What’s New

What’s New

Seriously private browsing. { -brand-name-firefox } automatically blocks 2000+ online trackers from collecting information about what you do online.

Seriously private browsing. { -brand-name-firefox } automatically blocks 2000+ online trackers from collecting information about what you do online.

Choosing the best browser for you is a lot like choosing a home. You want to explore your options, do some research and make a decision based on what’s important to you.

Choosing the best browser for you is a lot like choosing a home. You want to explore your options, do some research and make a decision based on what’s important to you.

If you’re wondering what it means to have a private or fast browser, here’s a breakdown of three things a browser should have.

If you’re wondering what it means to have a private or fast browser, here’s a breakdown of three things a browser should have.

The second is not storing too much user data. Hackers can’t steal what’s not there, which is why { -brand-name-firefox } keeps a minimum amount of information about its users. <a href="{ $data }">{ -brand-name-firefox } knows</a> if you use the browser and your general location <a href="{ $privacy }">but not the name of your childhood pet or your favorite color.</a>

The second is not storing too much user data. Hackers can’t steal what’s not there, which is why { -brand-name-firefox } keeps a minimum amount of information about its users. <a href="{ $data }">{ -brand-name-firefox } knows</a> if you use the browser and your general location <a href="{ $privacy }">but not the name of your childhood pet or your favorite color.</a>

In fact, by default Chrome monitors which websites you visit and what you do so that it can identify “ad topics” to send you more-targeted ads. You can block three topics but you can’t make them stop identifying other ad topics for you.

In fact, by default Chrome monitors which websites you visit and what you do so that it can identify “ad topics” to send you more-targeted ads. You can block three topics but you can’t make them stop identifying other ad topics for you.

Whatever the future of the web holds, { -brand-name-mozilla } and { -brand-name-firefox } will be there for users, ensuring that they have powerful tools to experience the web and all it has to offer. The web is for everyone, and everyone should have control of their online experience. That’s why we give { -brand-name-firefox } tools to protect user privacy and we never sell user data to advertisers.

Whatever the future of the web holds, { -brand-name-mozilla } and { -brand-name-firefox } will be there for users, ensuring that they have powerful tools to experience the web and all it has to offer. The web is for everyone, and everyone should have control of their online experience. That’s why we give { -brand-name-firefox } tools to protect user privacy and we never sell user data to advertisers.

In a short period of time we’ve gone from being amazed by the ability to send an email to someone around the world, to a change in how we think of information. It’s not a question of how much you know anymore, but simply a question of what browser or app can get you to that information fastest.

In a short period of time we’ve gone from being amazed by the ability to send an email to someone around the world, to a change in how we think of information. It’s not a question of how much you know anymore, but simply a question of what browser or app can get you to that information fastest.

It’s important that everyone has access to the web, but it’s also vital that we all <a href="{ $tools }">understand the tools</a> we use to access it. We use web browsers like { -brand-name-mozilla } { -brand-name-firefox }, { -brand-name-google } { -brand-name-chrome }, { -brand-name-microsoft } { -brand-name-edge } and { -brand-name-apple } { -brand-name-safari } every day, but do we understand what they are and how they work?

It’s important that everyone has access to the web, but it’s also vital that we all <a href="{ $tools }">understand the tools</a> we use to access it. We use web browsers like { -brand-name-mozilla } { -brand-name-firefox }, { -brand-name-google } { -brand-name-chrome }, { -brand-name-microsoft } { -brand-name-edge } and { -brand-name-apple } { -brand-name-safari } every day, but do we understand what they are and how they work?

The web is a vast and powerful tool. Over the course of a few decades, the internet has changed the way we work, the way we play and the way we interact with one another. Depending on how it’s used, it bridges nations, drives commerce, nurtures relationships, drives the innovation engine of the future and is responsible for more memes than we know what to do with.

The web is a vast and powerful tool. Over the course of a few decades, the internet has changed the way we work, the way we play and the way we interact with one another. Depending on how it’s used, it bridges nations, drives commerce, nurtures relationships, drives the innovation engine of the future and is responsible for more memes than we know what to do with.

What is a web browser?

What is a web browser?

When the web browser fetches data from an internet connected server, it uses a piece of software called a rendering engine to translate that data into text and images. This data is written in <a href="{ $html }">Hypertext Markup Language</a> (HTML) and web browsers read this code to create what we see, hear and experience on the internet.

