Refer to the relevant section(s) below:

• General
• Download and Installation
• PRO Subscription and Activation
• Features
• Privacy Guard
• Secure Browser VPN
• Settings
• Troubleshooting

General

What is Avast Secure Browser?

Avast Secure Browser is a web browser with built-in security tools and features, available in the Security & Privacy Center, that allows you to manage your online privacy, identity, and personal data to keep you safe online.

Avast Secure Browser is a web browser with built-in security tools and features, available in the security and privacy features settings, that allows you to manage your online privacy, identity, and personal data to keep you safe online.

Is Avast Secure Browser compatible with other browsers?

Yes. Avast Secure Browser is designed to function alongside your other browsers and allows you to import browsing history, bookmarks, saved passwords, cookies, and more from Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Opera, and Mozilla Firefox.

Yes. Avast Secure Browser is designed to function alongside your other browsers and allows you to import browsing history, bookmarks, saved passwords, cookies, and more from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Safari.

For detailed instructions to import bookmarks and data to Avast Secure Browser, refer to the following article:

• Importing bookmarks to Avast Secure Browser

Yes. Avast Secure Browser is designed to function alongside your other mobile browsers.

What's included in Avast Secure Browser PRO?

Avast Secure Browser PRO includes all of the same features as Avast Secure Browser, plus it automatically encrypts your internet connection via fast, unlimited built-in VPN with over 30 locations, and allows you to automatically block all ads and trackers.

Avast Secure Browser PRO includes all of the same features as Avast Secure Browser, plus the following features:

• VPN locations: Allows you to choose from our full list of VPN locations. The free version of the app automatically connects to the fastest VPN location possible for your device.
• Device Wide VPN: Allows all of the apps on your device to connect securely to the internet via Avast VPN servers. With the free version of the app, the VPN is only available when you are using Avast Secure Browser.

Download and Installation

What are the system requirements for Avast Secure Browser?

How do I install Avast Secure Browser?

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the following article:

• Installing Avast Secure Browser
• Installing Avast Secure Browser
• Installing Avast Secure Browser
• Installing Avast Secure Browser

Which permissions does Avast Secure Browser need?

PRO Subscription and Activation

Do I need to provide my payment details to start the PRO free trial?

Yes. To start your 30-day free trial of Avast Secure Browser PRO, you need to add your payment details and email address.

If you do not want to continue using the paid features, you need to cancel the trial subscription before it ends. If you do not cancel the trial subscription, you are charged for the next subscription period on the last day of your free trial.

How do I upgrade to Avast Secure Browser PRO?

To purchase Avast Secure Browser PRO, tap Upgrade now in the top-left corner of the main Avast Secure Browser screen, then follow the on-screen instructions. After the payment is processed, your subscription activates automatically on the device used for purchase.

Alternatively, if you already have a PRO subscription, refer to the following article:

• Activating an Avast Secure Browser PRO Subscription
• Activating an Avast Secure Browser PRO Subscription

How do I activate my PRO subscription?

For detailed activation instructions, refer to the following article:

• Activating an Avast Secure Browser PRO Subscription

Where can I manage my PRO subscription?

To manage your PRO subscription:

1. Sign in to your Avast Account.
2. Click Manage subscriptions on the My subscriptions tile.
3. Under Avast Secure Browser PRO, click Manage subscription to view subscription details.

Do I have Avast Antivirus Premium or Avast SecureLine VPN if I have Secure Browser PRO?

No. Each of these products - Avast Antivirus, Avast SecureLine VPN, and Avast Secure Browser PRO - requires a separate subscription.

Can I use VPN on my mobile with a Secure Browser PRO subscription?

Yes. Your PRO subscription is valid on up to 5 devices across Windows, Android, and iOS.

Features

What is Avast Sync?

