---
title: "Firefox 148 and Newer: How to Block All AI Features (Plus Granular Options)"
url: "https://binary.ph/2026/05/07/firefox-148-and-newer-how-to-block-all-ai-features-plus-granular-options/"
description: "Firefox has added clearer controls for managing AI-driven features. For users who want to disable AI capabilities such as AI summaries, enhanced suggestion"
author: "BinaryPH"
published: "2026-05-07T14:49:07+00:00"
modified: "2026-05-07T14:49:07+00:00"
tags: ["Main"]
---

# Firefox 148 and Newer: How to Block All AI Features (Plus Granular Options)

Firefox has added clearer controls for managing AI-driven features. For users who want to disable AI capabilities such as AI summaries, enhanced suggestions, or chatbot-like assistance, modern Firefox versions include a dedicated **AI Controls** section. This article explains how to block all AI enhancements quickly, how to turn off specific features, and how to enforce settings using enterprise policies.

## Confirm the Firefox version

The most straightforward workflow depends on a newer Firefox release. A dedicated **AI Controls** option is available starting with **Firefox 148**. To verify:

- Open Firefox and select **Help** from the menu.
- Choose **About Firefox**.

If the installed version is 148 or later, the one-click block option should be available.

## One-click method: Block all AI enhancements

To disable every AI feature currently supported by Firefox, the recommended approach is the global toggle inside the AI Controls area.

1. Click the **≡** menu (top-right).
2. Select **Settings**.
3. In the left sidebar, choose **AI Controls**.
4. Turn **Block AI enhancements** to **ON**.

When enabled, this setting disables current AI features and is designed to block additional AI capabilities added later by Mozilla, reducing the need for repeated adjustments.

## What gets disabled when “Block AI enhancements” is enabled

The global toggle can suppress multiple categories of AI functionality, including:

- **AI-powered translations** for supported pages
- **PDF alt text** generated for accessibility
- **Tab group suggestions** that reorganize browsing context
- **Link preview key points** that summarize content before opening
- **Sidebar chatbot** or AI chat elements presented in the sidebar and related UI

## Selective control: Disable specific AI features instead of everything

Some users prefer keeping certain enhancements while disabling others. Firefox allows turning off individual AI components from the same **AI Controls** section.

Within **Settings → AI Controls**, switch off the individual items to match the desired privacy or focus level. Common options include:

- **Translations**: disable AI-driven translation behavior
- **PDF alt text**: prevent automatic descriptive text generation
- **Tab group suggestions**: stop AI recommendations for tab organization
- **Link preview key points**: remove AI summaries shown during link browsing
- **Sidebar chatbot**: eliminate AI chat interactions from the sidebar

## Removing the sidebar chatbot specifically

If only the chatbot needs removal, it can often be managed through sidebar customization:

1. Right-click the Firefox sidebar area.
2. Select **Customize sidebar**.
3. Uncheck the option for **AI chatbot**.

This approach focuses on the interface element without necessarily altering other AI enhancements.

## Advanced: Enforce AI blocking with enterprise policies

For organizations or users managing multiple machines, policy-based configuration provides consistent enforcement. A **policies.json** file can set preferences so AI remains blocked.

Create a file at one of the following locations depending on the operating system:

- **Windows**: `C:Program FilesMozilla Firefoxdistributionpolicies.json`
- **Linux/Mac**: `/etc/firefox/policies/policies.json`

Use a configuration similar to the following:

```
{
  "policies": {
    "Preferences": {
      "browser.ai.control.default": "blocked"
    }
  }
}
```

After placing the file, restart Firefox to apply the policy.

## Quick checklist

- Check **Help → About Firefox** to confirm Firefox 148 or newer.
- Open **Settings → AI Controls**.
- Choose either:
- Optionally customize or remove the **AI chatbot** from the sidebar.

## Why this approach matters

Using the built-in AI Controls ensures changes persist and reduces the likelihood of AI features reappearing after updates. For environments requiring tighter governance, policy enforcement adds a second layer by applying a system-level default that keeps AI blocked across devices.

> **Note:** If AI controls are not visible, the installed Firefox version likely predates the feature. Updating to a newer release is the first step.