Chances are that if you are a Linux user, you have at some point come across the browser Firefox. This is because it is among the most used web browsers and for good reason; being open-source, privacy conscious, and coming preinstalled on many Linux distributions.
But sometimes we might need to part ways with it: switching to another browser, getting more storage, or even just testing minimalistic setups. In any case, the process of uninstalling Firefox from Linux is quite simple.
In this article, I will guide you step-by-step how to uninstall firefox on linux . In addition, I will go over some other useful alternatives to Firefox. Without delay, let us begin!
Sanity first. Removing Firefox means that the application itself will be uninstalled, but all your user data may still be intact. If you are an avid user of Firefox who possesses bookmarks, extensions, or personal configurations, be sure to save these before proceeding. This can be accomplished by backing up your profile, which is found in ~/.mozilla.
Backing up is as easy as copying the .mozilla folder and putting it on an external drive or the cloud. It means that if you need to reinstall Firefox in the future, everything will be exactly how you left it.
Using the Terminal to Uninstall Firefox
This method is remarkably quicker, but assumes your comfort with a terminal. This is skill level dependent per terminal, as commands change format based on your distribution. I’ll provide instructions for uninstalling Firefox on Ubuntu/Debian, Fedora, and Arch.
Then type the following command to uninstall Firefox:
sudo apt remove firefox
Explanation:apt remove allows a distribution to unlink Firefox from its links while saving the configuration files. You are not getting rid of frequency indicators of usage.
In case you want to delete all associated files as well, you can add the following command:
sudo apt purge firefox
This instructs the system to eliminate files associated with system Firefox settings.
Finally, get rid of the unused atoms:
sudo apt autoremove
Fedora (Using dnf)
Launch your terminal, then proceed to type:
sudo dnf remove firefox
Explanation:dnf remove command deletes system-associated Firefox for compatibility followed by:
sudo dnf autoremove
This application uninstalls all leftover installation fragments that serve no purpose.
Arch (Using pacman)
Launch your terminal then proceed.
To uninstall Firefox, run:
sudo pacman -R firefox
As you can see, the -R flag means “remove,” and that gets rid of the Firefox package.
If you want to remove the dependencies installed with Firefox, use:
sudo pacman -Rs firefox
The -Rs option guarantees that both Firefox and its dependencies will be removed.
That’s all for the terminal methods! If command lines are not your thing, don’t worry, we cover the GUI method next.
Firefox Uninstallation via Software Center
Users of user-friendly distros like Ubuntu or Linux Mint can uninstall Firefox with the Software Center. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Software Center.
Step 2: Search for Firefox in the search bar.
Step 3: Once you find it, click it to open the details page.
Step 4: Click on the “Remove” or “Uninstall” button.
Step 5: Confirm the action if prompted.
This method is ideal for users who prefer not to deal with the command-line interface. It’s simple and effective for many.
How to Delete Remaining Files After Uninstalling Firefox Browser
Uninstalling Firefox will not necessarily remove all its associated files. Elements like cache files and profiles are often left behind. If you are looking to cleanse your browser, here’s how you can erase these leftover files manually:
Open your file manager or terminal.
Go to your Home Directory.
Remove the following folders:
.mozilla: This contains your Firefox profiles (bookmarks, settings, etc.).
.cache/mozilla: This holds Firefox’s cache files.
You can use the terminal to run these commands:
rm -rf ~/.mozilla
rm -rf ~/.cache/mozilla
Do keep in mind that the rm command should always be used carefully. You’re looking at permanently deleting files if you use this option so check the folder paths before executing any commands.
These steps above ensure total uninstallation of Firefox and its traces from your operating system.
The Best Firefox Alternatives on Linux Operating System
Have you been considering using a new browser? Below is a compiled list of widely popular options:
Brave: Focused on privacy and built-in ad blocking.
Chromium: The open-source system for Google Chrome without any proprietary features.
Vivaldi: Tab stacking, deep levels of customization, and plenty of features are available in this browser too.
GNOME Web (Epiphany): Perfect for light use and integrates exceptionally well with GNOME desktops.
Every browser listed comes with exclusive offers tailored to specific user needs all while being fully functional on the Linux OS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will my bookmarks be removed if I uninstall Firefox?
A: Your bookmarks and settings won’t be deleted from your user profile folder (~/.mozilla). If you don’t delete this folder, your bookmarks are safe and can be restored later.
Q: Is it possible to reinstall Firefox after uninstalling it?
A: Yes. It can be reinstalled using the Software Center or your package manager (apt, dnf, or pacman).
Q: What happens to my extensions and login passwords?
A: Extensions, passwords, and their respective settings are stored in your Firefox profile. So, if it is backed up, you can recover them easily.
Q: What happens if I uninstall Firefox but don’t delete the .mozilla folder?
If you uninstall Firefox without deleting the .mozilla folder, your profiles (bookmarks, saved passwords, extensions) will still be saved locally. If you reinstall Firefox later, it will automatically detect and restore your old profile.
Q: How do I check if Firefox is completely removed from my system?
After uninstalling, you can check if any Firefox binaries remain by running: which firefox If the command returns nothing, Firefox is completely removed.
Final Thoughts
You can easily uninstall Firefox while on Linux. It may seem complicated, but the process is quite simple for those who prefer using the Software Center or terminal. Backing up your profile if you want to keep bookmarks or settings is key, as are removing leftover files if you’re looking for a clean slate. If you were not satisfied with Firefox, there are a lot of alternatives out there to choose from.
Do let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or are stuck at any step.
