tested:

• Surfshark: Surfshark VPN is a great budget-friendly option (starting as low as $2.49/mo) that protects an unlimited number of devices — making it even more desirable for families or large households. You’ll need to pay extra for Surfshark Antivirus, but its VPN does come with Surfshark CleanWeb, an ad and malware blocker.
  
  
  Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network

  

  4.8

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  Editorial Rating

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  On Surfshark's website

  VPN

  Surfshark

  Starting at $1.99/mo + 4 months extra

  • All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
  • Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
  • One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
  
  
• NordVPN: NordVPN is a well-established and easy-to-use VPN that offers a wide array of features, including built-in antivirus tools. NordVPN Threat Protection is part of the security suite and offers comprehensive cyber protection that includes ad, tracker, and malicious file blocking. Overall, NordVPN comes in a little pricier than other VPNs (starting at $3.49/mo), but its well-polished and professional-grade service is well worth it.
  
  
  Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

  

  5.0

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  On NordVPN's website

  VPN

  NordVPN

  BLACK FRIDAY: Save up to 74% off + 3 free months

  • Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
  • Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
  • 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
  
  

2. Ad blocker

Ad blockers are software designed to remove advertisements from websites. A convenient feature of ad blockers is increased user security and privacy. This is because malware tends to be hidden in pop-up ads, and third parties use advertising trackers to spy on your internet activities.

Here are two of the most popular and useful ad blockers for Firefox we've tested:

• Total Adblock: TotalAdblock is an excellent option if you’re looking for a complete security package — its premium version comes with TotalAV antivirus protection.
  
  
  Best Basic Adblocker — Including YouTube Video Ads

  

  4.9

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  On Total Adblock's website

  Ad Blocker

  Total Adblock

  Special deal: Save 80% off

  • Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
  • Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
  • Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
• uBlock Origin: A free and open-source product, uBlock Origin provides the protection you expect out of an ad blocker while minimizing its impact on CPU and memory usage. It also provides tools aimed at advanced users, such as the dynamic filtering tool, allowing deeper customization of security options.
  
  
  

  4.5

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  On uBlock Origin's website

  Ad Blocker

  uBlock Origin

  • One of the best totally free ad blockers available
  • Highly customizable, open-source ad blocker that's compatible with multiple browsers
  • Can block advertising and analytics tools, including banner ads, video ads, and trackers, and can even bypass soft paywalls
  • Better suited for advanced users because some features require technical knowledge
  
  

3. Password manager

Password managers store, manage, and protect your login credentials, making it easier for you to have strong and varied passwords without needing to rely on memorization. So much of our sensitive personal information is linked to accounts protected by our passwords, so we highly recommend password managers for users looking to boost their online security. Built-in password managers aren't the safest option.

Here are two of the best Firefox password managers we've tested:

• NordPass: With its easy-to-use interface and good range of security features, NordPass is a solid beginner-friendly password manager. Additionally, its free version includes all of its core features and can be linked to an unlimited number of devices. (But it’s valid only for one account.)
  
  
  

  5.0

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  On NordPass's website

  Password Manager

  NordPass

  Save up to 56% off on Premium + 3 months extra

  • Strong encryption and security
  • User-friendly interface
  • Free version has annoying restrictions
  
  
• 1Password: 1Password is a premium-only password manager with personal plans starting at $2.99/mo. While 1Password might be on the pricier end of the spectrum, it offers high-end security options for individuals, families, and businesses alike.
  
  
  

  4.5

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  On 1Password's website

  Password Manager

  1Password

  • Secure password manager with no history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode
  • No free version or money-back guarantee
  
  

3 browser alternatives safer than Firefox

Firefox can be a safe browser but requires some modifications to be optimally secure. Other browsers compete with or even surpass Firefox in terms of security and privacy. Here are a few free private browsers worth checking out:

1. Tor Browser

Tor Browser is an open-source browser that provides private browsing without tracking, surveillance, or censorship. Its privacy features are competitive with Firefox’s. However, it’s known to produce slower browsing speeds than its competitors, and some of its security features aren’t beginner-friendly. If you’re an advanced user and want to support open-source, volunteer-run software, Tor Browser may be for you.

2. Epic Privacy Browser

Epic Privacy Browser acts similarly to a VPN because it hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic out of the box. It’s essentially akin to permanently browsing in “private browsing” mode. While you can do some tinkering to get Epic Privacy Browser working at its full potential, its default settings are centered around extreme privacy, making it a good option if you want high security without too much setup.

3. Brave Browser

Brave Browser is a good option if you’re looking for extra security options without sacrificing performance. Brave downloads only essential elements of websites while blocking ads and trackers, resulting in much faster load times. It also offers VPN and Firewall services for $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year.

How to make Firefox private FAQs

Bottom line

Firefox performs well in terms of privacy but still requires some adjustments for optimal security. Firefox users looking for the highest level of privacy and security shouldn't overlook add-ons such as VPNs, ad blockers, and password managers.

Better yet, consider a cybersecurity suite like Surfshark One or NordVPN that provides comprehensive protection across multiple devices.