Be first to test new Firefox features with Mozilla's Reference Browser for Android

Mozilla's Berlin office
Image credit: Mozilla (Image credit: Mozilla)

Mozilla is inviting Firefox fans to beta test forthcoming features by downloading its new Reference Browser for Android.

Last month, Mozilla announced the closure of its Test Pilot program, which provided a way for users to put new ideas through their paces and offer their feedback, but promised that users would soon have a new way to get involved.

"Today I am asking you to dust off your flying jacket, put on your goggles (or fancy aviator shades) and take to the skies as we help make the mobile web even more awesome," said developer Paul Wright (aka Seburo) in a blog post announcing the new program.

The Reference Browser isn't a new product, and isn't intended to replace your regular web browser. Instead, Wright says it's intended to be a testbed for new ideas and a technology preview.

How to join in

Anyone using Android 5 (Lollipop) or above can try the Reference Browser. To join the program, first you'll need to join the Github group with the same Google account you use on your phone, then opt-in to receive nightly builds. Once that's done, you'll be able to download the browser from the Google Play Store.

Wright says the development team are "reasonably certain" your bookmarks and passwords will be safe, but recommends that you keep them backed up in another version of Firefox anyway, just to be safe.

Via How-To Geek

Cat Ellis
Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, and is here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working she's a keen home baker, and makes a pretty mean macaron.

Latest in Android
Android 16 logo on a phone
Android 16 Beta 3 has arrived – here are the 4 features I think will be the most useful
Google Pixel 9
Android 16 could bring an improved Samsung DeX-style desktop mode to more phones
Android 16 logo on a phone
Android 16 beta users are reporting major battery drain issues – but I’m not too worried about it
The Oppo Find N5 open to Google Maps
Android 16 brings a much-needed upgrade to Google Maps that iOS users already have
A hand holding a phone showing the Android Find My Device network
Android's Find My Device can now let you track your friends – and I can't decide if that's cool or creepy
Android 15 logo on a phone, in a hand
Google is working on its own version of Apple’s Hide My Email, and you might soon be able to try it yourself
Latest in News
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before