Submit or Manage Extensions

Installing self-distributed extensions

You can make a self-distributed extension available as a web download that is installed automatically into desktop Firefox. To install self-distributed extensions downloaded in Firefox for Android or distributed in another way, you need to provide instructions for installing the extension from a file.

If you use self-distribution for a beta version of a listed extension, Firefox doesn’t automatically update the beta version when you sign a new beta version on AMO. For more information on delivering beta updates, see Distribute pre-release versions.

Automatic compatibility checks are performed for extensions installed from a file.

Preparing your add-on

To prepare your add-on for installation from file:

  1. Include an ID in the extension’s manifest.json file, replacing your-add-on-name@your-domain.com with a suitable ID for your add-on:
"browser_specific_settings": {
  "gecko": {
    "id": "your-add-on-name@your-domain.com"
  }
}

An email address style ID is recommended.

  1. Sign the add-on on addons.mozilla.org (AMO). Depending on how you want to make your add-on available, you can use either the unlisted (if you are distributing the add-on exclusively) or listed options. For more details, see Signing and distributing your add-on.

Install add-on from file on a computer

To install an add-on from file in desktop Firefox, send the user the signed add-on with these instructions:

  1. Save the add-on file on your computer.

  2. In Firefox, open Add-ons and themes.

  3. From the settings cog, open Install Add-on From File.

    Add-ons Manager setting cog

  4. Browse to and open the saved add-on file.

  5. When prompted, click Add.

    add add-on confirmation

  6. The add-on now appears in the Add-on Manager’s list of installed add-ons and is ready to use.

    add-on appears in add-ons manager

Install add-on from file on Android

To install an extension in Firefox for Android from file, make the extension available as a web download or send the user the signed extension and provide them with these instructions:

  1. Download or save the extension file to your device.

  2. In Firefox, open Settings, then About Firefox.

  3. Tap the Firefox logo five times in quick succession. This unlocks hidden menu items.

  4. Open Settings and then Install Extension from File.

  5. Browse to and open the saved extension file.

  6. When prompted, click Add.

  7. The extension appears in the Extension list of installed extensions and is ready to use.