Home Ubuntu How to clean uninstall and reinstall Firefox in Ubuntu

How to clean uninstall and reinstall Firefox in Ubuntu

by Hend Adel
Published: Last Updated on
FireFox

Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source, internet-browser packaged in the default Ubuntu installation. If your Linux system lacks the Firefox browser for any reason, we’ll help you install the latest Firefox version.

Moreover, we’ll show you how to install the latest Firefox Beta version to stay updated on the developments going on in the dev community. Also, if you haven’t liked your installed Firefox or whatever your reasons, we’ll help you uninstall it smoothly.

FireFox Browser

FireFox Browser

This article will cover two methods of installing Mozilla Firefox. The first method is to install a stable, stable version. The second method is to install a beta version still under testing and not suitable for production machines. We’ll also cover how to uninstall Mozilla Firefox just in case you need to remove it.

Method 1: Install a Stable Mozilla Firefox Version

If you need to install a stable and the most updated Mozilla Firefox version, then follow the below steps.

Step 1. First, ensure that your Ubuntu system is up-to-date using the following command.

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

Step 2. To install a stable version from Mozilla Firefox.

sudo apt install firefox
Download and Install Firefox

Download and Install Firefox

Step 3. Check Mozilla Firefox version, after it had been installed.

firefox --version
Stable Firefox Version

Stable Firefox Version

Method 2: Install a Mozilla Firefox Beta Version

If you need to test the new beta version of Mozilla Firefox, follow the following steps. It’s highly recommended to be careful while using this beta version of Mozilla Firefox, which is still in the testing phase so that it can crash anytime.

Step 1. Add the official Mozilla Firefox beta PPA to your Ubuntu system.

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:mozillateam/firefox-next
Add Repository for Firefox Beta

Add Repository for Firefox Beta

Step 2. Update your Ubuntu repository.

sudo apt-get update
Update System Repository

Update System Repository

Step 3. Upgrade your Ubuntu repository.

sudo apt-get upgrade
Upgrade your System

Upgrade your System

As you can see in the previous screenshot, the Mozilla Firefox application will be added to your repository.

Step 4. Now download and install the Mozilla Firefox application.

sudo apt install firefox

Step 5. Next, you can check the current installed Mozilla Firefox version.

firefox --version

Current Firefox Version

As you can see in the previous screenshot, the current version is the beta one.

Uninstall Mozilla Firefox From Your Ubuntu

Let’s consider uninstalling the current Mozilla Firefox application. To do so, follow the next steps to remove Mozilla Firefox from your Ubuntu system.

Step 1. To remove the Mozilla Firefox application along with any other configurations.

sudo apt-get purge firefox
Purge Firefox Completely

Purge Firefox Completely

After the purge process completes successfully, you will get something like that:

After Purging Firefox

After Purging Firefox

Step 2. To remove the created Mozilla Firefox folder, which is located in “/etc/firefox” that contains the Firefox users profiles.

sudo rm -Rf /etc/firefox/
Completely Remove Firefox Users Profiles

Altogether Remove Firefox Users Profiles

Step 3. To remove the Mozilla Firefox, downloaded Add-ons, which is located in “/usr/lib/.” The next command should remove two directories.

sudo rm -Rf /usr/lib/firefox*
Completely Remove Firefox Installed Addons

Remove Firefox Installed Add-ons

Conclusion

That’s all about complete uninstallation as well as installing Mozilla Firefox on your Ubuntu PC. You’ve also learned how to install a developing beta version so you can look at what’s in store for the upcoming Firefox browser.

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3 comments

Lawrence June 26, 2020 - 9:00 AM

I have followed all instructions to remove firefox, but even then when I type firefox in a terminal window, it still pops up.

Reply
Vasiliy November 23, 2021 - 2:01 AM

I used your instructions.
Everything is short and simple.
Many thanks.

Reply
Eddie December 15, 2022 - 6:42 AM

This needs to include the removal of firefox files from a user’s login.

Reply

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