When the web browser fetches data from an internet connected server, it uses a piece of software called a rendering engine to translate that data into text and images. This data is written in <a href="{ $html }">Hypertext Markup Language</a> (HTML) and web browsers read this code to create what we see, hear and experience on the internet.

Got lots of open tabs? No problem, organize them into Collections to stay on task. Collections can also be shared across devices so you can continue browsing the same things no matter what device you’re using.

Got lots of open tabs? No problem, organize them into Collections to stay on task. Collections can also be shared across devices so you can continue browsing the same things no matter what device you’re using.

We believe everyone should have control over their lives online. That’s what we’ve been fighting for since 1998.

We believe everyone should have control over their lives online. That’s what we’ve been fighting for since 1998.

Discover more of what you love

Discover more of what you love

Keep what’s personal private without sacrificing blazing fast speed. Plus, smart browsing features give you the power to take your privacy, passwords and bookmarks with you safely wherever you go, making your life online easier.

Keep what’s personal private without sacrificing blazing fast speed. Plus, smart browsing features give you the power to take your privacy, passwords and bookmarks with you safely wherever you go, making your life online easier.

What’s the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit?

What’s the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit?

{ -brand-name-beta } is an unstable testing and development platform. By default, { -brand-name-beta } sends data to { -brand-name-mozilla } — and sometimes our partners — to help us handle problems and try ideas. <a href="{ $link }">Learn what is shared</a>.

{ -brand-name-beta } is an unstable testing and development platform. By default, { -brand-name-beta } sends data to { -brand-name-mozilla } — and sometimes our partners — to help us handle problems and try ideas. <a href="{ $link }">Learn what is shared</a>.

{ -brand-name-developer-edition } is an unstable testing and development platform. By default, { -brand-name-developer-edition } sends data to { -brand-name-mozilla } — and sometimes our partners — to help us handle problems and try ideas. <a href="{ $link }">Learn what is shared</a>.

{ -brand-name-developer-edition } is an unstable testing and development platform. By default, { -brand-name-developer-edition } sends data to { -brand-name-mozilla } — and sometimes our partners — to help us handle problems and try ideas. <a href="{ $link }">Learn what is shared</a>.

{ -brand-name-nightly } is an unstable testing and development platform. By default, { -brand-name-nightly } sends data to { -brand-name-mozilla } — and sometimes our partners — to help us handle problems and try ideas. <a href="{ $link }">Learn what is shared</a>.

{ -brand-name-nightly } is an unstable testing and development platform. By default, { -brand-name-nightly } sends data to { -brand-name-mozilla } — and sometimes our partners — to help us handle problems and try ideas. <a href="{ $link }">Learn what is shared</a>.

View the <a { $attrs }>release notes</a> (English only) to see what’s new.

View the <a { $attrs }>release notes</a> (English only) to see what’s new.

{ -brand-name-facebook-container } for { -brand-name-firefox } | Prevent { -brand-name-facebook } from seeing what websites you visit.

{ -brand-name-facebook-container } for { -brand-name-firefox } | Prevent { -brand-name-facebook } from seeing what websites you visit.

What is { -brand-name-firefox }?

What is { -brand-name-firefox }?

<a href="{ $url }">Cookies</a> are sent by websites you visit. They live on your computer and monitor what you’ve been doing on a site. When an airline hikes your rates because you’ve looked at plane tickets once that day, that is the handiwork of a cookie.

<a href="{ $url }">Cookies</a> are sent by websites you visit. They live on your computer and monitor what you’ve been doing on a site. When an airline hikes your rates because you’ve looked at plane tickets once that day, that is the handiwork of a cookie.

In some cases, an ad blocker can help your browser go faster. When an ad is loading, it can slow down a website. At the same time, it takes longer to find what you’re looking for if you’re too busy closing yet another ad.

In some cases, an ad blocker can help your browser go faster. When an ad is loading, it can slow down a website. At the same time, it takes longer to find what you’re looking for if you’re too busy closing yet another ad.

The Custom setting gives you the ultimate choice. You can decide what you’re blocking, including trackers, cookies and more. If you allow cookies from a website, you’ll automatically be in Custom mode.

The Custom setting gives you the ultimate choice. You can decide what you’re blocking, including trackers, cookies and more. If you allow cookies from a website, you’ll automatically be in Custom mode.

