AVG Secure Browser - FAQs

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 AVG Secure Browser?

AVG 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.

AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser compatible with other browsers?

Yes. AVG 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. AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser, refer to the following article:

• Importing bookmarks to AVG Secure Browser

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

What's included in AVG Secure Browser PRO?

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

AVG Secure Browser PRO includes all of the same features as AVG 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: All apps on your device can connect securely to the internet via AVG VPN servers. With the free version of the app, the VPN is only available when you are using AVG Secure Browser.

Download and Installation

What are the system requirements for AVG Secure Browser?

How do I install AVG Secure Browser?

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the following article:

• Installing AVG Secure Browser
• Installing AVG Secure Browser
• Installing AVG Secure Browser

Which permissions does AVG Secure Browser need?

The following permissions are necessary for AVG Secure Browser to run properly on your Android device:

Mandatory permissions

• Full network access: Ensures AVG Secure Browser's VPN can fetch, retrieve, and connect to either Wi-Fi or mobile network connection.
• View network connections: Ensures AVG Secure Browser can detect when your device is offline and adapt the network connection.

We recommend granting the following additional permissions to take advantage of all features in AVG Secure Browser:

Optional permissions

• Storage: Allows you to save, open, and manage downloaded files outside of Media Vault and allows you to share saved files via AVG Secure Browser.
• Photos/Media/Files: Allows AVG Secure Browser to encrypt your data, and access your file storage to save your downloaded files.
• Camera: Allows AVG Secure Browser to read camera input when a QR or barcode is scanned.

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 AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser PRO?

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

How do I activate my PRO subscription?

For detailed activation instructions, refer to the following article:

• Activating AVG Secure Browser PRO

Where can I manage my PRO subscription?

To manage your PRO subscription:

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

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 and Android.

Do I have AVG Internet Security or AVG Secure VPN if I have Secure Browser PRO?

No. Each of these products - AVG Internet Security, AVG Secure VPN, and AVG Secure Browser PRO - requires a separate subscription.

What's the difference between the VPN feature in AVG Secure Browser PRO and AVG Secure VPN?

If you use both AVG Secure Browser PRO and AVG Secure VPN, you only need to enable one VPN at a time to ensure protection. Refer to the app comparison below:

• AVG Secure Browser PRO: Protects only traffic from the browser and includes the option to connect/disconnect the VPN, 30 VPN locations, a Kill-Switch, and Auto-Connect.
• AVG Secure Browser PRO: Includes the option to connect/disconnect the VPN, 30 VPN locations, a Kill-Switch, Auto-Connect, and Device-Wide VPN.
• AVG Secure VPN: Includes full traffic protection, multiple secure protocols, additional VPN locations, a Kill-Switch, Auto-Connect, local device access, and private network exclusion.

Features

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 blue (ON) to gray (OFF).

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

The following options are available:

• Security Check: Allows you to see the number of malicious downloads, phishing attempts, and malicious sites blocked since you started using AVG Secure Browser. Click Review to check if there are any security issues that require your attention.
• AVG AntiVirus: Protects you in real-time against viruses, malware, and other threats. Click Download on the AVG AntiVirus tile to install it. Alternatively, if AVG AntiVirus is installed, click Open. For more information about AntiVirus, refer to the article: AVG Internet Security and AVG AntiVirus - FAQs.
• 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 AVG 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 and 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 bookmarks, search history or suggestions, and extensions. To enable Screen Sharing Mode, click the ⋮ Menu (three dots) in the top-right corner of AVG Secure Browser and select Enable Screen Sharing Mode.

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

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

What is Privacy Cleaner?

Privacy Cleaner clears your browsing history and 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 and 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 AVG 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 AVG'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 you are connected to the intended server. HTTPS Encryption in AVG Secure Browser ensures that each website you visit uses an HTTPS connection where supported.

What is Video Downloader?

Video Downloader is an extension for AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser and click Add Extension:

• AVG Addons ▸ AVG Video Downloader

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

What is Video Downloader?

The Video Downloader feature 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.

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

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

1. Open AVG 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. Open AVG Secure Browser and navigate to a website.
2. Locate the Lock icon, which indicates that the site'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. AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser PRO.

To enable the VPN in AVG 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).