Avast Sync allows you to share your bookmarks and browser history across devices and platforms using end-to-end encryption, which encrypts your data locally on the device and remotely in the Avast data center. Encryption works by changing your data to random characters, ensuring that absolutely nobody (including Avast) can read your data except you. You can only read encrypted data if you have access to the specified encryption key via your sync settings.

For detailed instructions on how to sync Avast Secure Browser across your devices, refer to the following article:

• Syncing Avast Secure Browser

What is the Security & Privacy Center?

The Security & Privacy Center is a console of tools and features that allow you to manage your online activity. Most features are enabled by default to offer our highest level of security and privacy. You can personalize Secure Browser by manually enabling or disabling certain features by clicking the slider on a tile so it changes from green (ON) to gray (OFF).

To open the Security & Privacy Center, click the green Security & Privacy Center icon in the top-right corner of the Avast Secure Browser screen.

The following options are available:

• Avast Antivirus: Protects you in real-time against viruses, malware, and other threats. Click Download on the Avast Antivirus tile to install it. Alternatively, if Avast Antivirus is installed, click Open. For more information about Antivirus, refer to the relevant article: Avast Premium Security and Avast Antivirus for Windows - FAQs or Avast One - FAQs.
• Avast Antivirus: Protects you in real-time against viruses, malware, and other threats. Click Download on the Avast Antivirus tile to install it. Alternatively, if Avast Antivirus is installed, click Open to open Avast Antivirus. For more information, refer to the relevant article: Avast Premium Security and Avast Security for Mac - FAQs or Avast One - FAQs.
• Bank Mode: Provides a virtual desktop that acts as a safe and clean PC within your real PC. For more information, refer to the Bank Mode section.
• Secure Browser VPN (PRO): Encrypts your online activity, loads web pages faster, and gives you access to over 30 locations worldwide. For detailed information, refer to the Secure Browser VPN section.
• Privacy Guard (enabled by default): Prevents ads from loading on the web pages you visit and trackers from downloading tracking scripts onto your device, which improves the privacy and safety of your online activity. For detailed information, refer to the Privacy Guard section.
• Web Shield (enabled by default): Blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts while you browse the web. It also prevents downloading potentially malicious content, that could infect your PC.
• Private Mode: Prevents your browsing history from being stored, and deletes any tracking cookies or web caches you acquire during your Private Mode browsing session. To open a web page in Private Mode, click Launch Window on the Private Mode tile.
• Password Managers (enabled by default): Allows you to select a password manager to use in Avast Secure Browser. A password manager securely stores your passwords in one location, while you only have to remember one master password. Click the Password Managers tile, then use the drop-down menu to select which password manager you want to use.
• Extension Guard (enabled by default): Prevents untrusted extensions (also known as add-ons and plug-ins) from being installed in your web browser.
• Privacy Cleaner: Clears your browsing history as well as other data stored in your browsers, such as cached images and cookies. For more information, refer to the Privacy Cleaner section.
• Hack Check: Checks if your email address has been involved in a data breach. For more information, refer to the Hack Check section.

What is Screen Sharing Mode?

Screen Sharing Mode provides privacy and security when you share your browser screen with anyone by hiding your personal browser data, such as your bookmarks, search history or suggestions, and extensions. To enable Screen Sharing Mode, click the ⋮ Menu (three dots) in the top-right corner of Avast Secure Browser and select Screen Sharing Mode.

When Screen Sharing Mode is active, there is the green Screen Sharing status next to the ⋮ Menu (three dots) in the top-right corner of Avast Secure Browser.

To turn off Screen Sharing Mode, click the ⋮ Menu (three dots) in the top-right corner of Avast Secure Browser and click Screen Sharing Mode.

What is Bank Mode?

Bank Mode provides a virtual desktop that acts as a safe and clean PC within your real PC. This protects against a potentially hijacked host or network, and prevents keyloggers and network-based eavesdropping from capturing any of your data. We recommend using Bank Mode each time you want to access a banking website.

