Firefox shows sponsored links in the address bar. Sponsored links, a fancy name for ads, appear as part of Firefox Suggest, which was introduced in Firefox version 93 and above.

While Firefox shows these links to try to be helpful, more often than not, they're just plain annoying. So, here's how to disable sponsored links in Firefox.

Contextual suggestions, as Firefox calls them, is designed to offer smarter suggestions when you start typing. By tapping into adMarketplace, Firefox will serve up relevant sponsored suggestions from "trusted partners."

For instance, if you search for a pair of Converse sneakers, you might see a suggestion to visit the brand's store on eBay. While Firefox may call it suggestions, it's really just ads.

Screenshot showing sponsored link in Firefox Suggest options

These ads will be shown in the address bar–the same section where you'd expect suggestions from your browser history or other open tabs.

If you're using Firefox version 93 or higher, you might be seeing these sponsored links in your address bar. Here's how you can turn them off:

  1. Click on the hamburger menu, then navigate to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy and Security from the menu on the left, then scroll down to Address Bar - Firefox Suggest.
  3. Click on the switch for suggestions from sponsors to disable them. That's it!
Screenshot showing Firefox Suggest settings

You can also disable Suggestions from the web if you want to completely disable any kind of suggestions from Firefox.

Is Firefox Trying to Capitalize on Ad Revenue?

According to Mozilla, this feature was introduced in Firefox version 93 to fund development and optimization. Mozilla also reaffirmed that no new data will be collected, stored, or shared to provide such suggestions to its users.

Related: How to Find and Disable Ads in Windows 10: Places to Look

This is probably Mozilla's attempt at diversifying its income streams. Mozilla has partnered with adMarketplace to serve up suggestions right in the address bar, so it's a likely a deal has been made here. Mozilla also reaffirmed that it only partners with companies that meet its privacy standards.

Not All External Suggestions Are Sponsored

From time to time, you might also see suggestions in the address bar from Wikipedia as well. These are not sponsored. Given the fact that most people prefer using Firefox because of its increased focus on privacy, it's likely that most users will want to turn off this feature.

If you're using Firefox as your default browser, there are a bunch of hidden features that will help you make the best of your browsing experience.