VPS Login Help for Firefox Users (macOS)

Some macOS Firefox settings can block the login cookies required for the Vatican Philatelic Society member pages. This guide explains how to fix the issue and restore normal login behavior.

Step 1 — Make Sure You Are Using HTTPS

Firefox will not accept secure login cookies if you visit the site using http://. You must use the secure version of the site:

Open Secure VPS Website

If you see http:// anywhere in the address bar, change it to https://.

Step 2 — Turn Off Strict Tracking Protection

macOS Firefox has the strictest privacy settings of any browser. Strict mode blocks:

To fix this:

Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection

Choose:

Standard

NOT:

Strict
Custom
Private Browsing Mode

Step 3 — Turn Off “Delete Cookies on Close”

If Firefox is set to delete cookies when it closes, it may also block new cookies. This causes the exact failure your diagnostic page detected:

FAIL — Your browser is blocking VPS login cookies.

To fix this:

Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data

Make sure Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed is OFF.

Step 4 — Turn Off “Block All Cookies”

macOS Firefox sometimes enables aggressive cookie blocking. Check this setting:

Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data

Make sure it is NOT set to:

Step 5 — Exit Private Browsing Mode

Firefox Private Browsing blocks persistent cookies but still allows sessions. This produces the exact pattern your diagnostic page showed:

Cookies FAIL
Sessions PASS

To fix this:

Close all Private Browsing windows (they have a purple mask icon).

Step 6 — Make Sure the Domain Matches Exactly

Firefox is extremely strict about cookie domains. Your login cookies only work on:

https://vaticanstamps.org

They will not work on:

Step 7 — Run the VPS Diagnostic Test

After adjusting Firefox settings, run the diagnostic test again:

Run VPS Diagnostic Test

Step 8 — Send Results to the VPS Website Team

If you still cannot log in, please send the diagnostic results to the VPS Website Team. Include your phone number so we can assist you quickly.

Contact VPS Website Team

Thank you for helping us keep the VPS website running smoothly.