To access Bank Mode, open the Security & Privacy Center and click Open on the Bank Mode tile, or click ⋮ Menu (three dots) in the top-right corner of Avast Secure Browser, and select New Bank Mode Window.

To learn more about using Bank Mode, refer to the following article:

• Avast Secure Browser Bank Mode - Getting Started

What is Privacy Cleaner?

Privacy Cleaner clears your browsing history as well as other data stored in your browsers, such as cached images and cookies. This protects your privacy and clears disk space on your PC.

Privacy Cleaner clears your browsing history as well as other data stored in your browsers, such as cached images and cookies. This protects your privacy and clears disk space on your Mac.

To clear your browsing history:

1. Open the Security & Privacy Center.
2. On the Privacy Cleaner tile, click Launch Cleaner.
3. Select the tab for Basic or Advanced.
4. Optionally, select a Time range from the drop-down menu.
5. Tick the box next to browsing data items to clear.
6. Click Clear data.

What is Hack Check?

Hack Check is a feature within Avast Secure Browser that allows you to check if your email address has been involved in a data breach. This service uses Pwned Passwords technology in combination with Avast's internal database of stolen email addresses to check for possible leaks.

To ensure none of your login details have been compromised:

1. Open the Security & Privacy Center.
2. On the Hack Check tile, click Open.
3. Type your email address into the text box, then click Check.

What is HTTPS Encryption?

HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) is a more secure version of the standard HTTP connection that adds encryption that prevents others from eavesdropping, and helps ensure that you are connected to the intended server. HTTPS Encryption in Avast Secure Browser ensures that each website you visit uses an HTTPS connection where supported.

What is Video Downloader?

Video Downloader is an extension for Avast Secure Browser which allows you to easily download video and audio content from your favorite sites. To install this feature, open the following link in your Avast Secure Browser and click Add Extension:

• Avast Addons ▸ Avast Video Downloader

Once you install the extension, open the video you want to download, hover your cursor over it, and select Download.

How do I check if a website's connection is secure?

When visiting different websites with Avast Secure Browser, you can check the security of a website's connection:

1. Open Avast Secure Browser and navigate to a website.
2. Locate the icon that appears to the left of the web address:
   • Lock icon: Indicates that the site's connection is secure.
   • Information icon: Indicates that the site is not secure or more information is available.
   • Warning icon: Indicates that the site is not secure or dangerous.
3. Click the icon you see to view a summary of the website's connection.

1. Tap the Avast Secure Browser icon on the Home screen of your device and navigate to a website.
2. The Lock icon, that appears to the left of the web address, indicates that the website's connection is secure.

What is Coupons?

Coupons is a free extension to your browser that finds you better deals when you shop online. It does the hard work for you, scanning store homepages, newsletters, and the web daily to find relevant and up-to-date coupon codes. In one click, Coupons can find, test, and apply the best codes without you having to leave the checkout page.

Coupons appears automatically at checkout at thousands of the most popular e-commerce stores. Click Apply all codes to get started. You can run the automatic application of coupons again at any time by clicking the Coupons icon in your browser toolbar and selecting Apply all codes again.

What is Browser VPN?

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) functions as a private tunnel through the internet, which encrypts your data and secures your connection. Avast Secure Browser automatically connects to the fastest location server. To access all VPN locations and enable Device-Wide VPN to disguise your location for all of your apps, upgrade to Avast Secure Browser PRO.

To enable the VPN in Avast Secure Browser, go to Settings (the gear icon) ▸ Browser VPN is off, then tap the gray (OFF) slider on the Browser VPN screen so that it changes to green (ON).

What is AdBlock?

AdBlock prevents advertisements from loading on the web pages you visit, which improves the speed and safety of your browsing sessions. Every time you visit a website, Avast AdBlock technology compares the script that the website runs against filter lists to determine what content the website can load.

For detailed instructions on using AdBlock modes, refer to the following article: Avast Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Block ads & trackers.

What is Security Scanner?