{ -brand-name-mozilla } is <a { $link }>committed</a> to continuously improving our own browser as well as the entire web. That’s why we invested in the collaboration to develop Speedometer 3 which, in turn, has improved the performance of all browsers. So whatever browser you choose, { -brand-name-mozilla } wants it to be fast.

{ -brand-name-mozilla } is <a { $link }>committed</a> to continuously improving our own browser as well as the entire web. That’s why we invested in the collaboration to develop Speedometer 3 which, in turn, has improved the performance of all browsers. So whatever browser you choose, { -brand-name-mozilla } wants it to be fast.

What is fingerprinting?

What is fingerprinting?

What is fingerprinting and why you should block it

What is fingerprinting and why you should block it

What information does { -brand-name-firefox } collect?

What information does { -brand-name-firefox } collect?

Private browsing mode will not delete any new bookmarks you make from a private browsing window, or protect you from malware or viruses. It also doesn’t prevent the websites you visit from seeing where you are physically located or stop your internet service provider from logging what you do. You’ll need a <a href="{ $vpn }">trustworthy VPN</a> for that.

Private browsing mode will not delete any new bookmarks you make from a private browsing window, or protect you from malware or viruses. It also doesn’t prevent the websites you visit from seeing where you are physically located or stop your internet service provider from logging what you do. You’ll need a <a href="{ $vpn }">trustworthy VPN</a> for that.

What does private browsing do?

What does private browsing do?

What private browsing doesn’t do

What private browsing doesn’t do

{ -brand-name-firefox } Translations is a built-in translation feature that allows you to easily browse the web in your preferred language. Learn more about how this feature in { -brand-name-firefox } works, and how { -brand-name-mozilla } helps keep what you translate private.

{ -brand-name-firefox } Translations is a built-in translation feature that allows you to easily browse the web in your preferred language. Learn more about how this feature in { -brand-name-firefox } works, and how { -brand-name-mozilla } helps keep what you translate private.

The { -brand-name-firefox } Translations feature is another way { -brand-name-mozilla } keeps your internet personalized and more private. { -brand-name-mozilla } doesn’t track what webpages you translate. With millions of users worldwide, { -brand-name-mozilla } wants to ensure that those who use { -brand-name-firefox } are learning, communicating, sharing, and staying informed on their own terms. <a { $download }>Get started in your preferred language by downloading { -brand-name-firefox }.</a>

The { -brand-name-firefox } Translations feature is another way { -brand-name-mozilla } keeps your internet personalized and more private. { -brand-name-mozilla } doesn’t track what webpages you translate. With millions of users worldwide, { -brand-name-mozilla } wants to ensure that those who use { -brand-name-firefox } are learning, communicating, sharing, and staying informed on their own terms. <a { $download }>Get started in your preferred language by downloading { -brand-name-firefox }.</a>

What languages are currently supported?

What languages are currently supported?

When your translations are processed locally, no data from your chosen device leaves your device or relies on cloud services for translation. This means that { -brand-name-mozilla } doesn’t know what web page you translate, and makes our translation feature stand out in comparison to other translation tools.

When your translations are processed locally, no data from your chosen device leaves your device or relies on cloud services for translation. This means that { -brand-name-mozilla } doesn’t know what web page you translate, and makes our translation feature stand out in comparison to other translation tools.

While other browsers rely on cloud services, the { -brand-name-firefox } Translations language models are downloaded on the user’s browser and translations are done locally, so { -brand-name-mozilla } doesn’t record what webpages you translate.

While other browsers rely on cloud services, the { -brand-name-firefox } Translations language models are downloaded on the user’s browser and translations are done locally, so { -brand-name-mozilla } doesn’t record what webpages you translate.

Check out tips for seeing less misinformation and focusing on what’s important to you.

Check out tips for seeing less misinformation and focusing on what’s important to you.

Incognito browser: What it really means

Incognito browser: What it really means

What is a web browser?

What is a web browser?

Check out tips for seeing less misinformation and focusing on what’s important to you

Check out tips for seeing less misinformation and focusing on what’s important to you

What is misinformation? What is disinformation?

What is misinformation? What is disinformation?

Available in over 90 languages, and compatible with { -brand-name-windows }, { -brand-name-mac-short } and { -brand-name-linux } machines, { -brand-name-firefox } works no matter what you’re using or where you are. Make sure your operating system is up to date for the best experience.

