Keeping the latest version of Firefox ensures you have the latest security patches, new features, and performance improvements. Updating Firefox protects your sensitive information and online data from cyber threats.
This post explains how to update Firefox on different devices including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. It gives you a guide to set up automatic updates to avoid forgetting to update manually.
How to Update Firefox?
Firefox updates automatically by default, but you may close this feature to avoid data leaking. So you can learn to check and update manually, there are some steps for different operating systems below:
Update Firefox on Windows
- Open Firefox on your computer.
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
- Click “Help” in the pop-up window and choose “About Firefox”.
- Your Firefox will check for updates automatically.
- If your Firefox is the latest version, you will see “Firefox is up to date” with a green checkmark. If not, it will start downloading the latest version, then click “Restart to Update Firefox” when it is downloaded.
Update Firefox on Mac
The first way:
- Open the Firefox browser in your Dock.
- Click the Firefox menu icon next to the Apple logo and select “About Firefox”.
- Firefox will automatically check for updates and show you a new window.
- The available updated version will begin to download.
- Click “Restart to Update Firefox” to run the latest Firefox.
The second way:
If you cannot run the first way, follow these steps:
- Uninstall the Firefox and go to the Firefox official website.
- Click “Download Now” to get the latest version.
- It will be downloaded in the “Downloaded File”, open it and find the Firefox .dmg file.
- Double-click and install it. Then drag the Firefox icon into the Applications folder.
- Open the new Firefox and follow the steps of the First Way to check whether it’s the latest version.
Update Firefox on Linux
It is a little complicated to update Firefox on Linux, Linux distributions manage Firefox updates through system package managers. We need to operate some codes:
- Run “sudo apt update” to update your sources list.
- Then run “sudo apt upgrade” to update the packages that are available in the source list “/etc/apt/sources.list/”.
- When you run this command, a pop-up window will appear for you to confirm, and you must enter “Y” at the prompt to approve the progress.
Alternatively, you can update Firefox using your distribution’s Software Center.
Update Firefox on Android
The first way:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Click your profile icon at the top right corner and select “Manage apps & device”.
- Check the “Updates available” list and find Firefox.
- If an update is available, tap “Update”.
- Wait for the update, then open Firefox.
The second way:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android.
- Search “Firefox” in the text bar and select it from the results.
- If it needs to be updated, you’ll see an “Update” button next to the Firefox icon.
- If you see an “Open” button, your Firefox is already up to date.
Update Firefox on iOS
The first way:
- Open the App Store on your device.
- Tap your profile icon and you will see an update list in a pop-up window.
- Scroll down to see available updates and tap the “Update” button next to the Firefox icon.
The second way:
- Open the App Store on your device.
- Text “Firefox” in the search bar and choose it from the results.
- If it needs to be updated, tap the “Update” button next to the Firefox icon. If not, you will see the “Open” icon next to Firefox.
Enhance Security with LightningX VPN
Updating Firefox can fix bugs and improve your device security, but protecting your online privacy is important too. Using a VPN is a great way to do it.
LightningX VPN is a highly secure and fast VPN that encrypts your Internet traffic with advanced protocols and a strict no-log policy. It offers more than 2,000 servers in more than 50 countries. You can connect to a fast server as you like to bypass geo-restrictions.
It’s the best Firefox VPN, it integrates with Firefox VPN seamlessly, providing an extra layer of protection when browsing online. Plus, it supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, tvOS, Android TV, and Linux.
How Do You Set Up Automatic Updates for Firefox?
Sometimes you may also forget to check the version information of Firefox manually often, we also provide you a way to set up automatic updates.
Set up it on Windows/Mac/Linux:
- Open Firefox, click the menu button, and select “Settings”.
- Scroll down and find the “General” section.
- Click “Firefox Updates” and choose “Automatically install updates”.
- Open it and then restart Firefox to apply changes.
Set up it on Android:
- Open the Google Play Store and search for “Firefox”.
- Tap the Firefox app and the menu icon in the top-right corner.
- Check “Enable auto-update”.
Set up it on iOS:
- Open “Settings” on your devices.
- Click “App Store” and toggle “App Updates” to enable automatic updates for all apps, including Firefox.
What Are the Consequences of Not Updating Firefox on Time?
If you don’t update Firefox on time, there may be some potential issues:
Security risk: Older versions may have unpatched vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. You will miss security enhancements.
Compatibility issues: Older versions lead some websites and extensions to stop working. Your web technologies may not function properly.
Data loss risk: The websites or extensions crash because of the older versions, and some important data or bookmarks may be lost.
Bottom Line
Regularly updating Firefox is crucial because it ensures you get the best security, performance, and browsing experience. No matter what kind of device you are using, this guide can be helpful. Hopefully, this post can help you a lot.