Security Scanner is a feature that scans your browser settings for vulnerabilities caused by disabled protection settings. To access Security Scanner:

1. Go to Settings (the gear icon).
2. Tap Security Scanner to view the scan results.
3. Detected issues are listed under Needs attention. To resolve all issues, you may need to upgrade to Avast Secure Browser PRO.

What is Web Shield?

Web Shield is a feature that automatically blocks access to malware and phishing sites to protect your personal data from theft. To enable Web Shield:

1. Tap Settings (the gear icon).
2. Select Web Shield.
3. Tap the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON).

What is Device-Wide VPN?

Device-Wide VPN is a feature, available in Avast Secure Browser PRO, that disguises your location for all of your apps. To enable:

1. Go to Settings (the gear icon) ▸ Device Wide VPN is off.
2. Go to Settings (the gear icon) ▸ Device Wide VPN is Off.
3. Tap the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON).
4. Tap Allow permission ▸ OK to allow Avast to protect your identity and set up a VPN connection.
5. Optionally, next to Device Wide-VPN auto-connect, tap the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON) to automatically connect on device startup.

What is Browser lock?

Browser lock allows you to keep your browsing history and data safely locked within Avast Secure Browser. After you enable Browser lock and set your PIN, you cannot open Avast Secure Browser without it. If you lose or forget your PIN, Avast Secure Browser cannot recover your PIN for you.

To enable Browser lock:

1. Tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Browser lock.
3. Next to Passcode tap the gray (OFF) slider to set your PIN.
4. Next to Use passcode tap the gray (OFF) slider to set your PIN.
5. Tap the confirm icon to set your passcode.

After activation, go to Settings (the gear icon) ▸ Browser lock to enable Fingerprint or face unlock, manage Lock options, or Change passcode.

After activation, go to Settings (the gear icon) ▸ Browser lock to enable Use Face ID, manage Lock options, or Change passcode.

What is Fingerprint or face unlock?

If your device has a fingerprint sensor enabled, you can also use your fingerprint to unlock Avast Secure Browser. You can enable this feature when you set your PIN or via Settings.

To enable this feature:

1. Tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Browser lock.
3. Tap the gray (OFF) slider next to Fingerprint or face unlock so that it changes to green (ON).
4. Tap the gray (OFF) slider next to Use Face ID so that it changes to green (ON).

What is Media Vault?

When you download media files, Avast Secure Browser encrypts them and stores them in your Media Vault. You can only decrypt and access downloaded media using our built-in media player.

To access Media Vault, tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen, then tap Media Vault. Your encrypted files are organized by type. Tap a file type to access the contained media files, then open your chosen file using Avast Secure Browser's built-in media player.

What is Downloads?

When you download media files, Avast Secure Browser encrypts them and stores them in your Downloads.

To access Downloads, tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen, then tap Downloads. Your encrypted files are organized by type. Tap a file type to access the contained media files, then tap your chosen file again to open it.

What is Video Downloader?

Video Downloader allows you to easily download video and audio content from your favorite sites. All the videos you download are encrypted and stored in the Media Vault.

To use this feature, tap the Download icon that appears in the search bar when a video is detected. You can then rename the video file, define a folder location where you want to download the video, and tap Save.

Privacy Guard

What is Privacy Guard?

Privacy Guard prevents ads from loading on the web pages you visit and trackers from downloading tracking scripts onto your device, which improves the privacy and safety of your online activity. Every time you visit a website, Privacy Guard compares the script that the website runs against filter lists to determine what content the website can load or download.

