How Opera protects you

You have the absolute right to privacy and security online. Opera's secure private browser is built to protect you, and your data, first and foremost. See below how we help you browse privately and securely, and avoid being tracked. See more

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Ad blocker

Opera’s ad blocker doesn’t just remove irritations and distractions online. If you’re on a limited data plan, ad blocker can save you a great amount of your mobile data. Slow page loading, even in the best private browser, is often the result of ads and the analytics code that accompanies them, so blocking them has a noticeable result. Most importantly, Opera’s ad blocker also stops the increasing number of malicious ads that can harm both your computer and your data security.

Tracker blocker

The tracker blocker in Opera does exactly that. Block known online trackers like analytic scripts, tracking pixels and other methods of data collection. Like Opera’s ad blocker, the tracker blocker helps pages load faster, saves your mobile data and further protects you from malicious code. Beyond that, tracking protection simply guards your privacy because your personal data should not be given away or used, especially without your consent.

Free VPN

A secure browser VPN may not be necessary at home, but it is definitely recommended for anyone using public Wi-Fi. Connecting to webpages through Opera’s VPN (virtual private network) means that the data sent back and forth is encrypted and routed through a remote server. The encryption helps secure your data from prying eyes, while the remote server disguises your IP address and location for more privacy. No extensions are necessary for a safe browser.

Opera has easy access points for your privacy and security controls

Get to settings directly from your sidebar to see and tweak all of your security and privacy settings, along with advanced options for your secure browser VPN, ad blocker and tracker blocker.

Easily access your VPN

When Opera’s secure browser VPN is enabled, you can click on the VPN badge at the left end of your address bar for a VPN menu. From there, you can turn your VPN on or off, change virtual locations and see relevant security information.

Easily access your ad blocker and tracker blocker

Click on the shield icon at the right end of your address bar to access your ad blocker and tracker blocker. There you can turn the features on or off, see relevant security information and quickly access more advanced options.

Use the Easy setup panel for easy access

Go to your Easy setup panel to quickly enable or disable the ad blocker or tracker blocker for a safe browser.

More ways that Opera protects you

Opera’s trusted and proven security features are built right into our safe browser, so you don’t need to install third-party extensions for general, or enhanced, privacy.

Ad blocker

Clutter-free, fast and secure browsing.

Free VPN

Secures your internet connection and masks your location.

Tracker blocker

Blocks tracking attempts for safe browsing.

Site settings control

Choose what data sites can access and set permissions.

Private browser

Deletes your browsing history and data when closed.

Cryptojacking protection

Ad blocker also blocks cryptomining scripts.

Explore more

Read more about privacy and security

Latest security blog posts

Read the latest news about our desktop browsers, their features and the future of browsing. Find out what’s coming soon from Opera.

Help with privacy and security

Get the latest on our award-winning mobile browsers, synchronization between devices and other improvements. See what’s in the works for mobile browsers at Opera.

How to turn on your browser VPN

When you connect to websites through a secure browser VPN (virtual private network) server, your browsing data is encrypted and your public IP address changes to a virtual IP address. To enable Opera's free built-in VPN service:

Go to Settings (Alt+P) Advanced > Privacy & security.
Under VPN, click Enable VPN.
A built-in VPN badge will appear at the left end of your address and search bar. Click the badge and toggle your web browser VPN on or off.

How to block ads and how to block pop ups

Opera's Ad blocker makes websites load faster and look cleaner by blocking ad scripts. It also includes tracking protection and stops cryptocurrency mining scripts for a secure browser. To enable these security features:

Go to Settings (Alt+P)
Under Privacy protection, toggle on Block ads and surf the web up to three times faster.
Below that, toggle on Block trackers.

Both of these security features can also be turned on or off from the Easy Setup menu in the top-right corner of your web browser (under the X).

How to enable Crypto Mining protection

Cryptojacking is when someone hijacks your computer and runs scripts to mine cryptocurrency. To stop cryptocurrency mining from happening on your computer:

Go to Settings (Alt+P)
Under Privacy protection, click Manage Lists.
Click NoCoin (Cryptocurrency Mining Protection) to enable this security feature.

How to adjust site settings controls

Opera browser site settings let you customize your internet browser's privacy features and browser security. To set your privacy and security controls:

Go to Settings (Alt+P) Advanced > Privacy & security.
Under Privacy and security, click Site settings.

There you can adjust all of your browser web site permissions and security features - like who can access your camera, microphone, location, and data. Manage cookies, choose which sites can play sounds or show images, and adjust many other details concerning what websites can do, for a secure browser.

How to browse privately

Private browsers are secure browsers. When you use a private web browser window, your internet history and activity data is removed as soon as you close all private windows. You can open a private window with a keyboard shortcut, or through the menu.

On Windows or Linux: Ctrl+Shift+N or O Menu > New private window.
On Mac: ⌘+Shift+N or File > New Private Window.

When all private windows are closed, Opera will remove the associated browsing history, cache items, and cookies. Because of this, private tabs or windows cannot be recovered from the history or tab menus.

How to change search engines

Opera’s default browser search engine is Google, but you can change it or add private search engines like DuckDuckGo. To change, manage, or add search engines:

Go to Settings (Alt+P).
Under Search engine, select your preferred search engine from the dropdown menu or click Manage search engines.

How to enable Opera’s password manager

Secure browsers use passwords. You can choose whether Opera saves your passwords for auto sign-in, as well as edit or remove them. To adjust the password manager settings:

Go to Settings (Alt+P) Advanced > Privacy & security.
Under Autofill, select Passwords.

Read more about security and privacy settings on our Help pages.

You deserve a better browser

Opera's free VPN, Ad blocker, and Flow file sharing. Just a few of the must-have features built into Opera for faster, smoother and distraction-free browsing designed to improve your online experience.