Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about installing, using and securing Petal.
General
What is Petal Browser?
Petal is a privacy-focused, open-source Android browser built on Mozilla GeckoView with a Jetpack Compose Material 3 Expressive interface. It supports Firefox add-ons, Enhanced Tracking Protection, Total Cookie Protection and a built-in ad and tracker blocker.
Is Petal free?
Yes. Petal is free and licensed under GPL-3.0. The source code is on GitHub.
Which Android versions are supported?
Android 8.0 (API 26) and newer.
Is Petal based on Chromium?
No. Petal uses Mozilla’s GeckoView engine and does not depend on the Android system WebView.
How is Petal related to FOSS Browser?
Petal began as a fork of FOSS Browser and has since been rebuilt around GeckoView and a new Compose interface. Credit and licenses are listed on the licenses page.
Install and update
How do I install Petal?
Download the signed APK from the Download page or the latest GitHub release, open it, and allow installs from your browser or file manager if Android asks. Step-by-step instructions are on the Download page.
How do I update?
Builds installed from GitHub can check for updates inside the app. Otherwise download the newest release and install it over the existing app; your data is kept.
How do I make Petal my default browser?
Open Android Settings, go to Apps, then Default apps, then Browser app, and choose Petal.
Privacy and security
Does Petal collect my data?
No. Petal has no accounts and sends no browsing data to us. Some optional features contact third-party services; see the full list in the Privacy Policy.
How does Petal protect my privacy?
Strict Enhanced Tracking Protection, Total Cookie Protection, cookie-banner blocking, a built-in content blocker, HTTPS-first browsing and optional DNS-over-HTTPS.
Can I lock the browser?
Yes. App Lock uses your device biometrics or screen lock, handled by Android.
Does Petal show ads?
The GitHub build is a browser, not an ad product. Some store builds can show optional supportive ads; see the advertising section of the Privacy Policy.
How do I delete my data?
Use the Delete settings to clear history, cookies and cache, or clear the app storage or uninstall to remove everything. Details are in Your choices and deleting data.
Using Petal
Can I customize the interface?
Yes. You can switch between light, dark and AMOLED themes, change palettes and adjust text size from the appearance and display settings.
How do I bookmark a page or add it to the home screen?
Open the menu next to the navigation bar and use the save option, then choose bookmark or home. Saved pages appear in the Home and Bookmarks panels reachable from the tabs button.
Can I use Firefox add-ons?
Yes. Petal supports WebExtensions from Mozilla Add-ons, and ships built-in extensions such as Dark Webpages, Clean Link and Universal Copy.
Can I sync my bookmarks and history?
Petal supports Firefox Account sync. You can also create backups from Settings.
Can I save a page for offline use?
Yes. Use the menu to save a page as an HTML archive or a PDF.
Can I download media files?
Yes. The built-in download manager supports background downloads, pause and resume, and progress notifications.
Help
I found a bug. How do I report it?
Open an issue on GitHub and include your Petal version, Android version and the steps to reproduce. The Support page has a checklist.
How do I request a feature?
Open a feature request on the GitHub issue tracker, or discuss it in the community chat linked on the Support page.