Firefox can't load websites but other browsers can (2024)

This article describes problems where Firefox cannot load websites but other Web browsers (such as Microsoft Edge or Internet ExplorerSafariEpiphany on Gnome or Konqueror on KDE) can. When this happens, Firefox may show a Server not found or Unable to connect error message.

• For other error messages that display when you try to view websites in Firefox, see Websites don't load - troubleshoot and fix error messages.
• If none of the Web browsers on your computer can load websites, see Firefox and other browsers can't load websites.

If you were able to load websites until you updated Firefox or until your Internet security software was updated, reconfigured or a new one was added, your Internet security software (including firewalls, antivirus programs, anti-spyware programs, and more) is likely preventing Firefox from connecting to the Internet.

Note: Some Internet security programs can block Internet access even when they are disabled.

So, you should make sure your Internet security software is up-to-date and remove Firefox from your program's list of trusted or recognized programs, then add it back. For instructions on how to configure some programs, see Configure firewalls so that Firefox can access the Internet.

If you connect to the Internet through a proxy server that is having connection problems, you will not be able to load websites. To check your connection settings in Firefox:

1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button and select Settings.
2. In the General panel scroll down to the Network Settings section.
3. In the Network Settings section click Settings….
4. Change your proxy settings:
   • If you don't connect to the Internet through a proxy (or don't know whether you connect through a proxy), select No Proxy.
   • If you connect to the Internet through a proxy, compare Firefox's settings to another browser's (which is working normally).
5. Close the Connection Settings dialog.
6. Close the Settings page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.

Note: If you find that changes you make to your Firefox connection settings are not remembered when you restart Firefox, see How to fix preferences that won't save.

Firefox supports IPv6 by default, which may cause connection problems on certain systems. To disable IPv6 in Firefox:

Warning: Changing advanced preferences can affect Firefox's stability and security. This is recommended for advanced users only.

1. Type about:config in the address bar and press EnterReturn.
   A warning page may appear. Click Accept the Risk and Continue to go to the about:config page.
2. Enter network.dns.disableIPv6 in the search field.
3. In the list of preferences click the Toggle button next to network.dns.disableIPv6 to set its value to true.

Firefox attempts to speed up loading new websites by using DNS Prefetching, which can cause page load errors with some system configurations. To disable DNS Prefetching:

Warning: Changing advanced preferences can affect Firefox's stability and security. This is recommended for advanced users only.

1. Type about:config in the address bar and press EnterReturn.
   A warning page may appear. Click Accept the Risk and Continue to go to the about:config page.
2. Enter network.dns.disablePrefetch in the search field.
   • If such preference doesn't already exist, select Boolean and click the Add button.
3. Click the Toggle button to set the preference value to true, if it's not already set.

If you find that Firefox can load some websites but not others, first clear your Firefox cookies and cache:

Check for malware

If clearing the cookies and cache didn't help, you should check your computer for malware. Certain types of malware are known to target Firefox and can prevent it from loading various websites:

• If you have an antivirus or Internet security program, update its detections database and do a full scan of your system.
• If you still have problems, follow the instructions in Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.

Firefox extensions could be causing the issue, especially the ones that have network access and/or those that rely on manipulating webpage content. Try disabling your extensions in the Add-ons Manager one by one and then reload the page. See Disable or remove Add-ons and Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems for more information.