Search and discover content

This article is no longer maintained, so its content might be out of date.

The Firefox OS search bar gives you easier access to content that you care about. Want to visit a website? Just type the web address into the search bar. You can also use it to access apps or search engines without having to scroll around for another application. Let's get started!

Tip: Find something you really like? Save it to your home screen for easy access.

Search the Web

Type a search into the search bar. You'll see the four most popular web results along with a list of search engines. (These search engines will vary, depending on your country).

fxos search results

Firefox OS will show you suggestions for popular searches as you type. To turn off search suggestions, open the Settings app, tap Search, and switch off Search Suggestions.

Know what website you want to visit? Type in the web address into that same search bar to visit the site directly.

Search or browse for apps

  1. Swipe to the right to access the home screen.Tap on the search bar on the home screen.
  2. Tap a category like "Social", "Music", "Showbiz" or "Games" (these are also referred to as folders) to browse for available apps.
    Browse apps
  3. Now tap an app to try it without downloading or installing it.

Add an app to your home screen

Found something useful? Let's save it.

  1. Tap the arrow in the bottom-right corner of any app that you've opened to bring up the menu.
    App menu
  2. Then tap the star to save it to your home screen.
    Save app to home screen

Navigate the search screen

Here's how to get around.

  • Continue scrolling down the page to load more results.
  • Get back to the search results screen by tapping your device's home button.
  • Previous searches are available under the search bar. Swipe these to the left to see more.
    Tip: If you scroll the search results far enough, you will see a Clear history link that you can use to clear the app search history.

Organize the search screen

Customize the search screen to suit you.

  • Tap and hold a "folder" for a few seconds (the folders will start to jiggle). Then you can drag one around to rearrange it or press the red X to remove it.
  • Tap the + button to add new folders to the search screen.

Discover apps through Smart Collections

On the search screen, tap a ready-made category like Social, Games, Music, or Showbiz (these are also referred to as Smart Collections) to browse for available apps. smart collections 2015

Add new Smart Collections! After tapping the search bar, tap the More button to choose and add new Smart Collections.Long-press on the home screen to choose and add new Smart Collections.

Add an app to your home screen

Found something useful? Let's save it.

  1. Tap the menu at the top right corner of the app to bring up your choices.
  2. Choose Add to home screen.
  1. Tap the arrow in the bottom-right corner of any app that you've opened to bring up the menu.
    App menu
  2. Then tap the star to save it to your home screen.
    Save app to home screen
  3. On the next prompt, choose the app you want to save.

Navigate the search screen

  • To get back to the search results screen, tap your device's home button.
  • Previous searches are available under the search bar. Swipe these to the left to see more.
Tip: If you scroll the search results far enough, you will see a Clear history link that you can use to clear the app search history.

Organize the search screen

Customize the search screen to suit you.

  • Tap and hold a "folder" for a few seconds (the folders will start to jiggle). Then you can drag one around to rearrange it or press the red X to remove it.
  • Tap the + button to add new folders to the search screen.

These fine people helped write this article:

Illustration of hands

Volunteer

Grow and share your expertise with others. Answer questions and improve our knowledge base.

Learn More