To determine the strength of Privacy Guard, click the Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar and click Privacy Guard Settings (the gear icon), then select your preferred blocking option:

• Basic Blocking: Blocks all ads that violate the industry standards for user friendly ads, such as pop-ups and auto-playing videos. As well as all known trackers that follow you around while you surf the web.
• Balanced Blocking (recommended): Blocks all Basic Blocking ads and trackers in addition to social media ads, improving the speed of your browser, and keeping your online identity safe while you surf the web.
• Strict Blocking: Blocks all known ads, push notifications, all known and unknown trackers, and prevents browser fingerprinting. We do not recommend this level of blocking, as it may cause websites to not load properly, or even make certain websites completely inaccessible.
• Strict Blocking PRO: Available in Avast Secure Browser PRO, blocks all search engine advertising. Additionally, your search history and search results will no longer be personalized, it will be as though you are searching for the first time.

To disable this feature, open the Security & Privacy Center and click the green (ON) slider on the Privacy Guard tile so that it changes to gray (OFF).

What are Privacy Guard filter lists?

The filter lists that Privacy Guard uses differ according to your chosen blocking option. The table below shows which filter lists are used by each available option:

FILTER LIST	DESCRIPTION	PRIVACY GUARD OFF	BASIC	BALANCED	STRICT
EasyList	A block list that contains URLs of all known ads for English websites. Goal: To automatically remove unwanted content including unformatted images, ads, banners, and tracking.	NO	YES	YES	YES
Regional Easy List	A block list that contains URLs of all known ads on region-specific websites globally.	NO	YES	YES	YES
Acceptable Ads (ACC) filter list	Approved content and ad formats. Goal: Supports websites by allowing some non-intrusive ads to appear on the website. Acceptable ads allowlist is usually enabled by default when you install an adblocker.	NO	YES	NO	NO
Local lists	Your personal list of websites that can always show ads. Goal: Allows you to customize Privacy Guard behavior according to your exact requirements.	NO	YES	YES	YES
Custom lists	Avast Search Partner allowlist. Goal: Allows trusted and non-intrusive search-related content to appear while you browse the web so that you can have a more personalized experience.	NO	YES	YES	NO

Can I disable Privacy Guard on certain websites?

Yes. Privacy Guard allows you to set your own level of privacy according to your preferences while you surf the web.

To always allow ads on a particular website:

1. Open Avast Secure Browser and navigate to the website that you want Privacy Guard to ignore.
2. Click the green Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar.
3. Next to Ads & trackers blocked, click the green (ON) slider so that it changes to gray (OFF).

Privacy Guard no longer blocks any ads or trackers when you visit this site.

 

Alternatively, you can completely turn off Privacy Guard by following the steps below:

1. Click the green Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar.
2. Select the Privacy Guard Settings (the gear icon). Privacy Guard settings will open.
3. Click the green (ON) slider so that it changes to gray (OFF). When disabled, the Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar is red.

What is Browser fingerprinting?

The browser fingerprint method (also known as device identification) collects specific data about your entire online activity, your browser type/version, operating system, add-ons, screen resolution, and various other active settings on your device. Browser fingerprint can be active even if cookies are off or tracking protection is enabled.

Additionally, browser fingerprinting can be used to fully or partially identify individual users for security reasons, such as accessing your online bank account. Most banks use browser fingerprinting to protect you from fraud or identity theft, therefore the remember my device option will not work if Privacy Guard is set to Strict Blocking.

To disable Browser fingerprinting, click the Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar, then click the green (ON) slider next to Browser fingerprinting blocked so that it changes to gray (OFF).

Secure Browser VPN

What is Secure Browser VPN?

Secure Browser VPN, available in Secure Browser PRO, is an advanced security feature that fully encrypts your online activity, loads web pages faster, and gives you access to over 30 locations worldwide. Avast Secure Browser automatically connects to the optimal location to disguise your location. Typically, optimal location is the VPN location for your device that provides the fastest browsing experience (not necessarily the closest location), but may depend on your internet provider.

To enable, click the VPN icon in the top-left of your browser, then click the OFF slider so that it changes to ON.

For more information on using Secure Browser VPN, refer to the following article:

• Avast Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Enable Secure Browser VPN

How can I change Secure Browser VPN settings?

