Find and install add-ons to add features to Firefox

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Add-ons are like apps that you install to add bells & whistles to Firefox. You can get add-ons that compare prices, check the weather, change the look of Firefox, listen to music, or even update your Facebook profile. This article covers the different types of add-ons available and how to find and install them.

What types of add-ons can I install?

There are three general types of add-ons:

  • Extensions
    Extensions add new features to Firefox, or modify existing ones. There are extensions that allow you to block advertisements, download videos from websites, integrate Firefox with websites like Facebook or Twitter, and add features you see in other browsers.
  • AppearanceThemes
    There are two types of appearance add-ons — themes, which changes the look of buttons and menus and Personas, which decorate the menu bar and tab strip with a background image.
  • Plugins
    Plugins let you add the ability for Firefox to play all kinds of Internet content. These usually include patented formats like Flash, Quicktime and Silverlight that are used for video, audio, online games, presentations, and more. Plugins are created and distributed by other companies.

To view which add-ons you have installed:

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button (Tools menu in Windows XP), and then click Add-onsOn the menu bar, click on the Tools menu, and then click Add-onsAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu, and then click Add-ons. The Add-ons Manager tab will openAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu, and select Add-onsOn the menu bar, click on the Tools menu, and select Add-onsAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu, and select Add-ons. The Add-ons window will open.
  2. Select the Extensions, AppearanceThemes or Plugins panels.

How do I find and install add-ons?

Here is an overview to get you started:

  1. Click the menu button Fx89menuButton, click Add-ons and themes and select Get Add-ons.
  2. To see more information on the Featured Add-ons or Personas, just click on one of them. You can then click the green Add to Firefox button to install it.To install a recommended add-on, just click the Add to Firefox... button.
    • You can also search for specific add-ons by using the search box at the top. You can then install any add-ons you find with the InstallAdd to Firefox... button.Add-ons Win1Add-ons Mac1Add-ons Lin1Add-ons Win2Add-ons Mac2Add-ons Lin2
  3. Firefox will then download the requested add-on and may ask you to confirm that you want to install it.
  4. Click the Restart Now button that may pop up. Your tabs will be saved and restored after the restart.

For some extensions, there will be an icon of the extension in the Add-on bar after installation, depending on how the developer made it available. For more information, see The Add-on Bar gives you quick access to add-on features.

If you want to uninstall an add-on, see Disable or remove Add-ons.

Troubleshooting add-ons

For information on troubleshooting problems with extensions, plugins, or themes, see the articles below.

Problems with installing or uninstalling add-ons

Disabled or blocklisted add-ons

Problems caused by add-ons