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:
• Block AI enhancements (ON) for full disablement, or
• Toggle off individual AI features for selective control.
• 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.