How to Install Waterfox Browser on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

Waterfox Browser is an open-source web browser based on Mozilla Firefox, designed to provide a high-performance browsing experience while respecting user privacy. Waterfox differentiates itself from mainstream browsers by removing telemetry and data collection features, offering greater control over browser data. It supports legacy extensions and plugins that are no longer compatible with the latest Firefox versions, making it an excellent choice for users who rely on older add-ons. Key features of Waterfox include customizable privacy settings, support for classic and modern extensions, and a commitment to open-source principles.

To install Waterfox Browser on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, you have two primary methods: using the Waterfox PPA for easy updates and installation or opting for Flatpak with Flathub. This guide will walk you through both methods to ensure you have the latest version of Waterfox installed on your system.

Method 1: Install Waterfox Browser via APT PPA

Update Ubuntu System Packages Before Waterfox Installation

This section will update your Ubuntu system packages to ensure they are current. This is an essential step to prevent any conflicts during the installation of Waterfox:

sudo apt update

Next, upgrade any outdated packages using the command below:

sudo apt upgrade

Install Initial Packages Required by Waterfox

To successfully install Waterfox, you will need to install some dependencies. While most of these packages are likely already on your system, running the following command ensures that they are installed:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -y

If you encounter issues later, return to this step and rerun the command.

Import Waterfox APT Repository

Now, you’ll need to import the GPG key to verify the authenticity of the Waterfox packages. Execute the following command in your terminal to import the appropriate GPG key into your keychain.

Note: Ensure you import the correct repository for your current Ubuntu release.

Import Waterfox GPG key and APT Repository for Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat LTS:

curl -fsSL https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:hawkeye116477:waterfox/xUbuntu_24.04/Release.key | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/home_hawkeye116477_waterfox.gpg > /dev/null

echo 'deb http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/hawkeye116477:/waterfox/xUbuntu_24.04/ /' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/home:hawkeye116477:waterfox.list

Import Waterfox GPG key and APT Repository for Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish LTS:

curl -fsSL https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:hawkeye116477:waterfox/xUbuntu_22.04/Release.key | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/home_hawkeye116477_waterfox.gpg > /dev/null

echo 'deb http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/hawkeye116477:/waterfox/xUbuntu_22.04/ /' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/home:hawkeye116477:waterfox.list

Import Waterfox GPG key and APT Repository for Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa LTS:

curl -fsSL https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/hawkeye116477:/waterfox/xUbuntu_20.04/Release.key | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/home_hawkeye116477_waterfox.gpg > /dev/null

echo 'deb http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/hawkeye116477:/waterfox/xUbuntu_20.04/ /' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/home:hawkeye116477:waterfox.list

Finally, run an APT update to reflect the newly imported repository:

sudo apt update

Install Waterfox Browser Current or Classic

You can now proceed with the installation of the Waterfox Browser. The following command installs the most current version of the Waterfox Browser, known as Waterfox Current:

sudo apt install waterfox-g-kpe -y

Alternatively, Waterfox offers a classic version that can be installed alongside the modern version. To install Waterfox Classic, use the command below:

sudo apt install waterfox-classic-kpe -y

Method 2: Install Waterfox via Flatpak and Flathub

This section will explore an alternative method for installing Waterfox using the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is a universal package management system that allows you to install applications across different Linux distributions. It is similar to Snap and offers several benefits, such as sandboxing for increased security and simplified dependency management.

If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our guide on How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.

Note: Flatpak and Flathub only support the latest version, not the classic Watefox version.

Enable Flathub For Waterfox Browser

Before installing Waterfox through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, a primary source for Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to various applications, including Waterfox.

Install Waterfox via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can install Waterfox using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub net.waterfox.waterfox

This command installs the Waterfox Browser from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest version of the application.

Launch Waterfox Browser

There are two ways to launch the browser: the Command Line Interface (CLI) or Graphical User Interface (GUI).

CLI Methods to Launch Waterfox Browser

Depending on your installation method, there are different commands to launch Waterfox from the terminal.

waterfox

or

waterfox-class

flatpak run org.waterfoxproject.waterfox

GUI Method to Launch Waterfox Browser

If you prefer to launch Waterfox using the Graphical User Interface, follow these steps:

1. Open the Activities menu located in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Click on Show Applications at the bottom-left corner of the Activities menu.
3. Locate the Waterfox icon in the list of installed applications. You can also use the search function in the Show Applications menu if you have many applications installed.
4. Click on the Waterfox icon to launch the browser.

