Firefox for iOS tests built-in ad blocker

People tapping through the settings in Firefox on iPhone may already come across a new toggle: Mozilla is gradually rolling out a built-in ad blocker for Firefox on iOS. The feature has not yet reached all users and is disabled by default.

Technically, Mozilla is using EasyList, a well-known filter list for ads. It is designed to detect and block ads from third-party ad networks, ad-based trackers and intrusive formats such as pop-ups and overlays. Mozilla is thus offering a feature directly in the browser that iPhone users previously had to obtain by installing a separate content-blocking app for Safari, for example.

The filter has clear limits. Search ads on Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo are not blocked. The sponsored ads that Firefox itself displays on the start screen or in new tabs also remain visible. Websites may also experience display issues after activation; Mozilla points to this as a possible side effect.

Specifically, users who have already received the feature will find it in the browsing settings under “Content” or “Media” and must turn it on themselves. This can remove third-party ads and certain trackers from page layouts, but it does not replace complete protection against every form of advertising. According to Mozilla, the rollout is gradual; no exact schedule is known.