AdGuard for Firefox: Complete Guide to Installation and Setup

AdGuard for Firefox: Complete Guide to Installation and SetupAdGuard is a powerful ad-blocking and privacy tool that offers browser-specific extensions and a standalone app. For Firefox users, AdGuard provides an extension designed to block intrusive ads, trackers, phishing sites, and other unwanted content while keeping compatibility with Firefox’s architecture and privacy features. This guide covers everything from choosing the right AdGuard product for Firefox, to step‑by‑step installation, configuring settings for best performance and privacy, troubleshooting, and advanced tips.

Which AdGuard should you choose for Firefox?

There are two main ways to use AdGuard with Firefox:

AdGuard Browser Extension — a lightweight extension installed directly in Firefox. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious pages within the browser only.
AdGuard for Windows/macOS/Linux (desktop app) — a system-wide filtering application that works across browsers and apps. It offers deeper filtering, DNS-based protection, TLS filtering, parental controls, and more.

Use the browser extension if you want a simple, low-overhead solution that only affects the browser. Choose the desktop app if you want system-wide protection, more filtering rules, and features like HTTPS filtering and custom DNS.

System and browser requirements

Firefox: latest stable version recommended (older versions may lack API features).
For the desktop AdGuard app: supported on Windows, macOS, and some Linux distributions (check the official site for exact builds).
Extension only: works in Firefox for desktop (desktop Firefox on Windows, macOS, Linux). Firefox for Android supports some extensions but has different compatibility—check the extension page.

Installation — AdGuard Browser Extension for Firefox

Step 1 — Open Firefox Add-ons page

Open Firefox.
Go to Add-ons: type about:addons in the address bar or open the menu and select “Add-ons and Themes.”

Step 2 — Search and install

Use the search box and enter “AdGuard” or visit the AdGuard extension page on the Mozilla Add-ons site.
Click “Add to Firefox.” Firefox will show a permission prompt describing what the extension can access (e.g., read and change site data). Confirm by clicking “Add.”

Step 3 — Initial setup

After installation, AdGuard’s icon appears in the toolbar. Click it.
You’ll see the main dashboard with options: enable/disable protection, filters, element blocking, Stealth Mode (if available), and Settings. No account is required for the basic extension, but some features may prompt you to sign in for synchronization or a Pro license.

Installation — AdGuard Desktop App (optional, recommended for system-wide protection)

Step 1 — Download

Visit the official AdGuard website and download the desktop app for your OS.

Step 2 — Install

Run the installer (Windows: .exe, macOS: .dmg, Linux: appropriate package).
Follow installation prompts. On Windows, you may need to allow network-filtering drivers; on macOS, approve system extensions in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.

Step 3 — Configure integration with Firefox

The desktop app typically integrates automatically with your browsers. Ensure AdGuard’s extension in Firefox is installed or allowed.
If you use HTTPS filtering, follow AdGuard’s instructions to install its root certificate in your system/browser to allow safe filtering of secure traffic.

Initial configuration and recommended settings

Whether you use the extension alone or the desktop app, these settings maximize ad blocking and privacy without breaking most websites.

Enable essential filter lists:
- AdGuard Base Filters (default)
- AdGuard Russian or regional filters if you browse regional sites
- Tracker and social media filters
- Annoyances and privacy filters
Turn on Stealth Mode (if available in your product) to block tracking, referrers, and WebRTC leaks.
Enable “Acceptable Ads” only if you want a lighter approach that allows some non-intrusive ads; otherwise disable it to block all ads.
Enable cosmetic filtering / element hiding for cleaner pages.
If you have the desktop app, enable HTTPS filtering and install the certificate for better coverage on secure sites (be cautious and follow official instructions).
Create custom rules or whitelists for sites that break when blocked.

Using AdGuard day-to-day

Quick enable/disable: Click the toolbar icon to toggle protection for the current site or globally.
Whitelisting: If a site’s functionality breaks (e.g., login, video streaming), add it to the whitelist from the toolbar popup.
Element blocking: Right-click an annoying element and choose AdGuard’s element-blocking tool (or open the extension panel and choose block element). Drag/select elements to create a blocking rule.
Viewing blocked items: Use the extension’s statistics and log to see what was blocked on the page and adjust filters accordingly.

Troubleshooting common issues

Site breakage (layout or functionality):
- Disable AdGuard for that site (whitelist) or use element blocking to remove the offending rule.
- Try disabling specific filter lists in AdGuard settings to isolate the cause.
Videos not playing (DRM or ad-related):
- Some streaming services use anti-adblock or DRM. Temporarily disable AdGuard for the site or adjust filters.
HTTPS filtering warnings:
- Ensure the AdGuard certificate is properly installed and trusted. On macOS Big Sur or later, enable the system extension if prompted.
Extension conflicts:
- Disable other ad-blockers (uBlock Origin, Ghostery) to avoid conflicts and duplicate filtering.
Performance issues:
- The extension is lightweight, but if Firefox feels slow, check for many extensions, heavy websites, or hardware limitations. The desktop app uses more system resources but provides broader protection.

Advanced tips and customizations

Custom filter rules: Use AdGuard’s advanced user rules to block or allow specific requests (CSS selectors, URL patterns).
Filters for developers: Enable the “Advanced Mode” and use request/response logging to debug page loads.
DNS filtering: In the desktop app, choose a privacy-focused DNS (like DNS-over-HTTPS) or AdGuard DNS to block trackers at DNS level.
Scripting: Use custom JavaScript/CSS if you need more precise control over page behavior (advanced).
Sync and licensing: If you purchase AdGuard Premium, sign in to unlock extra features (Stealth Mode, parental controls, and multi-device licensing).

Privacy and security considerations

The extension needs permission to read and change site data to effectively block ads and trackers. This is normal for content blockers.
If you enable HTTPS filtering in the desktop app, AdGuard installs a local root certificate to inspect secure traffic; only enable this if you trust the product and understand the implications.
Keep AdGuard updated to receive filter updates and security patches.

Comparison at a glance

Feature	AdGuard Extension (Firefox)	AdGuard Desktop App
Scope	Browser-only	System-wide
HTTPS filtering	No (limited)	Yes (with certificate)
Resource usage	Low	Higher (but more powerful)
Parental controls	Limited	Full support
DNS-level blocking	No	Yes
Advanced features (TLS, app filtering)	No	Yes

Final checklist — Ready to go

Install AdGuard extension from Mozilla Add-ons or install desktop app from AdGuard site.
Enable base and privacy filter lists.
Decide on Acceptable Ads setting.
Configure HTTPS filtering only if using desktop app and after installing the certificate.
Whitelist sites that break and use element blocking for fine-grained control.

If you want, I can:

Provide a step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots for your OS, or
Generate recommended filter lists for your region and use case.