Firefox Beta and Nightly on Ubuntu provide early access to upcoming features before they reach stable releases. The Beta channel delivers pre-release features with production-ready stability, ideal for testing the next Firefox generation while maintaining daily productivity. Meanwhile, Nightly offers bleeding-edge changes with daily updates and higher instability, perfect for developers and enthusiasts who want to contribute feedback on experimental features.
This guide covers installing Firefox Beta and Nightly on Ubuntu through PPA imports, APT pinning to prevent Snap conflicts, and managing multiple Firefox channels without guesswork. You’ll learn how Firefox Beta replaces the stock Snap-based build while Firefox Nightly installs separately, making it easy to evaluate new features without breaking your primary browser.
Install Firefox Beta on Ubuntu
Update Ubuntu System Packages
Before proceeding, update your Ubuntu system to ensure all packages are current. This minimizes potential conflicts during the installation process:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall Required Packages
Next, install the necessary packages for managing repositories. The following command installs these packages if they’re not already present:
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https -yThe software-properties-common package provides necessary tools to manage repositories. The apt-transport-https package enables HTTPS support, though modern Ubuntu versions include this functionality in the apt package by default.
Import Firefox Beta PPA
First, check the current version of Firefox installed on your system:
firefox --versionNext, add the Firefox Next Personal Package Archive (PPA) to your system’s repository list. This allows your system to fetch and install the Beta version:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mozillateam/firefox-next -yThen, update your APT repository to include the newly added PPA:
sudo apt updateDisable and Remove Firefox from Snapcraft
Since the stable version of Firefox installed from Snapcraft will override the Firefox Next PPA, you need to disable and remove it. First, disable the Firefox snap with the following:
sudo snap disable firefoxThen, remove the Firefox snap package completely:
sudo snap remove --purge firefoxFor a more detailed walkthrough, visit our guide on removing Firefox Snap from Ubuntu.
Once you’ve removed the Firefox Snap package, configure APT pinning to ensure the correct package source takes priority.
Configure Firefox Beta APT Pinning
APT pinning controls which package source takes priority when multiple repositories offer the same software, similar to how Windows lets you choose between Microsoft Store and web downloads. This configuration prioritizes Firefox Beta from the Mozilla PPA over Ubuntu’s Snap version or the stable Firefox PPA, ensuring you get the version you want when running apt install. Use the echo command to append the necessary configurations directly to the file:
echo -e "Package: firefox*\nPin: release o=LP-PPA-mozillateam-firefox-next\nPin-Priority: 750\n\nPackage: firefox*\nPin: release o=LP-PPA-mozillateam-ppa\nPin-Priority: 550\n\nPackage: firefox*\nPin: release o=Ubuntu\nPin-Priority: -1" | sudo tee /etc/apt/preferences.d/99-mozillateamppa
The priorities defined here indicate that:
- Firefox Next PPA (
Pin-Priority: 750) has the highest preference. If this version is available, it will be installed. - Firefox Stable PPA (
Pin-Priority: 550) is the second preference. If Firefox Next PPA is absent, the stable version will be installed from Mozilla’s PPA, not Snapcrafts! - Ubuntu’s archive entry (
Pin-Priority: -1) blocks the transitionalfirefoxdeb that would otherwise reinstall the Snap stub via APT. Snap packages still need to be removed manually, but this rule keeps APT from pulling the Snap helper back in later.
Install Firefox Beta via APT
After configuring APT pinning, you’re ready to install Firefox Beta. First, run an APT update to ensure your system recognizes the changes:
sudo apt updateClose any existing Firefox browser windows to prevent conflicts during the installation process. Then, proceed with the installation using the following command:
sudo apt install firefox -yIf Firefox is already installed via APT (for example, the stable version), use the install command rather than upgrade. This ensures installation from your prioritized source according to your APT pinning configuration.
Verify Firefox Beta Installation
After installing, confirm the installation of the correct Firefox version by checking its version:
firefox --versionThis command will output the version of Firefox currently installed on your system, verifying the successful installation of Firefox Beta.
As noted above, Beta replaces the stable version of the browser. Only Firefox Nightly installs as a separate browser.