Available in over 90 languages, and compatible with { -brand-name-windows }, { -brand-name-mac-short } and { -brand-name-linux } machines, { -brand-name-firefox } works no matter what you’re using or where you are. Make sure your operating system is up to date for the best experience.

Do what you do online.<br> { -brand-name-firefox-browser } <strong>isn’t</strong> watching.

Do what you do online.<br> { -brand-name-firefox-browser } <strong>isn’t</strong> watching.

Get the browser that protects what’s important

Get the browser that protects what’s important

Live your life, { -brand-name-firefox } isn’t watching. Choose what to share and when to share it.

Live your life, { -brand-name-firefox } isn’t watching. Choose what to share and when to share it.

If you want to know what’s happening around { -brand-name-nightly } and its community, reading our <a href="{ $blog }">blog</a> and following us on <a href="{ $mastodon }">Mastodon</a> or <a href="{ $twitter }">Twitter</a> are good starting points!

If you want to know what’s happening around { -brand-name-nightly } and its community, reading our <a href="{ $blog }">blog</a> and following us on <a href="{ $mastodon }">Mastodon</a> or <a href="{ $twitter }">Twitter</a> are good starting points!

If you want to know what’s happening around { -brand-name-nightly } and its community, reading our <a { $blog }>blog</a> and following us on <a { $mastodon }>Mastodon</a> or <a { $twitter }>X</a> are good starting points!

If you want to know what’s happening around { -brand-name-nightly } and its community, reading our <a { $blog }>blog</a> and following us on <a { $mastodon }>Mastodon</a> or <a { $twitter }>X</a> are good starting points!

All tech companies collect data to improve their products. But it doesn’t need to include so much of your personal info. The only data we want is the data that serves you in the end. We ask ourselves: do we actually need this? What do we need it for? And when can we delete it?

All tech companies collect data to improve their products. But it doesn’t need to include so much of your personal info. The only data we want is the data that serves you in the end. We ask ourselves: do we actually need this? What do we need it for? And when can we delete it?

Check it out and let me know what you think:

Check it out and let me know what you think:

Select what to take from { -brand-name-chrome }.

Select what to take from { -brand-name-chrome }.

Retailers sometimes sell items to local shoppers that they don’t sell globally. Use { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } to set your location to another country and see what might be for sale.

Retailers sometimes sell items to local shoppers that they don’t sell globally. Use { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } to set your location to another country and see what might be for sale.

Use it on your desktop for work, mobile for play or whatever combo you need.

Use it on your desktop for work, mobile for play or whatever combo you need.

{ -brand-name-mozilla-monitor } lets you find out what hackers might already know about you and helps you stay a step ahead of them. (And it’s free.)

{ -brand-name-mozilla-monitor } lets you find out what hackers might already know about you and helps you stay a step ahead of them. (And it’s free.)

See what’s blocked

See what’s blocked

What’s included

What’s included

What’s new with { -brand-name-firefox } - More privacy, more protections.

What’s new with { -brand-name-firefox } - More privacy, more protections.

What’s new with { -brand-name-firefox }

What’s new with { -brand-name-firefox }

Read the <a href="{ $url }">Release Notes</a> to know more about what’s new in your { -brand-name-firefox } browser.

Read the <a href="{ $url }">Release Notes</a> to know more about what’s new in your { -brand-name-firefox } browser.

Read the <a { $url }>Release Notes</a> to know more about what’s new in your { -brand-name-firefox } browser.

Read the <a { $url }>Release Notes</a> to know more about what’s new in your { -brand-name-firefox } browser.

Our leadership has been at the forefront of building a healthier internet since Day 1. What began as an alternative to corporate domination has grown into a global force for good online.

Our leadership has been at the forefront of building a healthier internet since Day 1. What began as an alternative to corporate domination has grown into a global force for good online.

What happens after the report is filed

What happens after the report is filed

make { -brand-name-mozilla } contributors proud of what we’re doing and motivate us to continue; and

make { -brand-name-mozilla } contributors proud of what we’re doing and motivate us to continue; and

{ -brand-name-mozilla } has a dedicated team of volunteers to help with whatever issues you may be experiencing.

{ -brand-name-mozilla } has a dedicated team of volunteers to help with whatever issues you may be experiencing.

