Recommendation for Android Firefox: For Those Wanting to Quit Suspicious Ad-Blocking Browsers

Many people use browsers with ad-blocking features when browsing the web on their smartphones.
While these apps are convenient, you might find the notifications pushing paid plans annoying, or the app might start behaving suspiciously after an update...

If that sounds familiar, I recommend switching to "Firefox for Android."

Firefox is a reliable browser that has been used worldwide for many years and has a high level of security trust.
By adding an extension called uBlock Origin, you can do everything you were doing with your ad-blocking browser, right here.

What you'll be able to do after reading this article:

Install uBlock Origin on Firefox for Android and enjoy comfortable browsing with zero ads!
Master the basic operations of Firefox and use it confidently
Get other recommended extensions and make your smartphone incredibly easy to use!

Why Firefox?

"For those wondering, 'I use Chrome as my browser, but what about Firefox?'"
Let me share the key points that make Firefox worth recommending.

High Reliability

Firefox is one of the major browsers widely used around the world, just like Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Its developer, Mozilla, operates as a non-profit organization and is also known for its strong commitment to user privacy protection.
It is a highly trustworthy browser in terms of security and safety.

The Only Mobile Browser That Supports "Extensions"

This is the biggest reason to recommend Firefox.

Major browsers like Google Chrome and Edge generally do not allow "extensions (add-ons)" to be installed on their mobile versions.
Only Firefox for Android allows you to install extensions.

It offers the flexibility to add your favorite features and customize the browser to your liking.

About uBlock Origin

This is a trusted, standard ad-blocking extension.

Open Source: The program's code is publicly available, allowing anyone to check for suspicious behavior. It's highly transparent and very safe.
Years of Development and Many Users: It has a long history and a proven track record with many users worldwide.
Lightweight and Highly Accurate: It operates lightly and blocks ads with high precision.
Free to Use: It's free to use and does not prompt for payments.

How to Install Firefox

Let's start using Firefox on your smartphone right away.

Get Firefox from Google Play

Search for "Firefox" in the Google Play Store and install the latest version.
Look for the fox logo ✨

Install Firefox

Moving Bookmarks and Passwords

Method 1: Automatic Sync with Firefox Sync (Recommended!)

This is the easiest method for those already using Firefox on PC!

Log in to your Mozilla account on the PC version of Firefox
Log in with the same account on your smartphone's Firefox
→ Sync will start automatically, and your bookmarks will be transferred

Method 2: For Chrome Users

If you usually use Chrome with your Google account...

Import bookmarks from Chrome into the PC version of Firefox
Sync with Firefox Sync, and they'll automatically appear on your smartphone!

Method 3: Migrating from Browsers like FAB

Unfortunately, migrating from dedicated browsers like FAB requires a bit more effort:
The process involves saving bookmarks as an HTML file via PC → importing them into Firefox.

(Important) Turn Off Other Ad Blockers in Principle

If you are using a VPN app that blocks ads system-wide, please turn it off. Having multiple ad-blocking mechanisms running simultaneously can cause websites to display incorrectly or even slow down your connection speed. We recommend consolidating to just Firefox + uBlock Origin.

Installing and Setting Up uBlock Origin

Now, let's install uBlock Origin.

Installation Steps

Launch Firefox.
Tap the "Three-dot menu" in the bottom right corner.
From the menu, select "Extensions."
Find "uBlock Origin" and tap "Add to Firefox." It should be near the top.
※ If you can't find it, search for it via "Find more extensions" (at the very bottom).
On the confirmation screen, tap "Add."

Initial Setup

We recommend using the default filter settings as they are.

Starting without changing any settings ensures fast performance and stable ad blocking.
Filter lists are updated automatically and will start working immediately.

Basic Operations and Troubleshooting

You can also temporarily pause ad blocking or block specific elements.

Temporarily Disable / Allow per Site:
While viewing a site, select "Extensions" from the menu, then tap the "uBlock Origin" icon.
Tap the large power button to temporarily disable blocking for that site only.

