By default, Firefox blocks media with sound from playing automatically. You can customize these settings to block all autoplay media, whether it's audio, video, or both, on websites. This guide shows you how to manage your autoplay preferences for a smoother, quieter browsing experience.

Always allow or block media autoplay

To always allow or block autoplay for all media with audio or video:

1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Settings (select Preferences on older macOS versions).Click the menu button and select Settings.
2. Select the Privacy & Security panel and go down to the Permissions section
   (or enter autoplay in the Find in Settings search box).

   

3. Click the Settings… button next to Autoplay.
4. Use the Default for all websites drop-down menu to select how you want Firefox to handle media autoplay for all websites.

   

   • Block Audio – Blocks autoplay for media with sound.
   • Block Audio and Video – Blocks all media from autoplaying, even if muted.
   • Allow Audio and Video – Allows all media to autoplay.
5. Click Save Changes.

The setting you select will apply to all media for all websites, except for specific autoplay site settings.

Site settings

When Firefox is actively blocking media on a website, you'll see a special icon in the address bar. Click that icon to open the Site Information drop-down panel, where you can change the Autoplay setting for that website.

Note: You can also change the Autoplay setting for a website from the Page Info window Permissions panel (uncheck Use Default under Autoplay and select a different setting).

Autoplay site settings list

Your autoplay settings list will show any website permissions you have set that do not follow your default settings. To view or manage autoplay site settings:

1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Settings (select Preferences on older macOS versions).Click the menu button and select Settings.
2. Select the Privacy & Security panel and go down to the Permissions section
   (or enter autoplay in the Find in Settings search box).

   

3. Find Autoplay and click the Settings… button.

   

   The Settings - Autoplay list will open.

Here’s what you can do:

• Use the Search Website field to find a specific site.
• Click the Website or Status headers to sort the list.
• Use the Status dropdown next to a site to change its permission.
  • If you change it back to your default setting, the site will be removed from the list after you save.
• To remove a site manually, select it and click Remove Website.
• Click Save Changes to confirm.

Related articles

• Fix common audio and video issues
• Audio and video files in Firefox
• Mute sound in Firefox tabs