Find and install add-ons to add features to Waterfox
Add-ons let you add bells and whistles to Waterfox. You can get add-ons that compare prices, check the weather, change the look of Waterfox, listen to music, or even update your Facebook profile. This article covers the different types of add-ons available and how to find and install them.
What types of add-ons can I install?
These general types of add-ons can be installed:
- Extensions Extensions add new features to Waterfox or modify existing ones. There are extensions that allow you to block advertisements, download videos from websites, integrate Waterfox with websites like Facebook or Twitter, and add features included in other browsers, such as translators.
- Themes Themes can decorate the menu bar and tab strip with a background image. Waterfox also includes built-in themes. For more information on built-in themes, see Built-in themes in Waterfox - alternative to complete themes.
- Plugins Waterfox automatically downloads and installs the Google Widevine CDM for watching Digital Rights Management (DRM) controlled content and an OpenH264 plugin for video calls.
- Dictionaries Waterfox can check your spelling, but not all locales come with a dictionary installed due to licensing reasons. You can find and install a dictionary for your language. (To change the language of the Waterfox user interface, see the article Use Waterfox in another language.)
- Search engines Waterfox comes with a number of search engines already installed. You can access them from the Search bar (if enabled) or directly from the address bar. If you want additional search engines, you can install them on the websites directly or from addons.mozilla.org.
Viewing and managing your installed add-ons
Search engines can be viewed and managed in the Search panel in Waterfox Options . For other add-ons:
- Click the menu button and choose Add-ons and Themes. The Add-ons Manager tab will open.
- Select the panel for the type of add-on you wish to view or manage, such as the Extensions or Themes panel.
For detailed information on disabling or removing add-ons, see Disable or remove Add-ons.
How do I find and install add-ons?
Here is an overview to get you started:
- Waterfox may offer personalized recommendations. Click the menu button , click Add-ons and Themes and select Recommendations.
- To install a recommended add-on, click the blue + Install Theme or + Add to Waterfox button, depending on the type of add-on.
At the bottom of the list of recommended add-ons, there’s also a Find more add-ons button you can click. It will take you to addons.mozilla.org where you can search for specific add-ons.
For advanced users: You can also install add-ons from a file. If you saved the installer file to your computer, (for example, an .xpi or .jar file) you can install the add-on using the gear icon in the upper-right area of the Add-on Manager Extensions panel. Select Install Add-on from file… from the menu, then find and select the file. Some extensions place a button in the toolbar after installation. You can remove those or move them into the menu if you want - see Customize Waterfox controls, buttons and toolbars.
Troubleshooting add-ons
For information on troubleshooting problems with extensions, plugins, or themes, see the articles below.
Problems with installing or uninstalling add-ons
Problems caused by add-ons
- Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Waterfox problems
- Troubleshoot Waterfox issues caused by malware
- Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Waterfox search or home page
- Re-enable add-ons that were disabled when updating Waterfox
- Add-ons that cause stability or security issues are put on a blocklist
- Add-on signing in Waterfox
Waterfox has overhauled the underlying technology for Waterfox add-ons. For more information, see Waterfox add-on technology is modernizing.
Modified from Find and install add-ons to add features to Firefox. Original by Mozilla Contributors. Licensed under the CC BY-SA 3.0.