How to Disable WebRTC in Firefox browser & Prevent IP Address Leaks

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) brings Skype-like functionalities to the web browser, allowing users to do voice or video chats without the need to install browser plug-ins. And most of the popular browsers have integrated the WebRTC component, including Mozilla Firefox.

While many users have come to like the WebRTC’s functions and convenience, but the technology is plagued with IP address leak issue. That’s the more reason many people who prioritize privacy to any convenience have resorted to disabling WebRTC in their browsers.

Security Tip:
Disable WebRTC when using firefox.
WebRTC can reveal your real ip addess even behind your VPN.
— TinFoilSecurity™ (@oo0Sn3rp0oo) September 24, 2017

How to disable WebRTC in Firefox browser

If you’re a Firefox user, you can disable WebRTC either through the browser settings or via add-ons.

To disable WebRTC via browser settings, just follow these steps:

On the address bar, type about.config. Press Enter. Next appears a warning screen. Click “I accept the risk!” In the search box below the address bar, type media.peerconnection.enabled to select this specific preference.

Once this preference is selected, double-click it to change Status from “default” to “modified” and the Value from “true” to “false.” With these steps, you have now disabled WebRTC in your Firefox browser.

Disabling WebRTC via add-ons

You can disable WebRTC in Firefox using add-on; which can be found in the Add-ons Manager. Below is a step-by-step process for installing a WebRTC-disabling add-on:

Open the menu at the top-right corner. Select “Add-ons.” The Add-ons Manager opens in a new tab. Find WebRTC-related add-ons by typing “WebRTC” in the search bar. Press Enter. Search results will appear in another tab.

For illustration, let’s select the WebRTC Control add-on. You will be directed to WebRTC Control’s page. Click “Add to Firefox.” At the pop-up window, click “Add” to begin installation.

Once you have installed the add-on with these simple steps, you’ll notice an icon that will appear on top of Firefox. If you wish to disable/enable WebRTC, simply click on the icon to toggle on/off.

However, the toggling mechanism may differ for some add-on. But in comparison to the manual process in the previous section, add-ons provide a quicker way to disable WebRTC.

Why it is necessary to disable WebRTC in Firefox

If you should leave WebRTC “on” at all times, you’re exposing yourself to hackers and trackers as WebRTC can expose your IP address through IP leaks. In some instances, not even a VPN or a proxy can protect you from it.

According to the security research firm, VoidSec, roughly 23% of tested VPNs are affected by the WebRTC leak. To make matters worse, WebRTC is “on” by default in most browsers.

Why a VPN can't protect you from WebRTC leaks?

Yes. For VPN users, it’s not the end of the world. Apparently, the flaw lies in the browsers, not on VPNs themselves. Those VPNs which were smart protected their users in advance, so only a few VPNs were part of the 23% that’s affected by WebRTC leaks.

If you don’t need WebRTC at the moment, why not disable it to preserve your online privacy? If you’re using Firefox now, then the two methods we described above should help you disable WebRTC in no time.

Lastly, go with a trusted VPN service that will constantly provide you with protection and security. If you’re looking for a reliable VPN—particularly one that’s unaffected by WebRTC leaks—then check out this Ultimate list of the best VPNs today.