How to Install Waterfox on Manjaro Linux

Waterfox is an excellent choice for web users who prioritize security and performance. It is built from Firefox source code, allowing users to customize their browsing experience and allowing for more control over features like advertisements and tracking scripts compared to Firefox. The following tutorial will teach you how to install Waterfox Browser on Manjaro Linux with cli commands and utilizing the Arch Linux user repository.

Update Manjaro

First, update your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date. This will ensure no conflicts arise as best as possible during the installation.

sudo pacman -Syu

Sometimes, you may need a complete database download if you have not upgraded your Arch Linux system for a while; use the following command if the above update command does not work.

sudo pacman -Syyu

Lastly, for users that have Pamac installed, which most Manjaro desktops do, I would optionally suggest running an update; this will ensure that your Arch Linux and Manjaro packages are fully up-to-date.

sudo pamac checkupdates -a

sudo pamac upgrade -a

Troubleshooting Updating Manjaro Packages

Manjaro/Arch Linux is a rolling release; occasionally, updating packages with Pacman GPG keys can become invalid or corrupt. If both commands do not work, use the following command.

Note, this is only if you have errors updating with the first two commands above if you can skip these.

sudo pacman -S archlinux-keyring manjaro-keyring

sudo pacman-key --populate archlinux manjaro

The above should work in nearly all cases, but if it does not, use the following steps as a last resort.

sudo rm -r /etc/pacman.d/gnupg

sudo pacman-key --init

sudo pacman-key --populate manjaro

sudo pacman-key --populate archlinux

sudo pacman -Syvv manjaro-keyring

Then repeat the update process.

Install Waterfox Browser

Situational – Enable AUR for ‘pamac’

First, by default, AUR is disabled. You will first need to enable it, which you can do with the following command.

sudo sed -Ei '/EnableAUR/s/^#//' /etc/pamac.conf

Install Waterfox Browser Current (Waterfox-G)

Now there are a few options. The first is to install the latest browser modern version, which can be done using the following command.

pamac build waterfox-g-bin

For KDE users, there exists another AUR from the same maintainer that has better KDE integration. I would suggest using this command if you have KDE installed only.

pamac build waterfox-g-kpe

Optional. Install Waterfox Classic

Lastly, run the following command for users or developers using the alternative Waterfox Classic version for underpowered systems that need a less system-heavy browser.

pamac waterfox-classic-bin

How to Launch Waterfox Browser

Desktop users will not open a terminal to launch the browser each time, so use the following path to launch the application icon.

Taskbar > Internet > Waterfox {version}

Example:

The first time you open Waterfox Current, you will run a couple of first-time setup steps, such as using a light or dark theme; once done, you will arrive at the browser screen where you can begin surfing the web.

Example:

Once configured, you can begin using Waterfox G to begin your web browsing.

Example:

Alternatively, Waterfox Classic users will notice a straightforward, no, first-time setup browser that may suit your purposes more.

Example:

Additional Commands & Tips

How to Update Waterfox Browser

The best way to upgrade the software is to use the following terminal command.

sudo pamac checkupdates -a

sudo pamac upgrade -a

Note it is advised to run terminal commands now and then, even if you have set up AUR auto-updates using the automatic GUI updater; this ensures you are not missing anything.

How to Remove (Uninstall) Waterfox Browser

Execute the following terminal command for users wanting to remove the browser that matches the installation choice you originally installed.

Remove Waterfox Current (Waterfox G)

pamac waterfox-g-bin

KDE users that may have installed the alternative branch Waterfox G KPE use the following command instead.

pamac waterfox-g-kpe

Remove Waterfox Classic

pamac waterfox-classic-bin

Lastly, this is optional but good practice, clear up orphans and clear your cache to reduce clutter.

Clear orphan leftovers that are no longer required.

pamac remove -o

Clear packages deleted from the package cache.

pamac clean -uv -k 0

Clear redundant package versions from the package cache (keep the last two versions)

pamac clean -v -k 2

Lastly, for users that enabled pamac and then had second thoughts about using it and instead wanted to use something else, you can easily disable it using the following command.

sudo sed -Ei '/EnableAUR/s/^/#/' /etc/pamac.conf

Conclusion

If you are looking for an open-source browser that is ethical and supports legacy extensions, Waterfox may be the perfect option for you. The team behind Waterfox is constantly working to improve the browser and provide support for users. It is a decent option to try if you are after a new browser and unhappy with the current one you are using on your Manjaro Linux desktop.