
Firefox has brought a significant enhancement to its private browsing experience on Android devices. Users can now secure their Incognito tabs using biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint, ensuring a heightened level of privacy. This guide walks you through the process of enabling this new feature in a few simple steps.
How to Secure Private Tabs in Firefox on Android
Before you proceed, ensure that you have the latest Firefox version installed on your Android device. To do this, visit the Google Play Store, search for Firefox and tap the Update button if it’s available.
After updating, launch Firefox on your Android device and locate the tab group icon adjacent to the address bar.

Next, switch over to the Private tabs.

To create a new private tab, click the + Private button and enter your desired URL.

Now, tap on the tab group icon again to view all your private tabs. You’ll find an option at the top that asks, “Use screen lock to hide private tabs?”Click on Lock Tabs.

You will be prompted to use your biometric authentication method. Alternatively, you can opt to Use PIN instead.

After following these steps, you’ll need to authenticate using your biometric credentials each time you wish to access your private tabs.
If you can’t find the option to lock your tabs, don’t worry. Click the three dots located in the upper or lower right corner, depending on your address bar’s position.

Select Settings.

Navigate to Private browsing under the Privacy and security section.

Activate the Use screen lock to hide tabs in private browsing option to ensure your private tabs are secure, particularly when you need to temporarily hand over your device.

Locking All Tabs in Firefox on Android
If you prefer to lock all tabs for added security, this method can help prevent unauthorized access to any of your browser activity.
Locking all tabs effectively involves securing the entire Firefox app with biometric authentication or a PIN. This means anyone attempting to launch the Firefox app will need to authenticate themselves first.
On Android devices, various methods can help you achieve this. Some models come equipped with an App Lock feature. For instance, on an Honor device, you can access this setting by navigating to Settings -> Security & privacy -> Device & data protection.

Select App Lock.

Activate the lock for any desired applications, including Firefox. The authentication method you’ve set on your device will prompt whenever someone attempts to open the app.

If your device lacks this built-in feature, consider leveraging a third-party application such as AppLock by SpSoft. Upon launching the app, set a master PIN for access. If biometric authentication is available, it will also function with this application.

In the app, tap the + button to include new applications in the lock folder.

Search for Firefox, toggle it on, and click the + button to confirm. Follow the onscreen instructions to grant necessary permissions.

Now, whenever you try to access Firefox, you must enter your biometric data or master PIN.
For those who wish to further enhance privacy, consider switching to the Firefox Focus browser, which includes built-in locking features.
To enable this, select the three dots in the upper right corner, choose Settings from the dropdown menu.
Proceed to Privacy & Security and activate the option Use fingerprint to unlock app.

With continuous updates, Firefox is committed to enhancing user privacy and experience. Stay informed about the latest features, such as exploring how to use Firefox’s new AI Link Preview for more efficient browsing, or discover useful add-ons that can enrich your YouTube viewing experience.
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