To change your VPN location in AVG Secure Browser PRO, open Settings (the gear icon) ▸ Browser VPN is on, then tap the location name. On the Browser VPN locations screen, select your preferred location.

What is AdBlock?

AdBlock stops advertisements from loading on the web pages you visit, which improves the speed and safety of your browsing sessions. AdBlock is enabled by default. Every time you visit a website, AVG 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 article: AVG Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Adjust AdBlock.

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 AVG 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 AVG 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. Tap the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON).
3. Tap Allow permission ▸ OK to allow AVG to protect your identity and set up a VPN connection.
4. 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 AVG Secure Browser. After you enable Browser lock and set your PIN, you cannot open AVG Secure Browser without it. If you lose or forget your PIN, AVG 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. 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.

What is Fingerprint or face unlock?

If your device has a fingerprint sensor enabled, you can also use your fingerprint to unlock AVG 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).

What is Media Vault?

When you download media files, AVG Secure Browser encrypts the files 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 AVG Secure Browser's built-in media player.

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 Change settings, 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 not to load properly or even make certain websites completely inaccessible.
• Strict Blocking PRO: Available in AVG 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 blue (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 mode:

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 ad blocker.	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	AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser and navigate to the website you want Privacy Guard to ignore.
2. Click the blue Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar.
3. Next to Ads & trackers blocked, click the blue (ON) slider so that it changes to red (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 blue Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar.
2. Select Change settings. Privacy Guard settings will open.
3. Click the blue (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 Browser fingerprinting blocked icon 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. AVG 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:

• AVG 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 AVG's log policy?

Our strict no-log policy means your data is 100% encrypted from third-party snoopers, trackers, government, internet providers, and companies.

Settings

How do I make AVG Secure Browser my default browser?

For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

• AVG Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Change Default Settings

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

How do I change the default search provider?

For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

• AVG Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Change Default Settings

1. Tap Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Search engine and select your preferred search engine.

How do I change the browser's language?

1. Open AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser in this language.
6. Click Relaunch to start an AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser icon on the Home screen of your device to open the app.
2. Tap Settings (the gear icon), then tap History.
3. Choose either History - Default Mode or History - Private Mode.
4. In the top-right corner, tap ⋮ More options (three dots) ▸ Delete all.

To clear your cache and cookies:

1. Tap the AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser settings to default?

1. Open AVG Secure Browser and 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 AVG 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 Reset default browser 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 AVG 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 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 [*.]avg.com, you add all web pages that are part of the AVG domain (such as www.avg.com/store and www.avg.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 AVG 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 [*.]avg.com, you add all web pages that are part of the AVG domain (such as www.avg.com/store and www.avg.com/free-antivirus-download).
6. Click Add.

The website now appears on your Allow list.

How can I manage performance settings in AVG Secure Browser?

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

1. Open AVG 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 its performance by suspending inactive tabs. To enable, click the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to blue (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 blue (ON), then select your preferred option for when Energy Saver should automatically turn on.

How can I adjust the security and privacy features settings?

AVG Secure Browser includes 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 and 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:

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

What are the Browser Modes?

AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser:

• Default Mode: Your default Mode in AVG 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:

• AVG Secure Browser - Getting Started ▸ Change browser modes

What are AdBlock filter lists?

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

FILTER LIST	DESCRIPTION	ADBLOCK OFF	BASIC	BALANCED	STRICT
uBlock 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	AVG 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?

AVG 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.

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 Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner 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.

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

Yes. AVG 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, and decrypt any files in your Media Vault that you want to share.

Encrypt and save files to the Media Vault

1. Open AVG Secure Browser 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 AVG vault tab.

 

Decrypt and share files from the Media Vault

1. Tap the Settings (the gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Media Vault.
3. Ensure the AVG 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 AVG Secure Browser protect me against DNS leaks?

Yes. AVG 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. Open AVG Secure Browser 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 AVG Secure Browser?

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

• Troubleshooting common issues with AVG Secure Browser
• Troubleshooting common issues with AVG Secure Browser
• Troubleshooting common issues with AVG Secure Browser

How do I uninstall AVG Secure Browser?

For detailed uninstallation instructions, refer to the following article:

• Uninstalling AVG Secure Browser
• Uninstalling AVG Secure Browser
• Uninstalling AVG Secure Browser

How can I report an issue with AVG Secure Browser?

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

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

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

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