How to uninstall Firefox on Mac

This guide explains how to completely remove Firefox from your Mac, including all associated files. Using a dedicated uninstaller is recommended to avoid leaving behind lingering data.

Why Uninstall Firefox?

Many Mac users choose to uninstall Firefox due to infrequent use, subpar mobile syncing compared to Chrome or Safari, a smaller selection of extensions, compatibility issues with certain web apps, a less modern interface, occasional bugs, or simply a preference for other browsers.

Methods for Uninstalling Firefox:

Method 1: Using CleanMyMac X (Recommended)

CleanMyMac X is a powerful optimization tool that simplifies app removal. It automatically detects and deletes the Firefox application and all related files, including caches, preferences, and extensions.

1. Install and launch CleanMyMac X.
2. Select "Uninstaller" from the sidebar.
3. Choose Firefox from the app list.
4. Click "Uninstall."

Method 2: Manual Removal (Not Recommended)

Manual removal is more complex and risks leaving behind support files.

1. Quit Firefox (use Command Q if it's open).
2. Navigate to Finder > Applications.
3. Right-click Firefox and select "Move to Trash."
4. Empty the Trash.

Method 3: Using Terminal (Advanced Users)

This method offers precise control but requires command-line familiarity.

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities).
2. Enter mv /Applications/Firefox.app ~/.Trash/ and press Return. (This moves the app to the Trash; using rm is less safe).
3. Empty the Trash.

Regardless of the method used, manually deleting remaining Firefox files from the Library folder is crucial for complete removal:

1. Press Shift Command G to open "Go to Folder."
2. Enter ~/Library/Application Support/ and press Return. Delete the Firefox folder.
3. Navigate back one level and delete the Firefox folder within the "Caches" folder.

Deleting Firefox Data:

Before uninstalling, clear your browsing history and cookies within Firefox:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Go to History > Clear Recent History.
3. Select "Everything" and check all boxes.
4. Click "Clear."

Resetting Firefox (Alternative to Reinstallation):

Instead of deleting and reinstalling, CleanMyMac X allows you to reset Firefox to its default settings. This is done through the CleanMyMac X Uninstaller, selecting "Reset" instead of "Uninstall."

Conclusion:

While simply moving Firefox to the Trash seems easy, using CleanMyMac X ensures a complete and thorough uninstallation, saving you the hassle of manually tracking down and deleting support files. Consider using QuitAll (a Setapp app) for quickly quitting multiple applications. Both CleanMyMac X and QuitAll are available via a Setapp trial.

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