Introduction

Mozilla Firefox is one of the most popular web browsers in the world — fast, secure, and feature-rich. However, sometimes users find themselves stuck in full-screen mode — unable to see the address bar, tabs, or toolbar, and unsure how to restore their window.

If your Firefox browser suddenly looks like it’s “stuck” on a full-screen tab or video, don’t worry!
This guide explains every method to fix the Firefox full-screen issue — whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Understanding Firefox Full Screen Mode

Before jumping to solutions, let’s understand what’s happening.

There are two types of full-screen modes in Firefox:

1. Browser Full Screen Mode:
   • Triggered by pressing F11.
   • Hides address bar, tabs, and toolbars.
   • The webpage covers the entire screen.
2. Video Full Screen Mode:
   • Triggered by clicking the “Full Screen” icon on video players (e.g., YouTube, Netflix).
   • Only the video goes full screen.

Sometimes, due to a bug or wrong shortcut, Firefox may stay stuck in this mode.

Quick Fix: Exit Full Screen Mode Instantly

The fastest way to get Firefox back to normal view is through a keyboard shortcut.

✅ Keyboard Shortcut Method

Press F11 on your keyboard.

This toggles full screen ON/OFF instantly.

On Laptops: If it doesn’t work, press Fn + F11.

💡 Tip: You’ll know it’s fixed when your address bar, tabs, and bookmarks bar reappear.

Method 2: Exit Full Screen Using Firefox Menu

If you still see the top-right Firefox menu icon (☰):

1. Click the three horizontal lines (☰) on the top-right corner.
2. Click “Full Screen” or “Exit Full Screen.”

This works perfectly if your keyboard shortcuts are disabled or overridden by another app.

Method 3: Move Mouse to the Top of the Screen

Sometimes, Firefox hides the toolbar while in full screen, but it’s still there.

Try this:

1. Move your mouse pointer to the very top edge of your screen.
2. Wait a second — your tabs and toolbar will slide down.
3. Click the Exit Full Screen icon (two diagonal arrows) in the corner.

🧭 Works best if Firefox is in full-screen web browsing mode.

Method 4: Use Windows Shortcut Keys

If Firefox is taking up your entire display (covering even your taskbar):

Try these combinations:

• Alt + Space → Then click “Restore” or “Move”
• Windows + D → Minimizes all windows (restores normal view)
• Windows + Up Arrow → Maximize
• Windows + Down Arrow → Restore

If Firefox goes outside the visible area, use “Move” to bring it back with arrow keys.

Method 5: Disable Auto Full-Screen in Firefox Settings

Firefox sometimes auto-enters full screen when watching videos or using web apps. You can disable that.

Steps:

1. Type about:preferences in the Firefox address bar.
2. Scroll down to the Tabs section.
3. Uncheck “Hide the toolbar in full-screen mode.”
4. Restart Firefox.

Now, even if you go full screen, your top toolbar and address bar won’t disappear completely.

Method 6: Restart Firefox in Normal Mode

If none of the above works, try restarting Firefox.

Simple Restart:

1. Press Alt + F4 to close Firefox.
2. Reopen it normally from your Start menu or Dock.

Force Close (if frozen):

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Select Mozilla Firefox → Click End Task.
3. Reopen Firefox.

Method 7: Disable Extensions or Add-ons

Some extensions (like video enhancers or screen managers) can force full-screen mode or block toolbar visibility.

To disable them:

1. Go to Menu ☰ → Add-ons and Themes → Extensions.
2. Disable any extension related to video, display, or screen management.
3. Restart Firefox.

If your browser returns to normal view — you’ve found the cause.

Method 8: Refresh Firefox (Last Resort)

If Firefox keeps going full screen every time you open it, your profile settings may be corrupted.

You can fix it with a Firefox Refresh:

Steps:

1. In the address bar, type about:support.
2. Click “Refresh Firefox” on the right.
3. Confirm.

This resets Firefox to default (without deleting your bookmarks or saved passwords).

⚠️ Note: Add-ons will be removed — reinstall only trusted ones afterward.

Bonus Tip: Prevent Firefox from Going Full Screen Automatically

If you don’t want Firefox or websites to force full screen:

Option 1 – Turn Off Website Permissions

1. Type about:config in the address bar.
2. Search for: full-screen-api.allow-trusted-requests-only
3. Double-click to set it to True.

Now, Firefox will ask permission before any website goes full screen.

Common Causes of Firefox Full Screen Issue

Cause	Description	Solution
Accidental F11 Press	Shortcut toggled full screen	Press F11 again
Video Player Full Screen	YouTube, Netflix, etc.	Press Esc
Hidden Toolbar Setting	“Hide toolbar in full screen” enabled	Disable in Settings
Extension Interference	Add-ons forcing display	Disable or remove
Corrupted Profile	Browser config issue	Refresh Firefox

How to Fix Full Screen on Mobile Firefox

If you’re using Firefox for Android/iOS and can’t exit full screen (like on YouTube or news sites):

1. Tap the screen once to reveal options.
2. Tap the “Exit Full Screen” icon (two arrows).
3. Or press your phone’s Back Button.

You can also:

• Close all tabs,
• Restart Firefox, or
• Clear app cache in Settings → Apps → Firefox → Storage → Clear Cache.

Conclusion

Being stuck in full-screen mode on Firefox can be frustrating — but it’s almost always easy to fix.

✅ Use F11 to toggle full screen.
✅ Or adjust settings under Preferences → Tabs → Hide Toolbar in Full Screen.
✅ Restart or disable extensions if the issue persists.

Remember, Firefox’s full-screen feature is designed for distraction-free browsing, not confusion — so once you know how to manage it, it becomes a handy tool.