How to Update Firefox on Any Device (and Fix Failed Updates)

Firefox normally keeps itself up to date without asking. But if you rarely restart it, or something has blocked updates, you can end up several versions behind and missing security fixes. The good news is that forcing an update takes about a minute, and nothing you've saved is touched. Here's how on every device, and what to do when an update fails.

Update Firefox on Windows or Mac

1. Click the menu button, the three horizontal lines at the top right.
2. Choose Help, then About Firefox. On a Mac you can also open the Firefox menu in the menu bar and choose About Firefox.
3. A small window opens and Firefox checks for updates. If there's one, it downloads straight away.
4. Click Restart to update Firefox.

Mozilla says the update takes effect once Firefox restarts. Your windows and tabs usually come back, but save anything you're typing in a web form first.

Check which version you have

The same About Firefox window shows your version number. If it says Firefox is up to date, there's nothing to do, and you can close the window and carry on browsing as normal. Just opening that window is enough to start a check, so it's a good habit to glance at it now and then.

Update Firefox on phones

Device	How to update
Android	Google Play Store, search Firefox, tap Update
iPhone or iPad	App Store, tap your profile picture, find Firefox in the updates list
Windows from the Microsoft Store	Microsoft Store, Library, Get updates
Linux	Your distribution's software updater or package manager

If you installed Firefox from the Microsoft Store rather than Mozilla's website, Mozilla notes that it updates through the Store, so the About Firefox window may not offer a Restart button. The same applies on Linux when Firefox came with your system.

When the update fails

If you see an update failed message, or the download sticks, Mozilla's fix is simple: download the latest installer from Mozilla's website, close Firefox, then run the installer. It installs over the top of your current version, and Mozilla says all of your data is preserved, including bookmarks, passwords and history.

• Close every Firefox window before running the installer, including any in the background.
• On Windows, make sure your account is allowed to install programs, or ask whoever manages the computer.
• Restart the computer if the installer says files are in use.
• Only download from Mozilla's own site, never from a pop-up that says your browser is out of date.

Updates blocked at work

On a work or school computer, IT can lock Firefox to a particular version so that business tools keep working. Mozilla mentions this specifically, so if your About Firefox window says updates are disabled by your administrator, that's why. Ask IT rather than trying to get round it, because a forced update can stop internal tools from working.

Turn on automatic updates

In Firefox's Settings, scroll the General panel to Firefox Updates. Choosing to install updates automatically means you'll get security fixes without thinking about it. Restart Firefox every few days, even if you love keeping tabs open, because updates often wait for that restart.

Why staying current matters

Each Firefox release patches security problems, and attackers look for people on older versions. Websites also start to break or show warnings on outdated browsers. Updating keeps you protected and keeps sites working, and it's one of the least effort security habits there is.

If you're also tidying up after a slow spell, my guide to whether CCleaner is safe explains why you rarely need a separate cleaner, because Firefox can clear its own cache from Settings.

Restart without losing your tabs

The one thing that puts people off updating is the restart, because they've got a window full of tabs. Firefox can bring them back. In Settings, on the General panel, tick Open previous windows and tabs under Startup, and every restart, including the one for an update, reopens what you had. If a restart ever does lose them, open the History menu and choose Restore previous session.

Should you try Firefox Beta or Nightly?

Mozilla offers early versions that get new features first. They're interesting if you like testing, but they change often and occasionally break things. Keep the normal release for everyday browsing and install a test version alongside it if you're curious.

What an update does to your add-ons

Most add-ons keep working after an update. Occasionally one stops because its maker hasn't caught up with the new version. If something you rely on breaks, open the menu, choose Add-ons and themes, and check for an update to that add-on. If there isn't one yet, switch it off for now rather than holding back the whole browser, because skipping Firefox updates to keep an add-on running leaves you exposed.

My verdict

Open the menu, then Help, then About Firefox, and click Restart to update Firefox when it appears. That's all most people need. If an update fails, reinstall from Mozilla's website, which keeps your data, and if it says updates are managed by an administrator, talk to IT. Comparing browsers? See my look at Brave.

Frequently asked questions

How do I update Firefox?

Open the menu, choose Help, then About Firefox, and click Restart to update Firefox.

Does Firefox update automatically?

In most cases, yes. Opening About Firefox also starts a check.

Will updating Firefox delete my bookmarks?

No. Bookmarks, passwords and history are kept.

How do I update Firefox on Android?

Update it from the Google Play Store.

What if the Firefox update fails?

Download the installer from Mozilla, close Firefox and run it. Your data is preserved.

Why can't I update Firefox at work?

IT may lock Firefox to a specific version.