Install Firefox Extensions

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Add-ons and extensions are a great way to customize your web browsing experience on Firefox. They can be powerful tools that change the way Firefox looks, performs, or functions. Firefox has an in-browser interface for add-ons making the installation quick and easy. For users who want extensions not offered in that interface, there are manual installation options as well.

Steps

Using Firefox to Install Extensions Automatically

  1. Open Firefox. This can be accessed from Start > All Apps (or All Programs) > Firefox on Windows and Applications > Firefox on OSX.
  2. Access the Add-ons interface. Go to Settings (☰) > Add-ons. This page will display any installed extensions. From here you can update, remove, or search for new extensions and add-ons.
    • This page can also be accessed by typing “about:addons” into the address bar.
  3. Search for add-ons. Select "Get Add-ons" if it is not selected by default. Select the search bar and enter your desired extension.
  4. Press the “Install” button next to your desired extension. Firefox will automatically download and install the add-on/extension. Firefox will also notify you if a restart is required to use your new extension.
    • An icon for your newly installed add-on will appear in the toolbar on the right. This is often a quick way to access that extension’s settings.

Using Drag/Drop to Install XPI Files

  1. Open Firefox. This can be accessed from Start > All Apps (or All Programs) > Firefox on Windows and Applications > Firefox on OSX.
  2. Search the internet for Firefox extensions. Some Firefox add-ons can be acquired outside of the built-in add-on interface. Navigate to the website that hosts your desired extension file and download it. Firefox extension files use the .xpi filetype (cross-platform installer).
    • XPI files can be acquired from external installation links by right-clicking and selecting “Save Link As…” if you prefer to install manually or want installers for archiving purposes.
    • Firefox uses the desktop as the default download destination.
  3. Drag and drop XPI file in Firefox window. A notification will appears to the left of the address bar that an external source wants to install an add-on.
  4. Verify Installation. Press “Install” in the notification and restart Firefox if necessary.

Installing Extensions Manually from an XPI File

  1. Open Firefox. This can be accessed from Start > All Apps (or All Programs) > Firefox on Windows and Applications > Firefox on OSX.
  2. Search the internet for Firefox extensions. Some Firefox add-ons can be acquired outside of the built-in add-on interface. Navigate to the website that hosts your desired extension file and download it. Firefox extension files use the .xpi filetype (cross-platform installer).
    • XPI files can be acquired from external installation links by right-clicking and selecting “Save Link As…” if you prefer to install manually or want installers for archiving purposes.
  3. Access the Add-ons interface. Go to Settings (☰) > Add-ons. This page will display any installed extensions. From here you can update, remove, or search for new extensions and add-ons.
    • This page can also be accessed by typing “about:addons” into the address bar.
  4. Access the add-ons interface controls. From the add-ons interface, press Settings (gear icon) next to the add-on search bar. This will open a menu of add-on specific controls.
  5. Select “Install Add-on from File…” from the menu. This will bring up a file explorer window.
  6. Browse to the .xpi file and press Open. A notification will appears to the left of the address bar that an external source wants to install an add on.
  7. Verify Installation. Press “Install” in the notification and restart Firefox if necessary.

Video

Tips

  • If extensions still cannot be installed: Type "about:config" into the address bar and hit enter. This produces a list of all the many preferences. Then, scroll down to "xpinstall.enabled." Under "Value" on the right side of the page, make sure the value is "true." If it is false, double-click and it will change to true. Leave the page by clicking a new tab or going to your homepage.

Warnings

  • Use caution when installing unverified add-ons. The in-browser add-ons page is the most trusted source.
  • Obsolete add-ons are disabled by default. They can be re-enabled on the add-ons page, but enabling them may cause performance or stability issues.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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