Stop Browser Tracking Simple ways to block fingerprinting in Chrome/Firefox

When you browse the internet today, your “identity” online may be easier to recognize than you think. This is what’s known as browser fingerprint tracking.

Whether you use Chrome or Firefox, platforms can generate a unique ID based on certain information about you—this is your browser fingerprint.

Today, we’ll share several practical methods to help you reduce fingerprint tracking in Chrome/Firefox and better protect your online privacy.

1. What is a browser fingerprint, and why should you prevent it?

A browser fingerprint is a unique identifier generated by websites through collecting information about your browser and device.

For example, your screen resolution, operating system, browser extensions, time zone, font library, and even mouse movement patterns can be combined into a nearly unique ID.

Many people only focus on cookies, but you may not realize that even after clearing cookies, websites can still track you through your fingerprint.

2. Ways to prevent browser fingerprint tracking in Chrome/Firefox

1. Use private mode or sandbox browsers

Both Chrome and Firefox offer “Incognito” or “Private Browsing” modes that prevent the browser from saving cookies and cache. However, note that this does not completely stop fingerprint tracking—it only reduces one source of information leakage.

Tip: If you need higher privacy, try Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection. It blocks third-party trackers by default, which also reduces some fingerprint collection.

2. Install anti-fingerprinting extensions

This is the most direct and effective method. Both Chrome and Firefox offer many anti-fingerprinting extensions, such as:

•  uBlock Origin: Not only blocks ads, but also some fingerprinting scripts.

•  Privacy Badger: Automatically learns and blocks trackers.

•  Canvas Defender (or similar extensions): Specifically protects against Canvas fingerprinting.

These extensions disguise or randomize your browser information, making it harder for websites to identify you. For better results, use them together with private mode.

3. Adjust default browser settings

You can reduce tracking risks through certain settings:

•  Disable WebRTC: WebRTC may expose your real IP. In Firefox, you can set media.peerconnection.enabled = false.

•  Restrict fingerprinting API access: Such as Canvas, AudioContext, Font API, etc., using extensions or built-in browser features.

•  Keep your browser updated: Older versions may contain known fingerprint-leak vulnerabilities.

4. Separate accounts or browsers

If you need different privacy strategies for different websites, consider using different browsers or accounts. For example:

•  Use Chrome for work

•  Use Firefox for private browsing

This way, even if one browser is tracked, the other is less likely to be linked.

5. Regularly check your browser fingerprint 

If you want to know whether your information is exposed, you can use the ToDetect fingerprint checker or other online tools to review your data completeness.

Tip: Some tools provide a “fingerprint uniqueness score.” The higher the score, the easier it is to track you. After optimizing your browser with extensions or settings, your score will usually drop significantly.

6. Chrome/Firefox anti-fingerprinting methods overview

Tip: The methods lower in the table provide more refined protection. It’s best to combine them—for example, Incognito mode + anti-fingerprinting extensions + regular checks—for stronger privacy.

Summary

Chrome and Firefox can reduce tracking risks through private mode, extensions, anti-fingerprinting settings, and regular checks.

Especially when combined with the ToDetect fingerprint checker, you can maintain a clear understanding of your privacy status.

Preventing browser fingerprint tracking does not mean complete anonymity—it means minimizing the identifiable “traces” you leave behind. By using these methods, you can browse more safely and freely in your daily online activities.