The guide walks you through installing Waterfox on Linux Mint 21 or 20, highlighting that the browser offers a lightweight, privacy‑focused alternative to Firefox with legacy extension support and no telemetry. It starts by ensuring the required 64‑bit libraries are present, then directs readers to download the correct .deb package—whether 32‑bit, 64‑bit, or ARM—using wget. After placing the file in Downloads, the instructions show how to install it via dpkg, fix missing dependencies with apt, and also explain optional steps for setting Waterfox as the default browser through system settings or mimeapps.list. Finally, common hiccups such as launch issues, kernel compatibility problems, or add‑on failures are addressed so users can enjoy a stable, update‑free browsing experience.

How to Install Waterfox Browser on Linux Mint 21/20

If you’re tired of the “always‑update” cycle in Firefox and want a lighter, privacy‑friendly alternative that still feels like it came from Mozilla, Waterfox is the trick. I’ve had it running on both fresh Mint 21 and an older Mint 20 setup for years, and it’s as easy to install as copying a .deb file—once you know which one to grab.

Why Choose Waterfox?

Waterfox is essentially Firefox with legacy extensions support and no telemetry. If the last time you updated your browser you found yourself chasing broken add‑ons or dealing with “Firefox update failed” errors, this is a safe bet. It keeps the familiar UI but drops the data‑gathering bits.

Prepare Your System

Before downloading anything, make sure your system has the 64‑bit libraries it needs:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install libgtk-3-0 libdbus-glib-1-2 libasound2

These packages are bundled with most Mint installs already, but if you get “missing dependency” errors later, run these commands first. I once ran into a missing libasound2 issue on a minimal Mint install and had to add it before Waterfox would even launch.

Download the Right Package

Waterfox offers three builds: 32‑bit, 64‑bit, and ARM. Pick the one that matches your CPU:

• 64‑bit (the most common):

wget https://github.com/WaterfoxCo/Waterfox/releases/download/2024.01.0/waterfox_2024.01.0_amd64.deb

If you’re on a 32‑bit Mint 20, use the i386 package instead. The URL points directly to the latest release; feel free to replace the version number if a newer one is out.

Install via Terminal

Once the .deb lands in your Downloads folder (or wherever you saved it), install with:

cd ~/Downloads
sudo dpkg -i waterfox_2024.01.0_amd64.deb
sudo apt --fix-broken install  # resolves any missing deps reported by dpkg

dpkg will unpack the package, and apt --fix-broken install pulls in any leftover dependencies that slipped through. If you see “dependency problems - leaving unconfigured,” just run that second command again.

Set It as Default (Optional)

If you want Waterfox to replace Firefox in your menu or when you click a link, use the default‑applications dialog:

1. Open Settings => Details => Default Applications.

2. Choose Waterfox under Web Browser.

Alternatively, edit mimeapps.list manually if you’re comfortable with config files. I’ve found this step handy after switching from Firefox to Waterfox; it prevented me from accidentally launching the old browser again.

Troubleshooting Common Hiccups

• “Application not available” when clicking a link: Make sure the xdg-settings entry is pointing to /usr/bin/waterfox. Run xdg-mime default waterfox.desktop x-scheme-handler/http and the same for https.
• Crashes on start‑up after a kernel upgrade: Verify that you’re running the 64‑bit build; older 32‑bit builds won’t play nicely with newer kernels. Download the latest .deb again if needed.
• Add‑ons not loading: Waterfox only supports legacy extensions (those built for Firefox 52 or earlier). Modern add‑ons will fail silently, so keep that in mind when you’re hunting for a particular plugin.

That’s it—no more nagging update prompts and no telemetry. Drop the default browser into your workflow, and you’ll be back to surfing without the bloat.