How to download and install Firefox on Mac

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This article explains how to download and install Firefox on macOS. Before you download Firefox, you can review the system requirements.

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.

Download and install Firefox on Mac

To download and install Firefox on Mac:

  1. Visit the Firefox download page in any browser (for example, Safari). It will automatically detect the platform and language on your device and recommend the best version of Firefox for you.
  2. Click Download Firefox.
    Note: If you want to select a different language for your Firefox installation, click the Download options and other languages link instead.
  3. After completing the download, the file (Firefox.dmg) may open a Finder window containing the Firefox application. Drag the Firefox icon to the Applications folder.
    Note: If you don't see this window, open the Firefox.dmg file you downloaded.
    Install Firefox on Mac 1
  4. Hold down the control key while clicking in the window and select Eject "Firefox" from the menu.
    Install Firefox on Mac 2
  5. To add Firefox to your dock, open your Applications folder and drag Firefox to the dock.
    Dragging Firefox to Dock

Firefox is now ready for use. Click the Firefox icon in the dock or Applications folder to open the browser.

Complete the steps above before running Firefox. Do not open 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.

Open Firefox for the first time

When you open Firefox for the first time:

  1. Click Open in the prompt "You downloaded Firefox from the internet. Are you sure you want to open it?".
    Firefox Downloaded Security Check Mac 10.15
  2. If you want to set Firefox as your default browser, click Use Firefox as my default browser. If you don't want to set Firefox as your default browser, click Not now. Your selected default browser is automatically used when opening a web page or link from a different application.
    Firefox 72 as Default Browser Mac

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