XPI File Extension
Mozilla Installer Package
- File Type xpi
- Developer Mozilla
- Popularity
- Application Firefox
- Category Plugin Files
- Format Zip
What is a XPI file?
Mozilla Installer Package, identified by the XPI extension, is a Plugin Files type and includes 252 files.
With the creation of the Mozilla Installer Package (XPI), Mozilla introduced file format along with 4 programs built for their use.
XPI files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. You can import a XPI file using one of 3 programs, for example Firefox, Seamonkey and Mozilla Thunderbird.
MIME types
- : application/x-xpinstall
File Signature
HEX code: 50 4B 03 04. ASCII code: PK.
Programs that support XPI files
How to open a XPI file?
The most common reason why a XPI file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.
The most popular programs for working with XPI files are Firefox, Seamonkey and Mozilla Thunderbird. To get the latest version of Firefox, open the Mozilla website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Firefox as the default app for XPI files.
Make Firefox the default XPI viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your XPI file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Firefox as the application to associate with your XPI file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired XPI file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to Firefox. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Finding answers to XPI file problems
If you encounter issues with XPI files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my XPI file is damaged?
Corrupted XPI plugin files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Opening or processing the file in Firefox or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the XPI file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does Firefox quit or crash unexpectedly?
Firefox crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Mozilla products.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged XPI file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged XPI file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged plugin files.