User Guide
Everything you need to know about Gecko Guard
Quick Start
Chrome & Chromium Browsers (Chrome, Brave, Edge)
- Visit the Chrome Web Store
- Click "Add to Chrome"
- Confirm permissions when prompted
- Look for the Gecko Guard icon in your toolbar
- Click the icon to start protecting your privacy!
Firefox
- Visit the Firefox Add-ons Store
- Click "Add to Firefox"
- Confirm permissions when prompted
- Extension installed! Find it in your toolbar
Main Features
Block Trackers
Automatically blocks ads, analytics, and social media trackers from following you across the web. This feature stops companies from building profiles about your browsing habits.
Spoof Fingerprint
Randomizes your browser fingerprint to prevent device tracking. Websites can't identify you based on your unique browser configuration.
Block Tracking Cookies
Automatically deletes cookies that track you across sites while preserving essential cookies that keep you logged in.
How to Use
Enable Protection
- Click the Gecko Guard icon in your browser toolbar
- Toggle the features you want to enable:
- Block Trackers: Stops ads and analytics
- Spoof Fingerprint: Randomizes browser identity
- Block Tracking Cookies: Deletes tracking cookies
- Protection starts immediately!
Quick Enable All Protection
Click the green "Enable Basic Protection" button to turn on all three main features at once.
View Statistics
The popup shows real-time stats:
- Trackers: Number of trackers blocked
- Cookies: Tracking cookies deleted
- Spoofed: Fingerprinting attempts blocked
Troubleshooting
Site Not Working Properly
If a website breaks after enabling Gecko Guard:
- Click the extension icon
- Try disabling "Block Trackers" first
- Refresh the page
- If still broken, try disabling other features one by one
Extension Not Working
- Check permissions: Ensure you granted all requested permissions
- Update browser: Make sure you're on the latest browser version
- Reload extension: Go to browser extensions page and click "Reload"
- Reinstall: Remove and reinstall the extension if issues persist
Performance Issues
Gecko Guard is optimized for minimal impact, but if you experience slowness:
- Try disabling other privacy extensions temporarily
- Clear your browser cache and restart
- Report persistent issues on our GitHub
Understanding Your Privacy Score
Gecko Guard displays your protection status:
- Protected: All features enabled - maximum privacy
- Partial: Some features disabled - moderate privacy
- Disabled: All features off - no privacy protection
Get Support
Need Help?
- Email: contact@privacygecko.com
- GitHub Issues: Report a Bug
Before Contacting Support
- Note your browser version and operating system
- Check if the extension is up to date
- Try disabling other extensions temporarily
- Include screenshots if reporting a visual issue
Best Practices
Recommended Setup
For best privacy with minimal site breakage, enable all three main features. Most websites will work fine with these settings.
Browsing Tips
The extension works automatically in the background. Just browse normally and check your stats periodically to see what's being blocked.
Keep Updated
Browser stores update the extension automatically. Check for updates regularly to get the latest blocking rules and features.
Privacy Tips
- Use Gecko Guard alongside other privacy tools like a VPN for maximum protection
- Regularly clear your browser cache and cookies
- Use private/incognito mode for sensitive browsing
- Review and limit browser permissions for all extensions