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Private browsing help

Know what private tabs do.

Nirvana for Android1 min readReviewed 2 October 2026
1

Open private tabs

Use the tab switcher and select Private, then open a new tab. Close all private tabs when you finish the session.

Regular tab

recipes.example
maps.example
shop.example
Saved to history

Private tab

Cleared when you close it
Websites and your network can still see private browsing.
2

Local limits

The browser generally keeps the private session out of regular history once closed, but downloads and bookmarks can remain. A device backup or another app may retain separate records.

HistoryBookmarksPasswordsDownloadsPermissions

Protect it with a screen lock. Anyone with your unlocked phone can see local data.

3

Network limits

Websites you visit, your network operator and signed-in accounts may still see activity. Use the Who can see my activity guide to decide whether private tabs address your need.

You
WebsiteRequests to its pages, your IP address
Search providerWhat you search for
DNS resolverDomain names you look up
Network operatorConnection metadata, not HTTPS page contents
Account you sign intoActivity on its own service
Each party sees a different slice. No single setting hides you from all of them.

Official sources and further reading

Firefox Android private browsing
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