Firefox Privacy Settings Guide for Mac

Configure Firefox's industry-leading privacy features for maximum protection while browsing. This guide covers Enhanced Tracking Protection, Total Cookie Protection, DNS-over-HTTPS, and advanced settings.

Firefox 138+
macOS Sequoia
macOS Sonoma
macOS Ventura

Privacy by Default

Firefox provides excellent privacy protection by default. These settings are already optimized for most users, with additional options for enhanced privacy.

Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP)

Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security

Standard (Default)

Path: Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection | Default: Enabled

Blocks social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, fingerprinters, and cryptominers. Provides excellent protection while maintaining website compatibility.

Strict Mode

Path: Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection | Recommended: Advanced users

Maximum protection that blocks more trackers, scripts, and fingerprinters. May cause some websites to break.

Website Compatibility

Strict mode may break some websites. You can disable ETP for specific sites if needed using the shield icon in the address bar.

Custom Protection

Path: Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection → Custom

Allows fine-tuning of individual protection features. Choose which trackers, cookies, and fingerprinters to block.

DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → DNS over HTTPS

Enable DNS over HTTPS

Path: Firefox → Settings → DNS over HTTPS | Default: Enabled | Provider: Cloudflare

Encrypts DNS queries to prevent ISPs and network administrators from seeing which websites you visit. Uses Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) by default.

Provider Options

You can choose between Cloudflare, NextDNS, or use a custom provider. Each has different privacy policies and features.

Custom DNS Provider

Path: Firefox → Settings → DNS over HTTPS → Use Custom Provider

Use your own DNS-over-HTTPS provider. Popular options include Quad9 (9.9.9.9) for malware protection or your VPN provider's DNS servers.

Advanced Privacy Settings

Additional privacy enhancements throughout Firefox settings

HTTPS-Only Mode

Path: Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → HTTPS-Only Mode | Recommended: Enable in all windows

Forces websites to use encrypted HTTPS connections. Firefox will warn you before connecting to insecure HTTP sites.

Send websites a "Do Not Track" signal

Path: Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security | Default: Disabled

Sends a request to websites not to track you. Most websites ignore this signal, but some honor it.

Resist Fingerprinting

Path: about:config → privacy.resistFingerprinting | Advanced users only

Advanced setting that makes it harder for websites to identify you through browser fingerprinting. May cause website compatibility issues.

about:config Warning

Only modify about:config if you understand the implications. Incorrect changes can affect Firefox's stability or security.

Quick Setup Checklist

Test Your Firefox Privacy Setup

After configuring these settings, test Firefox to ensure your privacy protections are working correctly. Verify tracking protection and check for any privacy leaks.

Test Your Privacy Setup →