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10 Tech How-To

How to Turn On VPN in Mozilla Firefox

Guide 10-37579 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you how to turn on the built-in VPN feature in Mozilla Firefox, which is called Mozilla VPN. It’s a privacy service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. You’ll need a Mozilla account and an active subscription to Mozilla VPN to use it.

What You’ll Need

  • A Mozilla account (free to create at accounts.firefox.com)
  • An active Mozilla VPN subscription (paid service)
  • The latest version of Firefox installed on your computer or mobile device
  • Internet connection

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Firefox. Launch the Firefox browser on your computer or mobile device.
  2. Sign in to your Mozilla account. Click the profile icon (usually a circle or avatar) in the top-right corner of the browser window. If you’re not signed in, click “Sign in” and enter your Mozilla account credentials. If you don’t have an account, click “Create a Mozilla account” and follow the prompts.
  3. Open the VPN menu. Once signed in, click the same profile icon again. In the dropdown menu, you should see an option labeled “Mozilla VPN” or a shield icon. Click on it.
  4. Enable the VPN. The Mozilla VPN panel will appear. You’ll see a toggle switch or a button that says “Connect” or “Turn on.” Click it to activate the VPN.
  5. Choose a server location (optional). After connecting, you can select a server location from the list. Firefox will automatically pick the fastest server, but you can manually choose a country or city if you want to appear as if you’re browsing from that location.
  6. Confirm the connection. Once connected, the VPN panel will show a green status indicator and the time you’ve been connected. You can also see your new virtual IP address.

Common Mistakes

  • Not signed in to Mozilla account: The VPN option won’t appear if you’re not signed in. Make sure you’re logged in with the same account that has an active VPN subscription.
  • Using an outdated Firefox version: The VPN feature may not be available or may not work correctly if your browser is outdated. Update Firefox to the latest version.
  • Confusing with private browsing: Private browsing hides your history from others who use the same device, but it doesn’t hide your IP address or encrypt your traffic. They are not the same.
  • Forgetting to connect on each device: Mozilla VPN is not automatically enabled on all devices. You need to turn it on separately for each device where you want it active.

Tips

  • Use the VPN for sensitive activities: Turn it on when using public Wi-Fi (like at a coffee shop or airport) to protect your data from potential snoopers.
  • Choose a nearby server for speed: For faster browsing, select a server location that is geographically close to you. The “Fastest” option usually does this automatically.
  • Check your subscription status: If the VPN won’t connect, make sure your subscription is active and hasn’t expired. You can check this in your Mozilla account settings.
  • Use the VPN on mobile too: Mozilla VPN is available for Android and iOS. Install the app and sign in with the same account to protect your phone or tablet.

Troubleshooting

VPN option not showing: If you don’t see “Mozilla VPN” in your profile menu, first make sure you’re signed in. Then, update Firefox to the latest version. If it still doesn’t appear, you may not have an active VPN subscription, or the service may not be available in your region.

Connection fails: If clicking “Connect” results in an error, try the following:

  • Restart Firefox and try again.
  • Check your internet connection – the VPN needs a working internet connection to establish.
  • Disable other VPN software or proxies that might conflict.
  • Try a different server location.

Slow speeds: VPNs can slow down your connection. Try connecting to a server closer to your physical location. Also, close bandwidth-heavy applications or tabs.

VPN disconnects frequently: This can happen due to network instability or firewalls. Try switching to a different server, or check if your firewall or antivirus is blocking the VPN. If the issue persists, contact Mozilla support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mozilla VPN free? No, Mozilla VPN is a paid subscription service. However, Firefox offers a free built-in VPN-like feature called “Firefox Private Network” that was a limited test and is no longer widely available. Currently, the only VPN option is the paid Mozilla VPN.

Can I use Mozilla VPN on multiple devices? Yes, Mozilla VPN allows you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously with a single subscription.

Does Mozilla VPN keep logs? Mozilla VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not track or store your online activity.

Will the VPN slow down my internet? Any VPN can slow down your connection due to encryption overhead. The speed impact is usually minimal, especially if you connect to a nearby server.

Can I use the VPN with other browsers? Mozilla VPN is a standalone app that works system-wide, meaning it protects all internet traffic on your device, not just Firefox. You can use it with Chrome, Edge, or any other browser.

What if I forget my Mozilla account password? You can reset your password by clicking “Forgot password?” on the sign-in page. You’ll receive an email with instructions to create a new password.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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