At its core, { -brand-name-mozilla } is an activist organization led by the { -brand-name-mozilla-foundation } that makes change in the world through a variety of ventures including { -brand-name-mozilla-corporation }, MZLA, <a {$ventures}>{ -brand-name-mozilla-ventures }</a> and <a {$mozai}>{ -brand-name-mozilla-ai }</a>. How are we different? Because we’re mission-driven, it means we have the freedom to make all of our decisions based on what’s best for the internet and for everyone online, not based on the demands of shareholders — we don’t actually have any of those.

At its core, { -brand-name-mozilla } is an activist organization led by the { -brand-name-mozilla-foundation } that makes change in the world through a variety of ventures including { -brand-name-mozilla-corporation }, MZLA, <a {$ventures}>{ -brand-name-mozilla-ventures }</a> and <a {$mozai}>{ -brand-name-mozilla-ai }</a>. How are we different? Because we’re mission-driven, it means we have the freedom to make all of our decisions based on what’s best for the internet and for everyone online, not based on the demands of shareholders — we don’t actually have any of those.

So, what is { -brand-name-mozilla }?

So, what is { -brand-name-mozilla }?

When you use { -brand-name-firefox }, you help { -brand-name-mozilla } fight misinformation online, teach digital skills and make the comments section more human. Check out what helps create a healthier internet.

When you use { -brand-name-firefox }, you help { -brand-name-mozilla } fight misinformation online, teach digital skills and make the comments section more human. Check out what helps create a healthier internet.

There are many ways to engage with { -brand-name-mozilla } and { -brand-name-firefox }. If you didn’t find what you were looking for here, check out our <a href="{ $url }">community pages</a>.

There are many ways to engage with { -brand-name-mozilla } and { -brand-name-firefox }. If you didn’t find what you were looking for here, check out our <a href="{ $url }">community pages</a>.

What’s { -brand-name-mozilla } all about?

What’s { -brand-name-mozilla } all about?

What are Analytics Cookies?

What are Analytics Cookies?

What are Necessary Cookies?

What are Necessary Cookies?

What are Preference Cookies?

What are Preference Cookies?

It can be tricky for people to know what to expect of any software or services they use today. The technology that powers our lives is complex and people don’t have the time to dig into the details. That is still true for { -brand-name-firefox }, where we find that people have many different ideas of what is happening under the hood in their browser.

It can be tricky for people to know what to expect of any software or services they use today. The technology that powers our lives is complex and people don’t have the time to dig into the details. That is still true for { -brand-name-firefox }, where we find that people have many different ideas of what is happening under the hood in their browser.

{ -brand-name-mozilla } doesn’t know as much as you’d expect about how people browse the web. As a browser maker, that’s actually a big challenge for us. That is why we’ve built opt-in tools, which allow interested users to give us insight into their web browsing. If you sync your browsing history across { -brand-name-firefox } installations, we don’t know what that history is — because it’s encrypted by your device.

{ -brand-name-mozilla } doesn’t know as much as you’d expect about how people browse the web. As a browser maker, that’s actually a big challenge for us. That is why we’ve built opt-in tools, which allow interested users to give us insight into their web browsing. If you sync your browsing history across { -brand-name-firefox } installations, we don’t know what that history is — because it’s encrypted by your device.

{ -brand-name-mozilla }’s pre-release versions of { -brand-name-firefox } are development platforms, frequently updated with experimental features. We collect more data in pre-release than what we do after release in order to understand how these experimental features are working. You can opt out of having this data collected in preferences.

{ -brand-name-mozilla }’s pre-release versions of { -brand-name-firefox } are development platforms, frequently updated with experimental features. We collect more data in pre-release than what we do after release in order to understand how these experimental features are working. You can opt out of having this data collected in preferences.

Okay, those first few were softballs. What data do you collect?

Okay, those first few were softballs. What data do you collect?

The first is what we call “technical data.” This is data about the browser itself, such as the operating system it is running on and information about errors or crashes.

The first is what we call “technical data.” This is data about the browser itself, such as the operating system it is running on and information about errors or crashes.

The following questions and answers should help you understand what to expect from { -brand-name-mozilla } and { -brand-name-firefox }:

The following questions and answers should help you understand what to expect from { -brand-name-mozilla } and { -brand-name-firefox }:

The second is what we call “interaction data.” This is data about an individual’s engagement with { -brand-name-firefox }, such as the number of tabs that were open, the status of user preferences, or number of times certain browser features were used, such as screenshots or containers. For example, we collect this data in terms of the back button, that arrow in the upper left corner of your browser that lets you navigate back to a previous webpage in a way that shows us someone used the back button, but doesn’t tell what specific webpages are accessed.