This is useful when login pages or similar elements won't display.
Manual Element Blocking
You can also manually specify and remove specific images or frames that weren't blocked automatically.
How to Check if It's Working
Tap the uBlock Origin icon while viewing a site to see the number of ads blocked. If the number is increasing, it's working correctly.

Dealing with Display Issues

Occasionally, you might encounter website display problems or unresponsive login buttons.

Temporarily disable uBlock Origin on the problematic site.
If the site works normally, uBlock Origin was the cause.
Consider keeping blocking off for that site or use element blocking to fine-tune.

Mastering Firefox

Once uBlock Origin is set up, let's utilize Firefox's convenient features.

It actually comes with several convenient features not found in standard browsers.
Here are a few picks that make everyday use more comfortable.

"Send Tab to Device" - Instantly Send Pages to Another Device

"Want to view this page on your PC's big screen?"
The Send Tab to Device feature is perfect for this.

How to Use

With the page you want to send open, tap the menu.
Select the "Share icon".
Choose "Send to Device."

The page will open in Firefox on your PC within seconds.
(Note) Firefox Sync must be set up beforehand.

"Enhanced Tracking Protection" - Reduce Persistent Ads

This is a built-in privacy protection feature in Firefox.

What Does It Do?

It automatically blocks mechanisms that track user behavior.
It significantly reduces phenomena like "ads for products you viewed on a shopping site continuing to appear on other sites."

Let's Check the Settings

Menu → Settings → "Enhanced Tracking Protection"

"Strict" mode is recommended. It blocks tracking more aggressively.
(Rarely, it might cause website display issues. In that case, switching back to "Standard" should fix it.)

Automatically Clear History on Exit

This setting automatically clears your browsing history when you close the browser. You can browse without leaving a history, even without using Private Tabs.

Benefits

Effective for Privacy Protection: Browsing and search history are not stored on the device, preventing others from viewing your history.
Reduces Personal Information Leakage Risk: Automatically erases traces of visited sites and your interests.

How to Set It Up

Menu → Settings
Turn ON "Delete browsing data on quit".
Select the items to delete (History, Cache, Cookies, etc.).

Note

Since Cookies are also deleted, you'll need to log in every time. If you frequently visit sites that require login, it's convenient to uncheck only the "Cookies" option.

Additional Extensions for Even More Comfort

uBlock Origin alone provides a great experience, but here are some additional extensions to expand Firefox's potential.

Having too many extensions can slow down performance, so please only install the ones you feel are "absolutely necessary."

Privacy / Comfort

Name	Key Benefits
Privacy Badger	Automatically finds and blocks "trackers" that monitor your online activity. Perfect for those wanting to further strengthen privacy protection.
Dark Background and Light Text	Converts the display of almost all websites to a dark background with light text. Recommended for reducing eye strain when using your phone at night or in dark places.

Productivity / Learning

Name	Key Benefits
Tomato Clock	Enables the "Pomodoro Technique" – a focus method of "25 minutes of concentration → 5 minutes break" repeated. Supports those wanting to boost concentration for work or study directly in the browser.

Usability

Name	Key Benefits
Simple Gesture for Android	Operate the browser with simple finger gestures on the screen (e.g., swipe left for "Back"). Makes one-handed operation easier and browsing faster.

Video Experience

Name	Key Benefits
YouTube High Definition	Sets YouTube to always play in your desired high quality (e.g., 1080p) when opened. Saves the hassle of manually switching quality; essential for HD video lovers.

Name	Key Benefits
Control Panel for Twitter	Allows detailed customization of Twitter/X's appearance and functionality. For those who want to add or remove displayed items to tailor Twitter/X to their liking.
Lightweight X	Changes Twitter/X's display to a simpler, lighter design. Removes unnecessary information, making timeline loading faster and browsing more comfortable.

Enjoy Safe and Comfortable Browsing

You've likely freed yourself from the annoyances of your previous ad-blocking app and built a safe and comfortable browsing environment.
The combination of Firefox for Android and uBlock Origin brings the same level of freedom and security to your smartphone that you experience with PC browsers.
Please enjoy a pleasant internet life in this new environment!