Editorial illustration for Firefox adds toggle to disable AI features, matching Edge and Chrome
Firefox AI Window: Browse Smarter, Control Your Experience
Firefox adds toggle to disable AI features, matching Edge and Chrome
Firefox is rolling out a new on‑off switch for its AI‑driven tools, putting the browser on equal footing with Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, which already let users mute similar functions. The move arrives after a year of rapid feature additions—most notably a “shake to summarize” option that iPhone owners can trigger to condense articles on the fly. By giving people a granular control panel, Mozilla acknowledges that not every user wants every AI shortcut baked into their browsing experience.
The toggle isn’t just a cosmetic tweak; it signals a broader shift toward user‑choice in a space where competitors have been quietly expanding their AI arsenals. For those who prefer a plain‑vanilla web or who worry about data handling, the ability to turn off—or selectively enable—these capabilities could be the deciding factor between sticking with Firefox or jumping ship.
You can disable all AI‑powered features inside Firefox, or pick and choose which ones you still want to use. Over the past year, Firefox joined Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome in doubling down on AI, with the company rolling out a new “shake to summarize” feature that iPhone users can use to get an…
You can disable all AI-powered features inside Firefox, or pick and choose which ones you still want to use. Over the past year, Firefox joined Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome in doubling down on AI, with the company rolling out a new "shake to summarize" feature that iPhone users can use to get an AI-powered summary of what they're reading online. Firefox is working on an "AI Window" as well, an opt-in browsing experience that uses an AI assistant and chatbot to help users search the web. Mozilla CEO Anthony Enzor-DeMeo told The Verge last year that he believes there's space for another AI browser from a "technology company that people can trust." In December, Enzor-DeMeo promised an AI "kill switch" in response to users unhappy with Firefox's embrace of AI.
Will users actually flip the switch? Firefox’s new AI control gives them that option. Starting February 24, a dedicated toggle appears in the settings menu, letting people turn off every AI‑powered function—from the built‑in chatbot to translation tools, from AI‑suggested tab groups to the “shake to summarize” feature that iPhone users have already tried.
The move aligns Mozilla with Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, all of which have been layering AI into their browsers over the past year. Yet the update doesn't force any feature on; instead it offers a granular on/off choice. For privacy‑concerned users, that could be reassuring, but whether the option will be widely used remains unclear.
Critics might argue that the mere presence of AI, even if optional, normalizes its role in everyday browsing. Meanwhile, developers now have a clear path to test how much AI integration users tolerate. In short, Firefox is providing a straightforward way to opt out, though the impact on overall adoption of its AI tools is still uncertain.
Further Reading
- Firefox will soon let you block all of its generative AI features - TechCrunch
- Mozilla announces switch to disable all Firefox AI features - BleepingComputer
- Mozilla Details its New Controls for Blocking AI Features in Firefox - Thurrott.com
- AI controls is coming to Firefox - Mozilla Blog
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Common Questions Answered
How does Firefox's new AI toggle work for browser features?
Firefox now offers a comprehensive on-off switch for AI-powered tools, allowing users to completely disable or selectively enable AI features. Users can turn off everything from the built-in chatbot to translation tools and AI-suggested tab groups, giving them granular control over their browsing experience.
What is the AI Window feature Firefox is developing?
The AI Window is an opt-in intelligent space in Firefox that lets users chat with an AI assistant while browsing. It's designed to be completely user-controlled, meaning users can choose when, how, or whether to use it at all, reflecting Mozilla's commitment to user choice and openness.
How does Firefox approach local AI models for browser features?
Firefox uses local AI runtime to process features entirely on the user's device, preserving privacy and enabling offline functionality. This approach means AI models are stored and run locally, which prevents data from being sent to remote servers and allows features to work faster and without an internet connection.