How to Fix Search Not Working on Mozilla Firefox

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Searching the web is something we do every day. Whether you are searching from Firefox's address bar, or have its homepage set to take you to your favorite search engine's website instead, you've likely gotten accustomed to the way you search on a daily basis. If that search experience has suddenly changed seemingly without warning, that's a clear sign that something is messing with Firefox's settings without your knowledge or consent.

This guide will help you make sure Mozilla Firefox is configured properly so that your search experience returns to normal once again.

Tools You'll Need:

• A paperclip
• iPhone charging cable
• Access to a computer with iTunes installed
• Any other non-consumable tools needed
• Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

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Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

• You must have access to a computer with iTunes installed.
• You must have that thing for the other thing so you can do the thing.

You must have this thing before you whatever.

• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Each individual prereq should have its own box like this. Not all will contain multiple links.
• Comment out prerequisites section if no prereqs are necessary

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Windows

Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.

macOS

Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

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2. Clear History and Saved Data

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
   

1. Click the Menu button in the top right of the screen.
   

1. Click on Options.
   

1. Click on Privacy & Security.
   

1. Click the Clear History button located unther the History category.
   

1. Select the time range you wish to clear.
   

1. Click the Details button to expand them.
   

1. Choose the item categories you wish to clear.
   

1. 
   SettingCheckboxBrowsing & Download HistoryChecked
2. Browsing History - While you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.
3. Download History - These are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.
4. Form & Search HistoryCheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.CookiesCheckedCookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems.
5. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
6. Active LoginsCheckedActive logins are sites that you are currently logged into that you have asked to remember that you are logged into. Clearing them just logs you out of these sites.Offline Website DataUncheckedIf you've allowed it, a website can store files on your computer so that you can continue to use it when you are not connected to the Internet.Site PreferencesUncheckedSite specific preferences, including the saved zoom level for sites, character encoding, and the permissions for sites. 
7. Click the Clear Now button.
   

3. Remove Problematic Extensions

Some browser extensions / addons can cause your browser to behave abnormally. Removing any unwanted, unnecessary, or unused browser extensions/addons can get your web browser running properly again.

1. Open Firefox, and select the Menu in the top-right corner.
   

1. Click on Add-ons.
   

1. Click on Extensions on the left.
2. The following steps can be repeated to remove multiple browser extensions.
3. Then click on Remove for the extension you want to remove.
   

1. If you accidentally removed something, click on Undo.
   

1. You might get a new tab pop up upon removal, close the tab by hitting the X.
   

It is a good idea to restart your browser to complete the removal of extensions. If you removed a malicious extension, there's a chance it may have changed your homepage settings.

4. Remove Potentially Unwanted Programs

5. Verify All Mozilla Firefox Settings

If your search experience hasn't returned to normal, the next step is to verify that all Firefox settings are where they should be in order to provide you with the search experience you're familiar with. If any settings were previously 'hijacked' by a malicious extension and were not reverted back to what they were originally set to, your search experience may still not be right.

 

Using a Windows PC

1. Open Firefox.
   

1. Enter about:plugins into address bar and hit enter, then review your plug-ins and remove any that are malicious.
   

1. Enter about:addons into the address bar and hit enter, then click Extensions.
   

1. Review your extensions and determine if any are malicious. Remove those that are.
2. Click the Menu button in the top right of the screen.
   

1. Click Options.
   

1. Click Home. If you have a custom URL set verify it is not malicious.
   

1. Click the Start Menu.
   

1. Search for Firefox and right-click the result.
2. Select Open File Location. 
   

1. Right-click the Firefox shortcut and select Properties.
   

1. Click the Shortcut tab and verify that the Target only contains the path "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" with nothing after it. Click OK when done.
   

1. Open Firefox and verify your homepage is correct.

 

Using a Mac Computer

1. Open Firefox.
   

1. Click on the three lines in the upper right hand corner.
   

1. Click on Preferences.
   

1. Click on Home. If there is a custom URL you do not want, you can change it. When done you can close Firefox.
   

 

Still having issues?

Unfortunately, it looks like your search page issue cannot be resolved via basic troubleshooting steps. We recommend your machine be serviced by a professional to determine the root cause of your search issues.