The second is what we call “interaction data.” This is data about an individual’s engagement with { -brand-name-firefox }, such as the number of tabs that were open, the status of user preferences, or number of times certain browser features were used, such as screenshots or containers. For example, we collect this data in terms of the back button, that arrow in the upper left corner of your browser that lets you navigate back to a previous webpage in a way that shows us someone used the back button, but doesn’t tell what specific webpages are accessed.

The second is what we call “interaction data.” This is data about an individual’s engagement with { -brand-name-firefox }, such as the number of tabs that were open, the status of user preferences, or number of times certain browser features were used, such as screenshots or containers. For example, we collect this data through the back button (that arrow in the upper left corner of your browser that lets you navigate back to a previous webpage) in a way that shows us someone used the back button, but doesn’t tell what specific webpages are accessed.

The second is what we call “interaction data.” This is data about an individual’s engagement with { -brand-name-firefox }, such as the number of tabs that were open, the status of user preferences, or number of times certain browser features were used, such as screenshots or containers. For example, we collect this data through the back button (that arrow in the upper left corner of your browser that lets you navigate back to a previous webpage) in a way that shows us someone used the back button, but doesn’t tell what specific webpages are accessed.

We make our documentation public so that anyone can verify what we say is true, tell us if we need to improve, and have confidence that we aren’t hiding anything.

We make our documentation public so that anyone can verify what we say is true, tell us if we need to improve, and have confidence that we aren’t hiding anything.

We may also collect additional data in pre-release for one of our <a href="{ $link }">studies</a>. For example, some studies require what we call “web activity data” data, which may include URLs and other information about certain websites. This helps us answer specific questions to improve { -brand-name-firefox }, for example, how to better integrate popular websites in specific locales.

We may also collect additional data in pre-release for one of our <a href="{ $link }">studies</a>. For example, some studies require what we call “web activity data” data, which may include URLs and other information about certain websites. This helps us answer specific questions to improve { -brand-name-firefox }, for example, how to better integrate popular websites in specific locales.

We may also collect additional data in pre-release for one of our <a href="{ $link }">studies</a>. For example, some studies require what we call “web activity data”, which may include URLs and other information about certain websites. This helps us answer specific questions to improve { -brand-name-firefox }, such as, how to better integrate popular websites in specific locales.

We may also collect additional data in pre-release for one of our <a href="{ $link }">studies</a>. For example, some studies require what we call “web activity data”, which may include URLs and other information about certain websites. This helps us answer specific questions to improve { -brand-name-firefox }, such as, how to better integrate popular websites in specific locales.

What about my account data?

What about my account data?

Collect what we need, de-identify where we can and delete when no longer necessary.

Collect what we need, de-identify where we can and delete when no longer necessary.

A virtual private network protects your connection to the internet, keeping your location and what you do online more private across your devices.

A virtual private network protects your connection to the internet, keeping your location and what you do online more private across your devices.

What is an IP address?

What is an IP address?

What’s a VPN?

What’s a VPN?

What devices is { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } compatible with?

What devices is { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } compatible with?

What information does the { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } keep?

What information does the { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } keep?

What is { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }’s refund policy?

What is { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }’s refund policy?

What country do you live in?

What country do you live in?

What is your email address?

What is your email address?

What is a VPN and what are its uses?

What is a VPN and what are its uses?

A VPN is a way to hide your IP address. <a href="{ $vpn }">When you use a VPN</a>, your external IP address will be coming from the VPN server’s external IP, rather than your location’s external IP address. So if your connecting VPN server is located in California, your external IP will look like it’s connected from California, no matter where you actually are. Plus, your online activity is sent over an encrypted, secure connection to your VPN server, giving you additional security and privacy. <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> is one way to hide your IP address. We don’t keep your network activity logs, and we don’t partner with third parties who build profiles of what you do online. We offer full-device protection for up to five devices with servers in { $countries }+ countries, you can connect to anywhere, from anywhere.

