Technical Guides

How to Enable JavaScript in Firefox

This guide shows the process of enabling JavaScript in Firefox.

Note: The screenshots below are taken from Mac OS X, but the process is the same on Windows.

  1. Click into the Address Bar

    In Firefox Version 24 and above, some of the more advanced settings have been moved to a different location and are no longer accessible from the standard "Settings" controls. They can be accessed through a special address. 

    Screenshot showing the Firefox address bar

    The Address Bar is at the top of the Firefox window and shows the URL of websites.

  2. Go to the Advanced Configuration url

    In the address bar, type in about:config and press enter. 

  3. Accept the warning about changing settings

    Because about:config will show lots of advanced options which can potentially harm Firefox, a warning message will appear. Click the "I'll be careful, I promise" button.

    Screenshot showing the Firefox warning screen

  4. The list of advanced settings is now visible

    The list of advanced settings looks like this:

    Screenshot showing the Firefox warning screen

  5. Type "javascript" into the "Search" box at the top 

    Screenshot showing advanced settings being narrowed down by searching for javascript

  6. Find the "javascript.enabled" preference

    One of the settings visible should be called "javascript.enabled". If JavaScript is disabled, the feature will be disabled in the "Preference Name" column and say "false".

    Screenshot showing advanced settings being narrowed down by searching for javascript

  7. Toggle the false/true preference

    On the line for "javascript.enabled", Right Click (or Command Click on Mac) on the "false" value. A small menu appear, the top option is "Toggle". Click "Toggle", and the "false" will change to "true".

    Screenshot showing the Toggle menu item for the javascript.enabled setting

  8. Javascript is now enabled. Close the tab.

    Screenshot showing advanced settings being narrowed down by searching for javascript