To modify your Secure Browser VPN settings, go to ⋮ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Privacy and security and click VPN Settings. The following options are available:

• Show Secure Browser VPN in toolbar (default): Disable to hide the VPN icon from the address bar.
• Activate Kill Switch: Enable to prevent privacy leaks by blocking all internet access if Secure Browser VPN suddenly disconnects.
• On untrusted networks: Select an action for when connected to untrusted networks such as public Wi-Fi.
• Auto-connect VPN on browser launch: Automatically enable Secure Browser VPN when you open your browser.
• Auto-connect VPN in Private Mode: Automatically enable Secure Browser VPN when you open a Private Mode Window.

What is Avast's log policy?

We have a strict no log policy meaning that your data is 100% encrypted from third-party snoopers, trackers, government, internet providers, and companies.

Settings

How do I make Avast Secure Browser my default browser?

For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

• Avast Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Set your default browser

1. Open your device Settings and go to Apps.
2. Tap Avast Secure Browser.
3. Select Browser app.
4. Ensure Avast Secure Browser is selected.

1. Open your device Settings, then scroll to and tap Avast Secure Browser.
2. Tap Default Browser App.
3. Ensure Avast Secure Browser is selected.

How do I change the default search provider?

For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

• Avast Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Change the default search provider

1. Tap the Search icon in the address bar on the main Avast Secure Browser screen.
2. Select your preferred search engine.

How do I change the browser's language?

1. Open Avast Secure Browser and go to ⋮ Menu (three dots) ▸ Settings.
2. In the left panel, click Languages.
3. Click Add languages.
4. Tick the box next to your preferred language and select Add.
5. From the Advanced Settings screen, click ⋮ More actions (three dots) next to the added language, and tick the box next to Display Avast Secure Browser in this language.
6. Click Relaunch to start an Avast Secure Browser session in your preferred language.

How do I clear my browsing history, cookies, and cache?

To clear your browsing history:

1. Tap the Avast Secure Browser icon on the Home screen of your device to open the app.
2. Tap ... Menu (three dots) at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap History.
4. Choose either History - Default Mode or History - Private Mode.
5. In the top-right corner, tap ⋮ More options (three dots) ▸ Delete all.
6. Tap ⋮ More options (three dots), then tap the Trash icon.

To clear your cache and cookies:

1. Tap the Avast Secure Browser icon on the Home screen of your device to open the app.
2. In the top-right corner of the screen, tap Settings (the gear icon).
3. Tap Advanced settings.
4. Tap Clear cookies & data.

How do I reset Avast Secure Browser settings to default?

1. Open Avast Secure Browser, then go to ⋮ Menu (three dots) ▸ Settings.
2. In the left panel, click Reset settings.
3. Click Restore settings to their original defaults, then select Reset settings to confirm.

1. Tap the Avast Secure Browser icon on the Home screen of your device to open the app.
2. In the top-right corner of the screen, tap Settings (the gear icon).
3. Tap Restore default settings.

How can I enable cookies for a particular website?

Some websites cannot function or load correctly unless cookies are enabled. You can add individual websites to your list of websites that are always allowed to use cookies:

1. Open Avast Secure Browser and go to ⋮ Menu (three dots) ▸ Settings.
2. Go to Privacy and security ▸ Site settings.
3. Under Content, click Cookies and site data.
4. Click Add next to Sites that can always use cookies.
5. Type the web address for the website that you want to allow (for example, www.example.com). If you type [*.] before the domain name, you add all web pages included in that domain. For example, when you type [*.]avast.com, you add all web pages that are part of the Avast domain (such as www.avast.com/store and www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download).
6. Click Add.

The website now appears on your list of Sites that can always use cookies.

How can I enable JavaScript for a particular website?