Getting Started with Waterfox Browser

This section provides some useful tips to help you get started with the Waterfox browser on Ubuntu Linux. The tips are categorized for both the Current and Classic versions.

General Tips for Waterfox Browser

These general tips apply to both the Current and Classic versions of Waterfox:

1. Enable Hardware Acceleration: To improve the overall performance and browsing experience, enable hardware acceleration in Waterfox. To do so, go to Menu > Preferences > General > Performance, and check the box next to “Use hardware acceleration when available.”
2. Manage Extensions and Add-ons: Customize your browsing experience by installing extensions and add-ons. You can find them in the Menu > Add-ons section.
3. Bookmark Management: Keep your favorite websites organized by using the bookmark manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + O to open the bookmark manager, or access it through Menu > Library > Bookmarks.
4. Private Browsing: To browse without leaving any trace, use Waterfox’s private browsing feature. Press Ctrl + Shift + P or go to Menu > New Private Window to open a private browsing window.

Customization Tips for Waterfox Current

Here are some customization tips specifically for Waterfox Current:

1. Customize the Toolbar: Tailor the toolbar to your needs by adding, removing, or rearranging items. Right-click on the toolbar, select “Customize” or go to Menu > Customize to access the customization options.
2. Set Your Default Search Engine: Configure your preferred search engine by going to Menu > Preferences > Search. You can choose your default search engine and manage other search settings from there.

Customization Tips for Waterfox Classic

The following tips are tailored for users of Waterfox Classic:

1. Customize the User Interface: Waterfox Classic offers a customizable user interface. To modify the appearance, go to Menu > View > Toolbars and select the options you prefer.
2. Manage Legacy Extensions: Waterfox Classic supports legacy extensions that are no longer compatible with the Current version. To manage these extensions, go to Menu > Add-ons and click on the “Legacy Extensions” tab.
3. Classic Theme Restorer Add-on: To further customize Waterfox Classic’s appearance, install the Classic Theme Restorer add-on, which provides various theme and toolbar customization options. You can find this add-on by searching for it in the Menu > Add-ons section.

Additional Waterfox Management Commands

This section will cover essential commands for managing your Waterfox browser on Ubuntu Linux. We will discuss updating and uninstalling Waterfox using both the APT and Flatpak package managers.

Update Waterfox Browser

To keep your Waterfox browser up-to-date, you must update commands depending on the package manager you used during installation.

APT Update Command Method for Waterfox

For Waterfox installed via APT, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command will update your system’s package list and upgrade all installed packages, including Waterfox.

Flatpak Update Command Method for Waterfox

For Waterfox installed via Flatpak, use the following command:

flatpak update

This command will update all installed Flatpak applications, including Waterfox.

Remove Waterfox Browser

If you no longer wish to have Waterfox installed on your system, follow the appropriate steps for your installation method.

APT Remove Command Method for Waterfox

To remove the Waterfox Current (G) browser, run the following command:

sudo apt remove waterfox-g-kpe

To remove the Waterfox Current Classic browser, execute this command:

sudo apt remove waterfox-classic-kpe

Removing the repository and GPG key associated with Waterfox is also recommended. Run these commands:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/home:hawkeye116477:waterfox.list
sudo rm /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/home_hawkeye116477_waterfox.gpg

Flatpak Remove Command Method for Waterfox

To uninstall Waterfox installed via Flatpak, execute the following command:

flatpak uninstall com.waterfoxproject.waterfox

This command will remove the Waterfox browser from your system.

Closing Thoughts

With Waterfox Browser successfully installed on your Ubuntu system, you can enjoy a fast, privacy-focused browsing experience that supports both legacy and modern extensions. Whether you choose the PPA for straightforward installation and updates or Flatpak with Flathub for a flexible setup, each method provides access to Waterfox’s robust features. Regularly update the browser to benefit from the latest enhancements and security improvements. Enjoy the customizable and secure browsing environment that Waterfox offers.