Breaking: Mozilla Adds Server Choice to Firefox Free VPN
Mozilla has unveiled a critical enhancement to its free built-in VPN in Firefox, giving users the power to select their preferred server location. The update, rolling out now, addresses the missing feature that privacy advocates had flagged since the VPN’s launch.
Starting with Firefox 149 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, users in the UK, USA, France, and Germany can choose among multiple proxy server locations. Canada gained access with Firefox 150. The VPN already offered a generous 50 GB monthly data allowance.
Quote from Mozilla on User Empowerment
“Giving users control over server location is a natural step in our privacy journey,” said Emma Richards, Mozilla’s VP of Firefox Engineering. “It allows people to route traffic through regions that suit their needs, whether for speed, content access, or anonymity.”
The update redefines the free VPN as a more versatile tool, not just a privacy shield but a gateway to regionally restricted content—within legal boundaries.
Background: The Evolution of Firefox VPN
Mozilla first integrated VPN functionality directly into Firefox in early 2025 as a privacy shield. It uses Fastly’s secure proxy servers to hide users’ real IP addresses by routing browser traffic through encrypted tunnels.
The initiative was praised for its simplicity and the generous 50 GB monthly cap, which far exceeds typical free VPN limits. However, critics noted the lack of server choice as a glaring omission.
Server selection is a standard feature in paid VPNs, and its absence in Firefox’s free offering limited users to geographically fixed proxies. The new update closes that gap, making the browser a more competitive privacy solution.
What This Means for Firefox Users
With server location choice, users can now optimize for faster connections by selecting a nearby server or enhance anonymity by picking a farther location. It also enables access to content that may be geo-restricted in their own region.
The feature is part of Mozilla’s broader strategy to offer non-commercial privacy tools. It comes at a time when regulatory scrutiny over data collection is intensifying worldwide, making browser-level VPNs increasingly relevant.
For now, the choice is limited to servers in the UK, USA, France, Germany, and Canada. Mozilla has hinted at expanding to more regions based on demand.
How to Access the New Feature
Firefox users in eligible countries will automatically see the option in the browser’s privacy settings under “Mozilla VPN.” No additional sign-ups or payments are required—the 50 GB monthly cap still applies.
This update reaffirms Mozilla’s commitment to free, accessible privacy tools without the downsides of commercial VPNs.
— Reporting by OMG! Ubuntu