Enhancing the Incognito Mode Experience in Firefox

[Teknevra]

Dear Firefox Team,

As you may have noticed, other browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Bing, etc. have implemented a visually distinct transition when switching to Incognito Mode. Instead of relying solely on a symbol or icon on the tab button, they change the entire browser window’s appearance to make it clear that the user is now in Incognito Mode. This visual shift reinforces the user’s understanding and adds an extra layer of privacy assurance.

I believe implementing a similar feature in Firefox could be a valuable addition to the browser’s privacy-oriented offerings. Here’s how it could work:

1. Full-Screen Transition: When a user switches from regular mode to Incognito Mode, the entire browser window should undergo a noticeable visual transformation. This could involve darkening the window background, changing the color scheme, or applying a distinct overlay, all to clearly indicate the shift in browsing mode.

2. User Customization: To accommodate various user preferences, it would be helpful to allow some degree of customization for this transition. Users could choose from a set of themes or color schemes for their Incognito Mode, ensuring it aligns with their preferences while still maintaining the clear distinction.

3. Educational Tooltip: Upon the first use of Incognito Mode, Firefox could display a brief tooltip or information panel explaining the benefits and limitations of Incognito Mode. This would help users understand its purpose better and how it affects their browsing.

4. Clear Exit Confirmation: When exiting Incognito Mode, the browser could also display a confirmation dialog to ensure users are aware of the change in privacy settings.

By implementing these changes, Firefox can enhance the user experience, making it even more intuitive and privacy-focused. This visual transition would not only be informative but also reassuring, helping users feel more confident about their online privacy.

[Agentvirtuel]

Hello

Incognito browser: What it really means
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/browsers/incognito-browser

Private Browsing ?
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/private-browsing-use-firefox-without-history

Private window changes in Firefox 106 - Give us your feedback
https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/private-window-changes-in-firefox-106-give-us-your-feedba...

[nj]

Yes, I agree with Teknevra.  I would like more flexibility and choice in how incognito private browsing mode is indicated.  I have not found an add-on or theme that does this properly.  It seems it needs Mozilla to support it. 

I prefer to save all the top line space by using "customize toolbar" and have moved the "bookmarks toolbar items" to the right of the menu bar, then "Never Show" for bookmarks toolbar.  Since I use the menu bar, this saves space and works well.  I do know others do this as well.  Unfortunately this hides the "Private Browsing" indicator which in itself requires valuable space be dedicated on that line.  I have also grown found of mostly dark mode and currently prefer "Arc Dark Theme."  Between that and using Windows f.lux the bright white space can be warm for the many hours my work and play require I am at the computer.  

Until Mozilla follows Chrome incognito with its upper left "InPrivate" and new tab reminders am I missing something simple to solve this?

I use DDG, Origin, PB and other add-ons, but would like private browsing "mode" to be more apparent.  Is there any add-on that can color tabs, provide a movable icon, or some better indicator for Firefox and Focus?    

[Agentvirtuel]

Hello

About, a indicator, for information purposes
If you'd like to try, browser.privatebrowsing.resetPBM.enabled
https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/private-windows-would-best-always-look-like-private-windo...

Configuration Editor for Firefox https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/about-config-editor-firefox
Search browser.privatebrowsing.resetPBM.enabled

[ThePillenwerfer]

I agree that Private Browsing windows should be more distinct and have made mine so via custom css.

As for an explanatory tool tip there already is a box at the bottom of the Private New Tab screen.

[Agentvirtuel]

Hello

For information purposes about:privatebrowsing
https://superuser.com/questions/1495946/how-do-i-change-the-background-image-of-home-page-in-firefox

By way of illustration

@-moz-document url(about:privatebrowsing) {
    .click-target-container *, .top-sites-list * {
        color: #fff !important ;
        text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px #222 !important ;
    }

    body::before {
        content: "" ;
        z-index: -1 ;
        position: fixed ;
        top: 0 ;
        left: 0 ;
        background: #f9a no-repeat url(img/testimage.png) center ;
        background-size: cover ;
        width: 100vw ;
        height: 100vh ;
    }
}