How to Install Firefox Extensions

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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Firefox to Install Extensions Automatically

  1. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 1
    1
    Open Firefox. This can be accessed from Start > All Apps (or All Programs) > Firefox on Windows and Applications > Firefox on OSX.
  2. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 2
    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.
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  3. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 3
    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. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 4
    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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Drag/Drop to Install XPI Files

  1. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 5
    1
    Open Firefox. This can be accessed from Start > All Apps (or All Programs) > Firefox on Windows and Applications > Firefox on OSX.
  2. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 6
    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.
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    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.
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    4
    Verify Installation. Press “Install” in the notification and restart Firefox if necessary.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Installing Extensions Manually from an XPI File

  1. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 9
    1
    Open Firefox. This can be accessed from Start > All Apps (or All Programs) > Firefox on Windows and Applications > Firefox on OSX.
  2. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 10
    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. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 11
    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. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 12
    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.
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    5
    Select “Install Add-on from File…” from the menu. This will bring up a file explorer window.
  6. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 14
    6
    Browse to the .xpi file and press Open. A notification will appear to the left of the address bar that an external source wants to install an add on.
  7. Image titled Install Firefox Extensions Step 15
    7
    Verify installation. Press “Install” in the notification and restart Firefox if necessary.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What files do I need for Firefox on Mac?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    To download the Firefox browser, you only need 1 file. On your computer, go to your default browser (all computers have a default browser). And search Firefox download - when the file is finished downloading, you will now be able to use Firefox. Every add-on is 1 file within the Firefox browser.
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Warnings

  • 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.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Use caution when installing unverified add-ons. The in-browser add-ons page is the most trusted source.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/find-and-install-add-ons-add-features-to-firefox
  2. https://accessfirefox.org/Install_Addon_Manually.php

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 118,757 times.
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Co-authors: 17
Updated: November 18, 2021
Views: 118,757
Categories: Firefox
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