A VPN is a way to hide your IP address. <a href="{ $vpn }">When you use a VPN</a>, your external IP address will be coming from the VPN server’s external IP, rather than your location’s external IP address. So if your connecting VPN server is located in California, your external IP will look like it’s connected from California, no matter where you actually are. Plus, your online activity is sent over an encrypted, secure connection to your VPN server, giving you additional security and privacy. <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> is one way to hide your IP address. We don’t keep your network activity logs, and we don’t partner with third parties who build profiles of what you do online. We offer full-device protection for up to five devices with servers in { $countries }+ countries, you can connect to anywhere, from anywhere.

Every time you are on the internet, IP addresses are playing an essential role in the information exchange to help you see the sites you are requesting. Yet, there is a chance you don’t know what one is, so we are breaking down the most commonly asked questions below.

Every time you are on the internet, IP addresses are playing an essential role in the information exchange to help you see the sites you are requesting. Yet, there is a chance you don’t know what one is, so we are breaking down the most commonly asked questions below.

{ -brand-name-mozilla } answers all of your questions about IP addresses from what is an IP address, to how it works, and if you should hide it.

{ -brand-name-mozilla } answers all of your questions about IP addresses from what is an IP address, to how it works, and if you should hide it.

This is a bit of a tricky question — the answer is both yes and no. More than one device can share the same external (public) IP address, but each device will have its own local (private) IP address. For example, your ISP (internet service provider) sets your home up with one external IP address. Since your router is what actually connects to the internet, the IP address is assigned to your router. Your router then assigns a local IP address to each device that is connected to the internet at a time. The external IP address is what is shared with the outside world. Your local IP address is not shared outside of your private home network.

This is a bit of a tricky question — the answer is both yes and no. More than one device can share the same external (public) IP address, but each device will have its own local (private) IP address. For example, your ISP (internet service provider) sets your home up with one external IP address. Since your router is what actually connects to the internet, the IP address is assigned to your router. Your router then assigns a local IP address to each device that is connected to the internet at a time. The external IP address is what is shared with the outside world. Your local IP address is not shared outside of your private home network.

What is an IP address?

What is an IP address?

You don’t need to hide your IP address, but there are some times where you may want to. The most common reason is privacy. In the U.S., <a href="{ $congress }">Congress overruled</a> privacy regulations designed to protect the privacy of broadband users. Internet service providers can see your browsing habits, what you are using the internet for, and how long you spend on each page. This communication is not encrypted, so third-parties can see what website you’re visiting. One way to combat this is <a href="{ $doh }">DNS-over-HTTPS</a> (DoH). This encrypts your DNS (Domain Name System) traffic, making it harder for ISPs to see the websites you are trying to visit. For US <a href="{ $firefox }">{ -brand-name-firefox } users</a>, by default your DoH queries are directed to trusted DNS servers, making it harder to associate you with the websites you try to visit.

You don’t need to hide your IP address, but there are some times where you may want to. The most common reason is privacy. In the U.S., <a href="{ $congress }">Congress overruled</a> privacy regulations designed to protect the privacy of broadband users. Internet service providers can see your browsing habits, what you are using the internet for, and how long you spend on each page. This communication is not encrypted, so third-parties can see what website you’re visiting. One way to combat this is <a href="{ $doh }">DNS-over-HTTPS</a> (DoH). This encrypts your DNS (Domain Name System) traffic, making it harder for ISPs to see the websites you are trying to visit. For US <a href="{ $firefox }">{ -brand-name-firefox } users</a>, by default your DoH queries are directed to trusted DNS servers, making it harder to associate you with the websites you try to visit.

A VPN also offers security on open and public WiFi connections. Open WiFi can be risky, and it’s impossible to be sure that someone else isn’t connecting to the same network to snoop on what you’re doing. Even if your traffic is encrypted, they can still see which sites you are visiting. And if you’re using an app that doesn’t have encryption — and even today, many don’t — then they can see everything you are doing in that app. { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } is a fast, secure, trustworthy service that can help close the security gap for you. <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> also lets you choose your “location” (where your traffic appears to be coming from) from more than { $countries } countries.

A VPN also offers security on open and public WiFi connections. Open WiFi can be risky, and it’s impossible to be sure that someone else isn’t connecting to the same network to snoop on what you’re doing. Even if your traffic is encrypted, they can still see which sites you are visiting. And if you’re using an app that doesn’t have encryption — and even today, many don’t — then they can see everything you are doing in that app. { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } is a fast, secure, trustworthy service that can help close the security gap for you. <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> also lets you choose your “location” (where your traffic appears to be coming from) from more than { $countries } countries.

