The Private Internet Access (PIA) Opera extension provides a quick and efficient way to secure your browser traffic. Follow these steps to install and configure the extension:
Step 1: Install
Visit the Opera add-ons store and install the PIA extension. Once added, a red PIA robot icon appears in the top-right corner of your browser, next to the address bar.
Step 2: Open Extension
Select the robot icon to open the extension interface.
Step 3: Login
Enter your username (e.g., p1234567) and password, then select Login. Check Remember me if you prefer to remain logged in across browser sessions.
Step 4: Connect
Once logged in, select the region list and choose your desired gateway. The VPN connects automatically upon selection. You can also use the Power button to manually connect or disconnect.
Step 5: Confirm Connection
Visit the PIA website to verify your status. The page should display the message: "Protected."
Step 6: Configure Settings
Once connected, you can access additional features by selecting the three dots in the top-right corner of the extension menu.
Note: If you change any extension settings, you must disconnect and reconnect to apply the changes.
Extension Features
Security
Block Adobe Flash: Prevents the browser from running Adobe Flash, which can reveal your public IP address. PIA does not recommend disabling this.
Block WebRTC IP Detection: Prevents the browser from revealing public and private IP addresses when using WebRTC. PIA does not recommend disabling this.
Privacy
Block camera, microphone, and location access: Blocks websites from accessing these functions to prevent them from gathering personal information.
Disable network prediction: Stops the browser from pre-resolving DNS queries or pre-fetching webpages.
Disable Safe Browsing: Disables the browser service that connects to network logs with potential privacy concerns. PIA MACE mitigates the risk of disabling this service.
Disable credit card autofill: Prevents the browser from automatically filling in credit card information. This could leak personal data via hidden form fields.
Disable address autofill: Prevents the browser from automatically filling addresses and other form data. This could leak personal data via hidden form fields.
Tracking:
Disable third-party cookies: Blocks cookies set by domains other than the one you are currently visiting.
Disable website referrer: Prevents the browser from sending your current webpage address to another site when you follow a link.
Disable hyperlink auditing: Blocks a feature used by analytics services to track link clicks.
Remove UTM parameters: Removes Urchin Tracking Model (UTM) parameters from URLs to enhance privacy.
Remove FBCLID parameters: Removes Facebook Click ID (FBCLID) parameters from outgoing links on Facebook.
PIA MACE: Blocks malicious content, trackers, and advertisements.
Extension Settings
Allow desktop notifications: Enables notifications for important extension events.
Always active settings: Ensures your privacy settings remain active even when the proxy is disconnected.
Dark Theme: Enables a darker interface for low-light conditions.
Debug mode: Writes technical messages to a log for troubleshooting. Press
Ctrl + Dto view the log.UI Language: Sets the language used by the extension.
Advanced Routing Features
Bypass List
Exclude specific websites from the PIA extension. This is useful if a website blocks proxy connections. Requests made to websites on this list use a direct connection and are not protected by PIA.
Smart Location
Assign specific URLs to different server locations. 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 the primary server.
If you encounter issues or have questions, please submit a ticket to the PIA support team via the Contact Us tab.