This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Logins being involuntarily saved

  • 2 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by midna4105

midna4105
midna4105
more options

I believe that Google (Hangouts, to be specific) has some kind of system that keeps me signed into my account in a private window against my will once I leave. It's supposed to be that the logins don't save and I can just close the window to sign out. This did work on Hangouts for a while and then it changed. Now whenever I close the window, reopen it and go to Hangouts I'm already logged in. This seems more like a security breach to be patched than just a misunderstanding. Is this a new feature with Firefox or is it Google doing it?

I believe that Google (Hangouts, to be specific) has some kind of system that keeps me signed into my account in a private window against my will once I leave. It's supposed to be that the logins don't save and I can just close the window to sign out. This did work on Hangouts for a while and then it changed. Now whenever I close the window, reopen it and go to Hangouts I'm already logged in. This seems more like a security breach to be patched than just a misunderstanding. Is this a new feature with Firefox or is it Google doing it?

Chosen solution

You aren't using permanent Private Browsing mode (Always use Private Browsing mode; Never Remember History)?

Only when all PB mode windows or the PB mode session is ended then PB mode cookies are purged.

Note that you should always log out to make sure all cookies are cleared and that the website clears your session data. It is a bad habit to close windows or clear site's cookies to logout since this leaves data on the server.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Chosen Solution

You aren't using permanent Private Browsing mode (Always use Private Browsing mode; Never Remember History)?

Only when all PB mode windows or the PB mode session is ended then PB mode cookies are purged.

Note that you should always log out to make sure all cookies are cleared and that the website clears your session data. It is a bad habit to close windows or clear site's cookies to logout since this leaves data on the server.

midna4105
midna4105 Question owner
more options

cor-el said

You aren't using permanent Private Browsing mode (Always use Private Browsing mode; Never Remember History)? Only when all PB mode windows or the PB mode session is ended then PB mode cookies are purged. Note that you should always log out to make sure all cookies are cleared and that the website clears your session data. It is a bad habit to close windows or clear site's cookies to logout since this leaves data on the server.

I only use private browsing when I actually try new things so that my history isn't crowded with junk. If closing to log out is a bad habit then I'll try to change it. Thanks