Firefox: How to Turn Off the Radar (Geolocation) and Mute Notifications for Good

Your phone buzzes. Firefox wants to know where you are. Again. And those notification bubbles? They're like a clingy ex who won't take a hint. But here's the thing: every time Firefox pings your GPS or pushes a notification, it's not just annoying—it's draining your battery and feeding your data to advertisers. Let's fix that.

Why Does Firefox Want My Exact Location?

Firefox uses geolocation to serve you local search results, maps, or weather. But it's also a privacy leak: websites can ask for your location, and if you say yes, they know where you live, work, and hang out. Plus, constant GPS use kills your battery faster than a toddler with a tablet.

How to Disable Geolocation in Firefox

On Android

Open Firefox, tap the three-dot menu (top right), go to Settings > Site permissions > Location. Toggle it off. Or, for a specific site: while on that site, tap the lock icon in the address bar, then Location > Block.

On iOS

Go to your iPhone's Settings > Firefox > Location. Choose 'Never'. Or, within Firefox: tap the menu (three lines) > Settings > Website settings > Location. Toggle off.

How to Turn Off Notifications in Firefox

On Android

In Firefox, go to Settings > Site permissions > Notifications. Toggle off. To block a specific site: tap the lock icon > Notifications > Block.

On iOS

Go to iPhone Settings > Firefox > Notifications. Toggle off. Or in Firefox: Settings > Website settings > Notifications > toggle off.

That's it. No more buzzing, no more battery drain. But wait—there's a bigger picture here.

Why This Matters: CCPA vs. the World

In the US, the California CCPA and CPRA give you the right to opt out of data sales and request deletion. But Firefox's tracking practices—especially its geolocation and notification permissions—are still more invasive than the European model under GDPR. Under GDPR, apps must ask for explicit consent before tracking, and you can revoke it anytime. In contrast, the US model often relies on 'notice and choice' where you have to dig into settings to opt out. So by disabling these permissions, you're not just saving battery—you're reclaiming control in a system that's designed to make you forget you have it. Think of it as digital self-defense: Firefox's tracking is stickier than duct tape on arm hair, but with these steps, you're the one in charge.