How to download and install Firefox on Mac

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This article explains how to download and install Firefox on a Mac.

Note: This article only applies to Mac. For instructions to install Firefox on Windows, see How to install Firefox on Windows.For instructions to install Firefox on Linux, see Install Firefox on Linux.
Make sure your Mac meets the System Requirements for Firefox.

If you use an old version of OS X, see these articles for more information:

Note: Firefox version 83 and higher support both Intel-based Macs (x86 architecture) and Apple devices with the new ARM-based CPU (Apple Silicon). Firefox 83 runs on new Apple Silicon devices by way of Apple's Rosetta 2 emulation software and thus performance speeds may suffer. Firefox 84 and higher versions will run natively (not under emulation).

Installing Firefox on Mac

To download and install Firefox:

  1. Visit the Firefox download page in any browser (for example, Safari). It will automatically detect the platform and language on your computer and recommend the best version of Firefox for you.
  2. Click Download Firefox.
  3. After completing the download, the file (Firefox.dmg) may open by itself and pop open a Finder window containing the Firefox application. Drag the Firefox icon on top of the Applications folder in order to copy it there.
    Install Firefox on Mac 1
    Note: If you do not see this window, open the Firefox.dmg file that you downloaded.
  4. After dragging Firefox to the Applications folder, hold down the control key while clicking in the window and select Eject "Firefox" from the menu.
    Install Firefox on Mac 2
Complete the steps above before running Firefox. Do not run Firefox directly from the Firefox.dmg file or drag the icon directly to your desktop to install, as this can result in issues such as lost data and settings.

Tip: You can add Firefox to your dock for easy access. Just open your Applications folder and drag Firefox to the dock.

Dragging Firefox to Dock

Firefox is now ready for use. Just click on its icon in the dock or Applications folder to start it.

Starting Firefox for the first time

When you first start up Firefox, you will be warned that you downloaded Firefox from the Internet. Because you download Firefox from the official site, click Open.

Firefox Downloaded Security Check Mac 10.15

Upon installation, Firefox will not be your default browser, which you'll be notified about. That means, when you open a link in your mail application, an Internet shortcut, or HTML document, it will not open in Firefox. If you want Firefox to do those things, click Use Firefox as my default browser. If you're just trying out Firefox or simply do not wish to set Firefox as your default browser, click Not now.

Firefox 72 as Default Browser Mac