Mobile Firefox Privacy Guide
Complete privacy hardening for Firefox on Android and iOS devices
Mobile Privacy Reality Check
Mobile browsers face unique privacy challenges: app store restrictions, limited extension support, and persistent tracking through device identifiers. This guide provides practical solutions for maximizing privacy on mobile Firefox.
Android vs iOS: Privacy Capabilities
Firefox for Android
Advantages:
- • Full extension support (uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger)
- • Complete about:config access
- • Custom user.js file support
- • Advanced privacy settings
- • Alternative browser options (Fennec F-Droid)
Limitations:
- • Google Play Services tracking
- • Manufacturer bloatware
- • Variable update security
Firefox for iOS
Advantages:
- • Strong sandboxing and app isolation
- • Regular security updates
- • Built-in tracking protection
- • Focus integration (Mozilla's privacy browser)
Limitations:
- • No extension support (WebKit restriction)
- • Limited about:config access
- • Apple's WebKit engine required
- • App Store content restrictions
Android Firefox Complete Setup
1Installation & App Selection
Standard Firefox (Recommended)
• Download from Google Play Store
• Regular updates and security patches
• Full extension support
• Mozilla account sync
Play Store → Firefox Browser
Fennec F-Droid (Advanced)
• Open-source build without Google dependencies
• F-Droid repository installation
• Enhanced privacy but manual updates
• Advanced user configuration
F-Droid → Fennec F-Droid
Initial Setup Process:
- 1. Install Firefox: Choose standard or F-Droid version based on your privacy needs
- 2. Skip Mozilla Account: Decline sync setup for maximum privacy (can add later if needed)
- 3. Decline Data Collection: Turn off all telemetry and data sharing options
- 4. Set as Default: Make Firefox your default browser to prevent accidental Chrome usage
2Essential Privacy Extensions
Must-Have Extensions:
uBlock Origin
Essential ad and tracker blocker with advanced filtering
Menu → Add-ons → uBlock Origin
Privacy Badger
Intelligent tracker blocking that learns and adapts
Menu → Add-ons → Privacy Badger
ClearURLs
Removes tracking parameters from URLs automatically
Menu → Add-ons → ClearURLs
Decentraleyes
Local CDN emulation to prevent tracking
Menu → Add-ons → Decentraleyes
Extension Configuration Tips:
- • uBlock Origin: Enable additional filter lists (EasyList, EasyPrivacy, Fanboy's)
- • Privacy Badger: Allow learning mode and check settings regularly
- • Test thoroughly: Some sites may break - create exception rules as needed
- • Keep updated: Extensions auto-update, but check manually periodically
3Advanced Privacy Configuration
Access about:config:
# Type in address bar:
about:config
# Accept the warning
Accept Risk and Continue
# Search for preferences
Use search box to find settings
Essential Privacy Settings:
privacy.trackingprotection.enabled → true
privacy.donottrackheader.enabled → true
network.cookie.cookieBehavior → 1
dom.event.clipboardevents.enabled → false
geo.enabled → false
Fingerprinting Protection:
privacy.resistFingerprinting → true
webgl.disabled → true
dom.battery.enabled → false
device.sensors.enabled → false
dom.event.contextmenu.enabled → false
4Mobile-Specific Privacy Settings
Firefox Mobile Settings:
Privacy & Security:
- • Enhanced Tracking Protection: Strict
- • Send websites "Do Not Track" signal: Always
- • Delete browsing data on exit: Enable
- • HTTPS-Only Mode: Enable in all windows
Site Settings:
- • Location: Block all requests
- • Camera: Block all requests
- • Microphone: Block all requests
- • Notifications: Block all requests
Android System Settings:
• Default Apps: Set Firefox as default browser
• App Permissions: Review and limit Firefox permissions
• Background Activity: Allow for full functionality
• Data Usage: Monitor for unusual activity
Additional Privacy Apps:
• VPN: Use reputable VPN service
• DNS: Configure private DNS (1.1.1.1, Quad9)
• Ad Blocking: System-wide ad blocker (AdGuard, Blokada)
• App Firewall: Control app network access
iOS Firefox & Focus Setup
1App Installation & Setup
Firefox for iOS
• Download from App Store
• Basic privacy features included
• Mozilla account sync available
• Limited customization due to iOS restrictions
App Store → Firefox: Private, Safe Browser
Firefox Focus (Recommended)
• Automatic tracking protection
• Automatic private browsing
• One-tap data clearing
• Content blocker for Safari
App Store → Firefox Focus
Dual Browser Strategy:
• Firefox Focus: Use for quick, private browsing and sensitive searches
• Standard Firefox: Use for accounts, bookmarks, and general browsing
• Safari Alternative: Set Firefox as default browser in iOS 14+
2iOS System Privacy Configuration
Critical iOS Settings:
Privacy Settings:
- • Location Services → Off for browsers
- • Analytics & Improvements → Don't Share
- • Apple Advertising → Personalized Ads → Off
- • App Privacy Report → Enable
Screen Time:
- • App Privacy Report → Review data access
- • Content & Privacy Restrictions → Configure
Safari Settings:
- • Prevent Cross-Site Tracking → On
- • Block All Cookies → On
- • Fraudulent Website Warning → On
- • Privacy-Preserving Ad Measurement → Off
Siri & Search:
- • Siri Suggestions → Disable for browsers
- • Learn from App → Disable
3Content Blocker Configuration
Enable Firefox Focus Content Blocker:
# iOS Settings path:
Settings → Safari → Content Blockers
Enable: Firefox Focus
# This blocks trackers in Safari too
Additional Content Blockers:
Testing & Verification:
Mobile Privacy Best Practices
Daily Usage Tips
- Use Private Browsing: Always browse in private mode for sensitive activities
- Clear Data Regularly: Set up automatic clearing of browsing data
- Separate Browsers: Use different browsers for different activities
- Monitor Permissions: Regularly review app permissions in system settings
Security Reminders
- Keep Updated: Always install browser and system updates promptly
- Avoid Public WiFi: Use mobile data or VPN for sensitive browsing
- Check URLs: Verify website authenticity before entering sensitive data
- Review Apps: Limit installed apps and review permissions regularly