Manage Enhanced Tracking Protection exceptions in Waterfox

Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) blocks known trackers and limits cross-site data. Some sites depend on resources that tracking protection would normally restrict, so blocking them can also prevent sign-in controls, payments, videos or other page features from working.

Waterfox can apply targeted web compatibility exceptions that allow only the resources needed to address known site problems. These exceptions do not turn off all protection for the site.

Web compatibility exception levels

Waterfox provides two exception settings in the Strict and Custom ETP controls.

Fix major site issues

Fix major site issues (recommended) allows essential elements that may contain trackers. It is intended to address common failures such as pages that do not load, sign-in or checkout failures, and controls that stop working.

This setting is enabled by default.

Fix minor website issues

Fix minor website issues can restore non-essential features such as embedded videos, comment sections or media players. It can allow more resources than the major-issues setting and therefore offers less protection. It also requires Fix major site issues to be enabled.

This setting is disabled by default.

Privacy effects

A compatibility exception can allow a resource that Waterfox would otherwise restrict. Exceptions are limited to specific sites and resources, while other ETP protections remain active. Disabling both settings prevents those compatibility exceptions from applying, but can make affected sites incomplete or unusable.

Change exception settings

1. Click the menu button and select Settings.
2. Select Privacy & Security.
3. Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, select Advanced settings.
4. Select Strict or Custom.
5. Select or clear Fix major site issues and Fix minor website issues.
6. If prompted, select Reload All Tabs.

If a website still does not work

Try these steps in order:

1. Reload the page after confirming the compatibility settings.
2. Temporarily turn off Enhanced Tracking Protection for that site from the shield panel.
3. Clear cookies and site data for the site, then try again.
4. Test the page in another browser to determine whether the problem is specific to Waterfox.

Turning off ETP for one site adds only that site to the exception list. Protection remains enabled elsewhere.

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