Installing Firefox on Mac gives you a privacy focused, open source browser with strong tracking protection and a customizable interface. This guide walks you through each step so you can get started quickly and securely.
Firefox syncs your tabs, passwords, and preferences across devices, and its rich extension library supports a productive workflow on macOS.
| Download Source | File Type | System Requirement | Installation Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozilla Official Website | DMG | macOS 11.0 or later | Drag to Applications |
| Homebrew | Package | Command line access | Terminal command |
| Enterprise or third party mirror | PKG or DMG | Verify checksum | Follow provider instructions |
| App Store (limited) | PKG via MAS | Mac with App Store | Install from App Store |
Download Firefox for Mac
Find the official installer
Navigate to the Mozilla Firefox download page on your Mac web browser and locate the macOS button. The page detects your system and offers the DMG file, which works on most Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Install Firefox on Mac
Open the DMG and copy to Applications
After downloading, open the DMG, drag the Firefox icon into the Applications folder shortcut, and wait for the copy to finish. macOS may display a confirmation dialog, which you can accept to complete the copy.
Configure Security Settings
Allow apps from identified developers
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and set the Allow apps download section to Anywhere if it is not already selected. If a warning appears, choose Open Anyway to launch Firefox, then resecure the setting if preferred.
Firefox Features and Sync
Sign in to sync tabs, history, and passwords
Launch Firefox from your Applications folder, create or sign into a Mozilla account, and enable Sync to save bookmarks, open tabs, and passwords across your Mac, iPhone, and Android devices.
Final Steps for Using Firefox on Mac
- Download the official DMG from Mozilla and verify the checksum
- Drag Firefox into the Applications folder and open it
- Adjust System Settings > Privacy & Security if needed for first launch
- Sign in with a Mozilla account to enable Sync across devices
- Set Firefox as your default browser if you want it to handle all links
- Install useful extensions from the Firefox Add-ons store
- Keep Firefox updated through the built-in update mechanism or your package manager
FAQ
Reader questions
Will installing Firefox on Mac replace my default browser?
No, installing Firefox does not change your default browser. You must manually set Firefox as default in System Settings > General > Default web browser.
Can I install Firefox using Homebrew on Mac?
Yes, you can install and update Firefox on Mac with Homebrew using the command brew install --cask firefox in Terminal.
What should I do if macOS blocks Firefox from opening?
If macOS prevents Firefox from opening, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, find Firefox under Allow apps, and click Open Anyway.
Can I run Firefox alongside another browser on macOS?
Yes, you can run Firefox alongside Safari, Chrome, or any other browser on Mac without conflicts. Each browser maintains its own profile and data unless you use sync.