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.

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

Can't start Private Browsing; even with <Ctrl><Shft><P>

  • 4 replies
  • 11 have this problem
  • 6 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

more options

It worked fine over the last few days -- maybe 6 times. All of a sudden, today, it just quit. The line in the 'tools' box says "Stop Private Browsing"; but it's in light type and NOT A LINK. Also, my header has moved left into 2 lines, instead of all across the top. So there's no more brown flag in public browsing and PURPLE FLAG IN PRIVATE BROWSING..

It worked fine over the last few days -- maybe 6 times. All of a sudden, today, it just quit. The line in the 'tools' box says "Stop Private Browsing"; but it's in light type and NOT A LINK. Also, my header has moved left into 2 lines, instead of all across the top. So there's no more brown flag in public browsing and PURPLE FLAG IN PRIVATE BROWSING..

Chosen solution

You were probably in permanent Private Browsing mode.


To see all History and Cookie settings, choose:

  • Tools > Options > Privacy, choose the setting Firefox will: Use custom settings for history
  • Deselect: [ ] "Always use private browsing mode"
Read this answer in context 👍 5

All Replies (4)

more options

Upgrade your browser to Firefox 9 and check

more options

This is from lga4all: I just found out how to fix BOTH problems and got it done. THANK YOU, don't waste your time on this question. <signed> ...George...

more options

Thank you, Swarnava, for replying so quickly. I do appreciate it. READ ON -- I FOUND IT AND FIXED IT. <signed> ...George...

more options

Chosen Solution

You were probably in permanent Private Browsing mode.


To see all History and Cookie settings, choose:

  • Tools > Options > Privacy, choose the setting Firefox will: Use custom settings for history
  • Deselect: [ ] "Always use private browsing mode"