This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

The find bar does not work.

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Sissy16

more options

When I try to use the find bar, it shows up black and won't search for text. It doesn't even say "phrase not found." I tried searching for words I knew were in the webpage and that I could see and it still wouldn't work. The quick search bar does the same. I tried restarting with add-ons disabled and nothing happened. I'm kind of at a loss at what to do.

Here's an image of the find bar if that helps any.

When I try to use the find bar, it shows up black and won't search for text. It doesn't even say "phrase not found." I tried searching for words I knew were in the webpage and that I could see and it still wouldn't work. The quick search bar does the same. I tried restarting with add-ons disabled and nothing happened. I'm kind of at a loss at what to do. Here's an image of the find bar if that helps any.

Chosen solution

Try to use another theme in case the theme you currently have selected is causing this black color.

Did you make sure that none of the special features for the find bar are selected like "Match case" or "Whole Words"?

The Find bar has find settings for "Highlight All" and "Whole Words" and "Match Case" that are hidden when you use Quick Find. So open the Find bar via Ctrl+F and check these choices. Related prefs as found on the about:config page.

  • findbar.entireword = false
  • findbar.highlightAll = false
  • accessibility.typeaheadfind.casesensitive = 0
Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (3)

more options

Hello,

In order to better assist you with your issue please provide us with a screenshot. If you need help to create a screenshot, please see How do I create a screenshot of my problem?

Once you've done this, attach the saved screenshot file to your forum post by clicking the Browse... button below the Post your reply box. This will help us to visualize the problem.

Thank you!


Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link}

A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh). Is the problem still there?

more options

Chosen Solution

Try to use another theme in case the theme you currently have selected is causing this black color.

Did you make sure that none of the special features for the find bar are selected like "Match case" or "Whole Words"?

The Find bar has find settings for "Highlight All" and "Whole Words" and "Match Case" that are hidden when you use Quick Find. So open the Find bar via Ctrl+F and check these choices. Related prefs as found on the about:config page.

  • findbar.entireword = false
  • findbar.highlightAll = false
  • accessibility.typeaheadfind.casesensitive = 0
more options

cor-el said

Try to use another theme in case the theme you currently have selected is causing this black color.

I changed the theme to default and the find bar works. Thank you very much for your help!