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.

Avatar for Username

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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Mac 10.12.6 keeps removing Firefox from the dock

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by Steve1956

Steve1956
Steve1956
more options

I recently had to replace my laptop. The new one runs Max 10.12.6 Sierra.

I installed Firefox made it the default browser and moved the shortcut to the dock. Several times it has removed the icon and replaced it with a question mark, which will not open Firefox when clicked, even though the question mark says that it's Firefox. I can still run Firefox by double clicking the icon in the Applications folder. It then goes through the 'verifying Firefox' step again, and reminds me that 'Firefox is an application downloaded from the internet.' and asks if I really want to open it.

Any clues about what's going on?

I recently had to replace my laptop. The new one runs Max 10.12.6 Sierra. I installed Firefox made it the default browser and moved the shortcut to the dock. Several times it has removed the icon and replaced it with a question mark, which will not open Firefox when clicked, even though the question mark says that it's Firefox. I can still run Firefox by double clicking the icon in the Applications folder. It then goes through the 'verifying Firefox' step again, and reminds me that 'Firefox is an application downloaded from the internet.' and asks if I really want to open it. Any clues about what's going on?

Chosen solution

Hi Steve, The question mark indicates that the location of the shortcut either no longer exists or is not accessible. I suspect that you tried dragging the DMG file to the Applications folder, or you ran Firefox from the installer.

Could you try the instructions in the following article: How to download and install Firefox on Mac

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (4)

WestEnd
WestEnd
more options

That sounds like a security software issue isn't recognizing the shortcut. I have Windows 10 and have no issue making a firefox shortcut to my taskbar.

Steve1956
Steve1956 Question owner
more options

Can't be sure, but I don't think it was security software. At the time, I wasn't running any except for what's part of Sierra.

That said, I did have to go though the step of assuring my mac I wanted this even though it wasn't from the Apple App store or an Approved developer. Had to click an "install anyway" button on the Security pane of System Preferences.

Chris Ilias
Chris Ilias
  • Moderator
more options

Chosen Solution

Hi Steve, The question mark indicates that the location of the shortcut either no longer exists or is not accessible. I suspect that you tried dragging the DMG file to the Applications folder, or you ran Firefox from the installer.

Could you try the instructions in the following article: How to download and install Firefox on Mac

Steve1956
Steve1956 Question owner
more options

This actually may have solved the problem. I did do the move "Firefox to Applications folder" step after running it the first time. However, this issue has come up two times now. The application is definitely now in my Applications folder. I dragged the icon from there to the dock this morning. So far it's still there. I'll see if it sticks this time.

Thanks.