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Firefox uses all my Internet data

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 8 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

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I am staying in SA. Internet is very slow and limited. I receive 2GB of data for the whole month. Now, MFF is using 53MB in 2 hours. MFF is not updating, the add-ons is not updating, I am not able to open any websites, (gmail takes forever and then gives up - I am not watching a video/podcast), but the data usage is sky-high. It is not another programme (e.g. windows updates/adobe) as the moment I close MFF the high data usage stops.

I did not disable add-ons,because if I I do not have access to the add-ons, I can as well switch to Chrome. The reason I am using MFF, is because I am used to the add-ons.

Where and how do I stop this? This is now happening for a week - so if it is updates then I should have been able to see that add-ons, or MFF updated.

I am staying in SA. Internet is very slow and limited. I receive 2GB of data for the whole month. Now, MFF is using 53MB in 2 hours. MFF is not updating, the add-ons is not updating, I am not able to open any websites, (gmail takes forever and then gives up - I am not watching a video/podcast), but the data usage is sky-high. It is not another programme (e.g. windows updates/adobe) as the moment I close MFF the high data usage stops. I did not disable add-ons,because if I I do not have access to the add-ons, I can as well switch to Chrome. The reason I am using MFF, is because I am used to the add-ons. Where and how do I stop this? This is now happening for a week - so if it is updates then I should have been able to see that add-ons, or MFF updated.

All Replies (2)

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Hi LorraineJoubert,

I understand from your message, that you are experiencing a high data usage when using your Firefox.

I see on your system details that you have a long list of add-ons installed, and as you mentioned, there is a possibility that one of them is causing this problem.

I also understand that the add-ons are a functionality that you wish to keep.

Please attempt to run your Firefox in Safe Mode, which temporarily disables add-ons and other features. If the data usage returns to normal, then it is likely that one of the add-ons installed on your Firefox is causing the high data usage.

In that case, you should re-enable your add-ons, one at a time, to find out which one is using up so much bandwidth. From there, you can decide if you truly need that specific add-on, or if there is a better alternative.

Please let us know if this solves your problem, or if you have any other questions.

Thanks!!

- Ralph

Modified by Ralph Daub

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Note that Firefox may be updating the phishing protection database.

Also make sure that the disk cache is enabled and working properly, check that on the about:cache page.


It is possible that your security software (firewall, anti-virus) blocks or restricts Firefox or the plugin-container process without informing you, possibly after detecting changes (update) to the Firefox program.

Remove all rules for Firefox and the plugin-container from the permissions list in the firewall and let your firewall ask again for permission to get full unrestricted access to internet for Firefox and the plugin-container process and the updater process.

See: