ClearURLs for Firefox: Quick Setup Guide and Best SettingsClearURLs is a lightweight browser extension that removes tracking parameters from URLs automatically. For Firefox users who care about privacy, speed, and cleaner sharing links, ClearURLs offers an efficient, low-maintenance solution. This guide walks you through installation, configuration, recommended settings, troubleshooting, and tips to maximize privacy while preserving site functionality.
What ClearURLs does (briefly)
ClearURLs scans URLs in your browser and strips known tracking parameters (UTM tags, gclid, fbclid, and many others) before the browser navigates to them or when links are copied/shared. That reduces the data sent to analytics/tracking services, shortens links, and helps prevent linkage across pages.
Why use ClearURLs in Firefox
- Improves privacy by removing identifiers and parameters used by trackers.
- Speeds up requests slightly by avoiding unnecessary redirect and tracking servers.
- Keeps shared links clean, making them easier to read and less likely to expose tracking data.
- Low maintenance — works automatically with regularly updated filter lists and local rules.
Installing ClearURLs in Firefox
- Open Firefox and go to the Add-ons page (Menu → Add-ons and Themes).
- Search for “ClearURLs” or visit the extension page on Mozilla Add-ons.
- Click “Add to Firefox,” then confirm any prompts.
- After installation, you’ll see the ClearURLs icon in the toolbar; pin it if you plan on using its popup controls.
Quick setup — recommended basic settings
After installing, open the ClearURLs options page (right-click the toolbar icon → Manage Extension → Preferences, or go via Add-ons manager).
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General
- Enable: Clear URLs (should be on by default).
- Enable Clean URLs on page load — removes tracking parameters as pages load.
- Enable Clean URLs on click — strips parameters when clicking links.
- Enable Clean copied URLs — ensures links copied to clipboard are cleaned.
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Lists
- Keep Default filter lists enabled. ClearURLs maintains up-to-date lists of known parameters; these enable broad coverage with minimal effort.
- Optionally enable Custom filter lists if you have vetted third-party lists (careful with untrusted sources).
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Whitelist / Exclude
- Add sites that break when parameters are removed (rare). Use sparingly. Example: some ad redirectors or affiliate links that require parameters to function.
- Use exact hostnames to whitelist (e.g., example.com).
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Advanced
- Enable Use regex-based filters only if you understand regex behavior. This increases power but can cause false positives.
- Enable Log cleaned URLs temporarily if troubleshooting.
Best settings for privacy-conscious users
- Ensure Clean URLs on page load, on click, and on copy are all enabled.
- Keep default filter lists active and let updates run automatically.
- Enable Remove link wrappers / redirectors if available in your ClearURLs version — this helps bypass tracking redirect pages.
- Leave Use regex-based filters off unless you have a need; default rules are sufficient and safer.
- Do not whitelist domains unless necessary to restore broken functionality.
Balancing privacy vs. site functionality
Some sites rely on URL parameters for page logic (session IDs, language selection, certain forms). If a site misbehaves after installing ClearURLs:
- Open the extension popup and toggle cleaning off for that site temporarily.
- Add the specific domain to the whitelist via settings. Prefer whitelisting exact subdomains or paths rather than the whole domain when possible.
- Report the broken case to ClearURLs’ issue tracker if the parameter appears to be a legitimate one used for functionality; maintainers may refine rules.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Links break after stripping parameters: identify which parameter is necessary (check URL before and after cleaning) and whitelist only that parameter or domain.
- Some affiliate links stop crediting: whitelist the affiliate domain or only allow the specific parameter.
- Extension not removing parameters: ensure it’s enabled, update filter lists, and check for conflicts with other privacy extensions.
Complementary privacy tips and extensions
- Use uBlock Origin for content blocking; it complements ClearURLs by blocking trackers at the network level.
- Use HTTPS Everywhere functionality (built into Firefox) or ensure “Always use HTTPS” in browser settings.
- Review cookie settings and consider blocking third-party cookies.
- Consider using a privacy-friendly search engine and a trusted VPN for additional network-level privacy.
Comparison: ClearURLs vs. URL-cleaning features in other extensions
| Feature | ClearURLs | Manual/Other extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic cleaning (load/click/copy) | Yes | Varies |
| Maintained filter lists | Yes | Often no |
| Whitelisting per-site | Yes | Varies |
| Removes redirectors | Yes (when enabled) | Varies |
| Risk of breaking sites | Low (manageable) | Varies |
Privacy considerations
ClearURLs removes tracking parameters locally in your browser. It does not guarantee complete anonymity — combine it with other privacy measures (uBlock Origin, cookie controls, privacy-respecting search) for stronger protection.
Advanced: creating custom rules
If you need to target a specific tracking parameter or pattern, use the custom rules section. Example rule format (illustrative; check ClearURLs UI for exact syntax):
- Remove parameter “trk” on any host:
- host: *
- parameter: trk
Test rules carefully; incorrect patterns can remove necessary parameters.
Keeping ClearURLs effective
- Keep the extension updated.
- Monitor the project’s changelog or GitHub for major changes.
- Report any broken sites or false positives so maintainers can refine filters.
Final notes
ClearURLs is a simple, effective tool to reduce URL-based tracking in Firefox without heavy configuration. Use the recommended settings above for privacy-first behavior, and whitelist sparingly when site functionality requires it.
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