The Private Internet Access (PIA) Firefox extension secures your web browsing traffic directly within the browser. Follow these steps to install and configure the extension:
Step 1: Install
Visit the Firefox Add-ons page and select Add to Firefox.
Step 2: Allow Installation
When the pop-up box appears near the top of the browser, select Add.
Step 3: Grant Permissions
A third pop-up box appears in the top-right corner. Check the option Allow this extension to run in Private Windows and select Okay.
Step 4: Extension Appearance
Once added, the PIA icon appears in the top-right corner of the browser.
Step 5: Login
Select the red PIA icon and enter your credentials (e.g., p1234567) to log in.
Step 6: Connect
Once logged in, select the power button to enable the connection. To confirm you are protected, visit the PIA website and ensure the top bar says, "Protected. You are connected to PIA."
Note: If you make any changes to the extension settings, you must disconnect and reconnect to save the changes.
Extension Features
To access additional features, select the three dots in the top-right corner of the extension menu.
Security
Block WebRTC IP Detection: Blocks the browser from revealing your public and private IP addresses when using WebRTC. PIA does not recommend disabling this.
Browse websites using HTTPS: Automatically converts supported websites or links from an unencrypted connection (HTTP) to a more secure HTTPS connection. This feature is powered by HTTPS Everywhere and the EFF.
Privacy
Disable network prediction: Prevents the browser from using a network prediction service to pre-resolve DNS queries and pre-fetch webpages.
Tracking
Tracking Protection: Protects against browser fingerprinting by limiting the information provided about your computer and preventing access to specific browser APIs.
Fingerprint protection: Blocks requests made to domains known for engaging in cross-site tracking.
Disable website referrer: Prevents the browser from sending the address of your current webpage to another site when you follow a link.
Disable hyperlink auditing: Blocks a recent HTML feature designed to notify tracking and analytic services when you click a link.
Remove UTM parameters: Removes Urchin Tracking Model (UTM) parameters from URLs you click. These parameters track information about your website visits.
Remove FBCLID parameters: Removes Facebook Click ID (FBCLID) parameters from outgoing links on Facebook to prevent tracking.
PIA MACE: Protects your privacy and security by blocking malicious content, trackers, and advertisements.
Extension Settings
Always active settings: Ensures your settings remain active regardless of whether the proxy is connected.
Dark Theme: Enables a darker interface for low-light conditions.
Debug mode: Writes messages to a debug log. Press
Ctrl + Dto display the log.UI Language: Sets the language used by the extension.
Advanced Routing Features
Bypass List
Exclude specific websites from the PIA extension connection if you encounter issues with a site blocking the proxy. Be aware that requests made to websites on the Bypass List use a direct connection that is not protected by PIA.
Smart Location
Assign specific URLs to connect to a designated server regardless of your primary connection. For example, if you are connected to Chicago but visit a site assigned to Las Vegas, the extension automatically switches the connection for that specific tab. All other tabs remain connected to Chicago.
If you encounter issues or have questions, please submit a ticket to the PIA support team via the Contact Us tab.