Some websites and media cannot run unless JavaScript is enabled. You can add individual websites to your list of websites that are always allowed to use JavaScript:

1. Open Avast Secure Browser and go to ⋮ Menu (three dots) ▸ Settings.
2. Go to Privacy and security ▸ Site settings.
3. Under Content, click JavaScript.
4. Click Add next to Allow.
5. Type the web address for the website that you want to allow (for example, www.example.com). If you type [*.] before the domain name, you add all web pages included in that domain. For example, when you type [*.]avast.com, you add all web pages that are part of the Avast domain (such as www.avast.com/store and www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download).
6. Click Add.

The website now appears on your Allow list.

How can I manage performance settings in Avast Secure Browser?

The Performance features in Avast Secure Browser help active tabs run smoothly and extend your computer's battery life. To manage your performance settings:

1. Open Avast Secure Browser and go to ⋮ Menu (three dots) ▸ Settings.
2. In the left panel, click Performance.
3. Scroll to the relevant option:
   • Memory Saver: Saves your computer's memory and boosts the performance of your PC by suspending inactive tabs. To enable, click the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON). Optionally, create an exception for specific sites by clicking Add next to Always keep these sites active, then enter the web address (for example, google.com) and click Add.
     A suspended tab is not permanently removed unless you manually close it. Click a suspended tab and click the refresh icon to reload the content.
   • Energy Saver: Automatically reduces Secure Browser's image capture rate and other background tasks when your device is unplugged or your battery is low. To enable, click the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON), then select your preferred option for when Energy Saver should automatically turn on.
4. Select the relevant option:
   • Improve computer performance: Suspends open, inactive tabs after a specified time period, which improves the performance and speed of both your browser and device. Click the slider so that it changes from gray (OFF) to green (ON).
   • Advanced performance settings: Define Avast Secure Browser's actions when your device is plugged in or running on battery, specify how long inactive tabs stay open before Avast Secure Browser suspends them, and specify applications or websites that will never be suspended.
     A suspended tab is not permanently removed unless you manually close it. Click a suspended tab and click the refresh icon to reload the content.

How can I adjust the security and privacy features settings?

Avast Secure Browser includes a set of tools and features that allow you to manage your online activity. Using the app Settings you can manually enable or disable certain features, access tools such as Browser VPN, AdBlock, and modify general or advanced settings.

To open Settings, tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the main browser screen.

For detailed information about adjusting features and advanced settings, refer to the following article:

• Avast Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Adjust security and privacy features

What are the Browser Modes?

Avast Secure Browser groups your tabs and browsing activity into one of two different modes. This allows you to quickly organize your browsing activity according to the mode best suited for the sites you visit.

Modes included in Avast Secure Browser:

• Default Mode: Your default Mode in Avast Secure Browser, which enables AdBlock, DNS over TLS, and includes the option to enable VPN and Web Shield.
• Private Mode: Enables the same security options as Default Mode, but also disables screenshots and automatically deletes all browsing data and history when you close the browser.

For detailed instructions about using Browser Modes, refer to the following article:

• Avast Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Change browser modes

What are AdBlock filter lists?

The filter lists that AdBlock uses differ according to your chosen AdBlock mode. The table below shows which filter lists are used by each available mode:

FILTER LIST	DESCRIPTION	ADBLOCK OFF	BASIC	BALANCED	STRICT
EasyList	A block list that contains URLs for English websites. Goal: Removes unwanted content including unformatted images, ads, banners, and tracking.	NO	YES	YES	YES
Coalition for Better Ads(CBA) filter list	Approved content and ad formats. Goal: Supports websites by allowing non-intrusive and user-friendly ads to appear on the website. CBA approved ads are always enabled in chromium browsers.	NO	YES	NO	NO
Acceptable Ads (ACC) filter list	Approved content and ad formats. Goal: Supports websites by allowing some non-intrusive ads to appear on the website.	NO	YES	NO	NO
Local lists	Your personal list of websites that can always show ads. Goal: Allows you to customize AdBlock behavior according to your exact requirements.	NO	YES	YES	YES
Custom lists	Avast Search Partner allow list. Goal: Allows trusted and non-intrusive search-related content to appear while you browse the web.	NO	YES	YES	NO

How can I change my DNS?

