Unable to install add-ons (extensions or themes)
Revision Information
- Revision id: 86245
- Created:
- Creator: Tonnes
- Comment: remove period after (close)optionspreferences template
- Reviewed: Yes
- Reviewed:
- Reviewed by: ideato
- Is approved? Yes
- Is current revision? No
- Ready for localization: No
Revision Source
Revision Content
An inability to install an extension can be the result of problems with the extension, Firefox preferences, or the version of Firefox you are using. This article describes various causes of install problems and what you can do to address them.
Table of Contents
- 1 Add-on is not compatible
- 2 Add-on is blocked
- 3 Software installation disabled
- 4 Firefox prevented the site from asking you to install software
- 5 You are asked to download the add-on, rather than installing it
- 6 Invalid file hash (possible download corruption) -261
- 7 Download Error -228
- 8 Nothing happens when you click the install link
- 9 Corrupt extension files
- 10 Conflict with other extensions
Add-on is not compatible
An internal file in each add-on indicates the range Firefox versions with which the extension is compatible. In the Firefox Add-ons area of Mozilla, you can review version compatibility information on the page for each available extension.
If your installed version of Firefox does not fit within that range, installing the add-on results in an error, indicating that the add-on is not compatible. If your version of Firefox is incompatible with the add-on, you can:
- Upgrade to the latest version of Firefox. For more information, see Update Firefox to the latest release.
- Find a version of the add-on that is compatible with your version of Firefox. The Firefox Add-ons website usually has the most up to date version of each add-on.
- Use a different extension. For many extensions, there are similar extensions that provide the same functionality. For more information, see Firefox Add-ons.
Add-on is blocked
Certain add-ons have been blocklisted by Mozilla for being unsafe. For more information, see Add-ons that cause stability or security issues are put on a blocklist.
Software installation disabled
It is possible to disable all installation of software, including add-ons, through Firefox. To check to see if software installation has been disabled:
- Type about:config in the address bar and press EnterReturn.
A warning page may appear. Click to go to the about:config page. - In the FilterSearch textbox, enter xpinstall.enabled.
- The value of xpinstall.enabled should be set to true. If this value is currently set to false, then software installation is disabled.
- To set the value to true, right-clickhold down the Ctrl key while you click the property name, and select .
- Try to re-install the extension.
Firefox prevented the site from asking you to install software
By default, Firefox permits you to install add-ons only from trusted websites. If the website from which you are installing add-on is not on the trusted websites list, a yellow bar appears across the top of the web page with a message similar to the following:
To allow the site, click
in the yellow bar.To add the site to the trusted sites list:
- In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click and then select or , depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button and select .
- Select the panel.
- At the right of Warn me when sites try to install add-ons, click .
- In the Allowed Sites - Add-ons Installation dialog, the list of permitted sites is displayed. The current site URL is inserted into the text field.
- To allow the site, click . Then, click .
- Close the page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.
You are asked to download the add-on, rather than installing it
Some websites serve add-ons as downloads, requiring you to download the file to your computer, before installing it.
- Download the file to your local computer.
- Click the menu button , click and select .
- To add the downloaded add-on to the list of available add-ons, drag and drop the file into the Add-ons window. The Add-on is added to the list.
- The installation process should begin.
Invalid file hash (possible download corruption) -261
This error message may be caused when you have Firefox set not to allow third-party cookies. To prevent this error, you need to temporarily enable third-party cookies.
- In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click and then select or , depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button and select .
Select the
panel and go to the History section.- In the drop-down menu next to Firefox will, choose .
- Make sure Accept cookies from sites is check marked.
- Make sure Accept third party cookies is check marked.
- Disabling third party cookies can cause problems with some websites. Enable this setting to rule it out as a cause for your problem.
- Click .
- Make sure the site you're trying to access isn't listed.
- If it is listed, click on its entry, then click .
- Close the page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.
- In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click and then select or , depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button and select .
Select the
panel and go to the History section.- In the drop-down menu next to Firefox will, choose .
- Make sure Accept cookies from sites is check marked.
- Make sure Accept third party cookies is set to Always.
- Disabling third party cookies can cause problems with some websites. Always accept third party cookies to rule it out as a cause for your problem.
- Click .
- Make sure the site you're trying to access isn't listed.
- If it is listed, click on its entry, then click .
- Close the page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.
Download Error -228
Disabled cache
This error message may be caused when the Firefox cache is disabled. To re-enable the Firefox cache:
- In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click and then select or , depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button and select .
- Select the icon.
- Click on the tab.
- In the Cache section, the size of the cache must be at least 1 MB.
- Close the page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.
Other software
Sometimes, firewalls or spyware screeners may cause the Download Error -228 message. If you use the CA firewall, Windows Defender, or the resident option of Spybot S&D ("Teatimer" feature), you should temporarily disable the software to see if your system permits the add-on to install. For more information, see the documentation that came with your software.
Nothing happens when you click the install link
If you click an install link and nothing happens, you should verify that JavaScript is enabled. For more information, see JavaScript settings and preferences for interactive web pages.
Corrupt extension files
Corrupt extension configuration files can cause problems when trying to install an extension. Deleting these files will make Firefox recreate them (removing any corruption) the next time it starts. You won't lose your extensions or their settings by deleting these files.
-
Open your profile folder:
- Click the menu button , click and select .From the The Troubleshooting Information tab will open. menu, select .
- Under the Application Basics section next to Profile FolderDirectory, click . A window will open that contains your profile folder.Your profile folder will open.
Note: If you are unable to open or use Firefox, follow the instructions in Finding your profile without opening Firefox. - Click the Firefox menu and select .Click the Firefox menu at the top of the screen and select .Click the Firefox menu and select .
- Delete the following files:
- extensions.sqlite
- extensions.sqlite-journal (if found)
- extensions.ini
- Restart Firefox.
-
Open your profile folder:
- Click the menu button , click and select .From the The Troubleshooting Information tab will open. menu, select .
- Under the Application Basics section next to Profile FolderDirectory, click . A window will open that contains your profile folder.Your profile folder will open.
Note: If you are unable to open or use Firefox, follow the instructions in Finding your profile without opening Firefox. - Click the Firefox menu and select .Click the Firefox menu at the top of the screen and select .Click the Firefox menu and select .
- Delete the following files:
- extensions.sqlite
- extensions.sqlite-journal (if found)
- extensions.ini
- extensions.json
- Restart Firefox.
Conflict with other extensions
Another installed extension may interfere with the installation of new extensions. Install the new extension in Firefox Safe Mode as a workaround.
Based on information from Unable to install themes or extensions - Firefox (mozillaZine KB)