In Firefox for iPhone, open the tab view, tap Private, then tap + to start a private tab. The purple mask on the tab icon indicates that private browsing is active. The steps below reflect Mozilla’s Firefox for iOS guidance, updated June 18, 2026; labels and their placement can vary by app and iOS version.
Open a private tab in Firefox
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Tap the numeric tab icon at the bottom of Firefox to open the tab view.
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Tap Private. Depending on the app or iOS version, this control may appear at the top or near the bottom or center of the tab screen.
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Tap + to open a private tab.
To open a particular link privately, touch and hold the link, then choose Open in a Private Tab. To close an individual private tab, tap the X on its tab preview. Mozilla documents this workflow for Firefox on iPhone and iPad in its private browsing guide.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Check whether private browsing is active
Look for a purple mask on the tab icon. Mozilla also describes a darker interface theme for private browsing. If you do not see the mask while a webpage is open, tap the tab icon first: the indicator appears in tab view. If the Private control or indicator still does not match these steps, check the tab screen and update Firefox; Mozilla’s tab-management guide notes that the interface can differ.
Return to regular tabs and manage private tabs
Switch back to regular browsing
Open the tab view and tap Tabs to return to your regular tabs.
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- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Choose whether private tabs close automatically
Firefox for iOS closes private tabs by default when you leave Private Browsing or quit the app. Mozilla says this became the default in Firefox version 127. To keep private tabs open, open the Firefox menu, tap Settings, scroll to Privacy, and turn off Close Private Tabs. The setting is described in Mozilla’s private-tab settings guide.
What private browsing does—and does not—save or hide
Private browsing limits the browsing data Firefox saves locally from that private session, including history, cookies, and passwords. It does not mean nothing is saved: bookmarks you create and files you download remain on the device. A website can also recognize you through an account while you are signed in.
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Private browsing is not anonymity. Websites, your internet provider, and an employer or school monitoring a managed device or network may still be able to see activity. The network you use may also have visibility. Mozilla says Enhanced Tracking Protection is always on in private windows and provides additional protection, but it does not block all tracking or make private browsing a way to conceal activity from the network.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can Firefox on iPhone always open in private mode?
Mozilla’s iOS FAQ says Firefox does not currently support launching directly into private browsing by default. For the documented workflow, switch to Private from the tab view when you want to browse privately. Because app features can change, check Mozilla’s current Firefox for iOS guidance if you are revisiting this setting later.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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