Avast Secure Browser comes with built-in DNS options. To change the DNS:

1. Tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Advanced settings ▸ Secure DNS over TLS.
3. Select a DNS from the list, or tap Add Custom DNS... at the bottom.
4. Select a DNS from the list.

How can I switch a website from mobile to desktop view?

To view a website in desktop view:

1. Open the website you want to see in desktop view.
2. Tap … Menu (three dots) at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select Desktop version.

The website is now in desktop view. To revert back to mobile view, follow steps 1-2 above, then tap Mobile version.

How can I remove website data?

If you visit a website that you don't want to save data for, even if this data is encrypted, you can remove all the saved data associated with that domain.

To remove the data associated with a website, go to the website, tap … Menu (three dots) at the bottom of the screen, then tap Nuke this site.

To remove the data associated with a website, go to the website, tap … Menu (three dots) at the bottom of the screen, then tap Remove site data.

Can I encrypt or decrypt files that are already stored on my device?

Yes. Avast Secure Browser automatically encrypts all the files you download, but you can also encrypt files from local storage by moving them to your Media Vault. You can also decrypt any files in your Media Vault that you want to share.

Encrypt and save files to the Media Vault

1. Tap the Avast Secure Browser icon on the Home screen of your device and tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Media Vault.
3. Select the Local storage tab. If prompted, tap Allow to grant the access permission.
4. Touch and hold the files you want to encrypt, then tap Encrypt (the shield icon).

The encrypted files are now available in your Media Vault via the Avast vault tab.

 

Decrypt and share files from the Media Vault

1. Tap the Avast Secure Browser icon on the Home screen of your device and tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Media Vault.
3. Ensure the Avast Vault tab is selected, and tap the file type you want to decrypt.
4. Touch and hold the files you want to decrypt, tap ⋮ More options, and decrypt using one of the following options:
   • Decrypt and share: Select an app to share the file with.
   • Decrypt to: Select a folder on your device where the decrypted file will be stored.

Does Avast Secure Browser protect me against DNS leaks?

Yes. Avast Secure Browser ensures that all traffic is sent through your VPN, which secures both your location and data. Additionally, you can verify that traffic is not leaking from your private network by running our advanced IP/DNS test:

1. Tap the Avast Secure Browser icon on the Home screen of your device and tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Security Scanner.
3. Scroll to the bottom, and tap Launch advanced IP/DNS test.

Troubleshooting

What can I do if I encounter an issue with Avast Secure Browser?

For detailed information about issues you may experience while using Avast Secure Browser, including common error messages, refer to the following article:

• Troubleshooting common issues with Avast Secure Browser
• Troubleshooting common issues with Avast Secure Browser
• Troubleshooting common issues with Avast Secure Browser
• Troubleshooting common issues with Avast Secure Browser

How do I uninstall Avast Secure Browser?

For detailed uninstallation instructions, refer to the following article:

• Uninstalling Avast Secure Browser
• Uninstalling Avast Secure Browser
• Uninstalling Avast Secure Browser
• Uninstalling Avast Secure Browser

How can I report an issue with Avast Secure Browser?

You can report an issue with Avast Secure Browser using the relevant method below:

• If you have a paid Avast subscription, you can report any issues with Avast Secure Browser directly to Avast Support.
• If you do not have a paid Avast subscription, you can report any issues with Avast Secure Browser in the Avast Forum.

Why is Windows 7 and 8/8.1 no longer supported?

With Avast Secure Browser version 109 and later, we no longer offer support for devices running Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 due to Microsoft's end of support for these operating systems.

Previous versions of Avast Secure Browser will continue to work, but there will be no further browser updates. We recommend that you use Windows 10 or later with the latest version of Avast Secure Browser to receive important security updates and features that keep you safe while browsing online.