This is the third tutorial in this series about browsing securely online to protect your privacy. In the first tutorial, we showed you how to use InPrivate Mode with Internet Explorer to securely browse the web without sharing any personal information that can be traced back to you.
Part two of this series shows you how to use Incognito Mode with Google Chrome to accomplish the same goal.
This brief tutorial is the third of this series and is going to show you how to use Private Browsing Mode in Firefox to achieve the same browsing experiences you had with InPrivate mode with Internet Explorer and Incognito mode with Google Chrome.
Whenever you browsed with these features available to you in any of these web browsers, things like your passwords, browsing history, cookies, and temporary Internet files are not stored. They are immediately deleted when you close your browsers. This is a great way to protect your privacy online.
To get started, open Firefox and select Firefox button at the top left. Then click ‘Options’
Next, select ‘Privacy’ tab and use the down arrow to select ‘Use custom settings for history’ as shown below.
Finally, check the box to ‘Always use private browsing mode’
That’s it. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable private browsing mode in Firefox?
To enable private browsing mode in Firefox, open Firefox, click on the Firefox button at the top left, then select 'Options' and choose the 'Privacy' tab. Under 'Use custom settings for history,' check the box 'Always use private browsing mode.'
What is the purpose of private browsing mode in Firefox?
Private browsing mode in Firefox allows you to browse the web without storing passwords, browsing history, cookies, or temporary Internet files. This helps protect your privacy online by deleting this data when you close the browser.
How does private browsing in Firefox differ from Incognito mode in Google Chrome?
Private browsing in Firefox and Incognito mode in Google Chrome serve the same purpose of not storing browsing data. The main difference is in the browsers' interfaces and the way you access these privacy modes.
Can I trace back my browsing history in private mode on Firefox?
No, in private browsing mode on Firefox, your browsing history is not stored. Once you close the browser, all browsing data such as history, cookies, and temporary files are deleted.
Is private browsing in Firefox secure?
Private browsing in Firefox provides a level of privacy by not storing browsing data, but it does not encrypt your connection or hide your IP address. For more security, consider using a VPN.
Does private browsing mode prevent websites from tracking me?
Private browsing mode in Firefox can prevent websites from tracking your browsing history and storing cookies. However, it does not make you completely anonymous online.
How can I disable private browsing mode in Firefox?
To disable private browsing mode in Firefox, simply close the browser. Private browsing mode is not the default setting, so the next time you open Firefox, it will not be in private mode.
Can I enable private browsing mode on Firefox mobile?
Yes, you can enable private browsing mode on Firefox mobile. Look for the private browsing option in the browser settings or menu to activate it on your mobile device.