Because your internet traffic moves to and from your devices (computer, phone, tv, tablet) through your ISP, they can see where you go online. An ISP can see what sites you visit, how long you’re on them, your location and information about your devices. An ISP may not know the specifics of what you did on those sites (like what you bought, searched for or read) thanks to encryption, but they could make inferences about you based on the sites that you visited. That personal data can be used to create detailed profiles about you. Why would ISPs do that? In short: this data is valuable.

Because your internet traffic moves to and from your devices (computer, phone, tv, tablet) through your ISP, they can see where you go online. An ISP can see what sites you visit, how long you’re on them, your location and information about your devices. An ISP may not know the specifics of what you did on those sites (like what you bought, searched for or read) thanks to encryption, but they could make inferences about you based on the sites that you visited. That personal data can be used to create detailed profiles about you. Why would ISPs do that? In short: this data is valuable.

VPNs do more than proxies in that a proxy only protects what you do in your browser, whereas a VPN protects all your traffic, including your browser, wherever you have a VPN installed and enabled. VPNs provide added security and privacy for all your online activity — an important consideration if you want to keep your activity to yourself and make it more difficult for data hungry trackers and ISPs to create a profile of you across all your devices, like your phone, computer and tablet.

VPNs do more than proxies in that a proxy only protects what you do in your browser, whereas a VPN protects all your traffic, including your browser, wherever you have a VPN installed and enabled. VPNs provide added security and privacy for all your online activity — an important consideration if you want to keep your activity to yourself and make it more difficult for data hungry trackers and ISPs to create a profile of you across all your devices, like your phone, computer and tablet.

Connecting to a public WiFi network is at times convenient, like when you’re without internet service or can’t get any bars on your phone. On the other hand, connecting to public WiFi can be a risky endeavor. It’s impossible to be sure that someone else isn’t connecting to the same network to snoop on what you’re doing. Even if your traffic is encrypted they can still see which sites you are visiting. And if you’re using an app that doesn’t have encryption — and even today, many don’t — then they can see everything you are doing.

Connecting to a public WiFi network is at times convenient, like when you’re without internet service or can’t get any bars on your phone. On the other hand, connecting to public WiFi can be a risky endeavor. It’s impossible to be sure that someone else isn’t connecting to the same network to snoop on what you’re doing. Even if your traffic is encrypted they can still see which sites you are visiting. And if you’re using an app that doesn’t have encryption — and even today, many don’t — then they can see everything you are doing.

Get answers to nine common questions about VPNs so you feel informed on what they do, when to use one and why.

Get answers to nine common questions about VPNs so you feel informed on what they do, when to use one and why.

<a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> is a service that you can trust to keep your connection to the internet safe on all your devices. We don’t keep user data logs, and we don’t partner with third party analytics platforms who want to build a profile of what you do online. In a world where unpredictability has become the “new normal,” we know that it’s more important than ever for you to feel safe, and for you to know that what you do online is your own business.

<a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> is a service that you can trust to keep your connection to the internet safe on all your devices. We don’t keep user data logs, and we don’t partner with third party analytics platforms who want to build a profile of what you do online. In a world where unpredictability has become the “new normal,” we know that it’s more important than ever for you to feel safe, and for you to know that what you do online is your own business.

<a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> is a service that you can trust to keep your connection to the internet safe on all your devices. We don’t keep your network activity logs, and we don’t partner with third parties who build profiles of what you do online. In a world where unpredictability has become the new normal…

<a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> is a service that you can trust to keep your connection to the internet safe on all your devices. We don’t keep your network activity logs, and we don’t partner with third parties who build profiles of what you do online. In a world where unpredictability has become the new normal…

<a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> is a service that you can trust to keep your connection to the internet safe on all your devices. We don’t keep your network activity logs, and we don’t partner with third parties who build profiles of what you do online. In a world where unpredictability has become the “new normal,” we know that it’s more important than ever for you to feel safe, and for you to know that what you do online is your own business.

<a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> is a service that you can trust to keep your connection to the internet safe on all your devices. We don’t keep your network activity logs, and we don’t partner with third parties who build profiles of what you do online. In a world where unpredictability has become the “new normal,” we know that it’s more important than ever for you to feel safe, and for you to know that what you do online is your own business.