Firefox is getting smarter without forcing you to switch browsers. Instead of launching a brand-new AI browser, Mozilla is letting users add an AI-powered search engine to the Firefox they already use. The company is rolling out Perplexity as an optional search provider globally on desktop, following a successful pilot in select markets. A mobile release will follow in the months ahead.
Perplexity delivers a conversational search experience. Instead of a long list of links, you’ll see concise answers with citations so you can verify sources and dive deeper when you want. You can access it from the unified search button in the Firefox address bar to switch on the fly, or set it as your default search engine in Settings if you want AI answers by default.
Mozilla has signaled that more AI answer engines could be added over time, giving users greater choice in how they search. Perplexity was a natural first step because it says it does not share or sell personal data, a stance that aligns with Firefox’s emphasis on privacy.
There’s more coming to the browsing experience, too. Browser Profiles are now broadly available to everyone after months of testing. Profiles let you keep separate spaces for work, school, and personal browsing, each with its own history, extensions, and settings. It’s a simple way to stay organized and reduce clutter.
Mozilla is also continuing to test visual search with Google Lens for users who have Google set as their default search on desktop. This experiment aims to make image-based queries more intuitive without leaving the browser.
Why it matters: AI search inside Firefox puts choice and privacy at the forefront. You can opt in to conversational results when it helps, stick with your favorite traditional engine when you prefer, and easily compartmentalize your online life with profiles.
How to try it now
– Open Firefox on desktop.
– Click the address bar’s unified search button to switch to Perplexity for a query, or go to Settings > Search to set Perplexity as your default.
– Create and customize Browser Profiles to separate work, school, and personal browsing.
– If Google is your default, keep an eye out for ongoing visual search tests with Google Lens.
With a global desktop rollout underway and mobile support on the horizon, Firefox is giving users practical AI features without sacrificing flexibility or control.