Manage Firefox Beta
If you wish to remove the Beta build and return to Ubuntu’s default Snap-based Firefox experience, follow these steps:
Remove Firefox Beta
First, remove the beta version of Firefox using the following command:
sudo apt purge firefox -yDelete Firefox Beta APT Pinning
Remove the pinning file you created earlier so APT stops forcing the Mozilla Team PPAs ahead of Ubuntu’s own packages:
sudo rm /etc/apt/preferences.d/99-mozillateamppaThis deletion restores Ubuntu’s default priorities, letting the archive manage Firefox again.
Remove the Firefox Beta Repository
Next, remove the Firefox Next PPA from your system’s repository list by adding the --remove flag:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:mozillateam/firefox-next -yIf you also imported the general Mozilla Team PPA for other Firefox channels, remove it now (skip this step if you still need it for another package):
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:mozillateam/ppa -yUpdate the APT Repository
Refresh APT so it forgets about the removed PPAs:
sudo apt updateReinstall the Firefox Snap Package
Finally, bring back Ubuntu’s default Firefox Snap, which now updates independently of APT:
sudo snap install firefoxVerify Firefox Version
Confirm that Firefox is available again and reporting the expected version:
firefox --versionYou have successfully returned Firefox to Ubuntu’s default Snap packaging.
Install Firefox Nightly
Firefox Nightly, also known as the developer version, allows users to experience Firefox’s cutting-edge development with daily updates. This version is ideal for developers, testers, and enthusiasts who want to preview upcoming features, report bugs, and contribute feedback before changes reach beta or stable releases.
Firefox Nightly installs separately and does not interfere with your existing Firefox installations, including stable and beta builds.
Import Firefox Nightly PPA
Installing Firefox Nightly begins by adding its repository to your system’s list with the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-mozilla-daily/ppa -yThis command adds the PPA (Personal Package Archive) for Ubuntu’s daily Firefox builds to your system’s software sources.
Refresh APT Repository
After successfully adding the repository, update your system’s APT repository to reflect the new addition:
sudo apt updateInstall Firefox Nightly via APT
With the repository in place and your system updated, install Firefox Nightly. Ensure any existing Firefox windows are closed to prevent conflicts during the installation process:
sudo apt install firefox-trunk -yThis command will fetch and install Firefox Nightly (referred to as firefox-trunk in the repository) on your Ubuntu system.
Verify Firefox Nightly Installation
To ensure that Firefox Nightly was installed correctly, verify its version with the following command:
firefox-trunk --versionThis command will display the version of Firefox Nightly currently installed on your system. Additionally, note that the Firefox Nightly icon is visually distinct from the standard one, with vastly different colors that help you distinguish between them easily.
Manage Firefox Nightly
If you decide you no longer need Firefox Nightly on your system, removing it is straightforward.
Remove Firefox Nightly
First, uninstall Firefox Nightly with the following command:
sudo apt purge firefox-trunk -yRemove the Firefox Nightly Repository
Next, remove the Firefox Nightly PPA from your system’s repository list by adding the --remove flag:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ubuntu-mozilla-daily/ppa -yUpdate APT Repository
Finally, update your system’s APT repository again to reflect the changes:
sudo apt updateYou’ve successfully removed Firefox Nightly from your Ubuntu system.
Closing Thoughts
Firefox Beta delivers pre-release features with production-ready stability, while Firefox Nightly provides daily bleeding-edge updates for developers and early adopters. The Mozilla Team PPAs let you swap the stock Snap for a faster Beta deb build and add Firefox Nightly as a separate install that keeps its own profile. APT pinning prevents Snap conflicts, so you can evaluate new features and still fall back to Nightly or stable as needed.
Useful Links
Here are some valuable links related to using Firefox on Ubuntu:
- Firefox Next PPA: Access the Firefox Next PPA on Launchpad for the latest builds and updates.
- Ubuntu Mozilla Daily PPA: Visit the Ubuntu Mozilla Daily PPA on Launchpad for daily Firefox builds and experimental versions.
- Firefox Beta Release Notes: Read the release notes for Firefox Beta to learn about new features, improvements, and changes.