Exclusive: Mozilla tests "Firefox IP Protection" to promote VPN within Browser

Mozilla is quietly testing “Firefox IP Protection”, a new Firefox feature promoting its paid VPN service, Mozilla VPN, directly within the browser interface. As part of the push, Firefox will show in-browser callouts and UI prompts designed to ask users to upgrade to Mozilla VPN to secure their entire device, not just their browser traffic.

This move aligns with Mozilla’s recent efforts, including quietly testing Perplexity AI as a new Firefox search option and later promoting Perplexity AI integration in Firefox, as well as launching a dedicated Firefox.com homepage for direct downloads.

Firefox IP Protection Experiment

As part of the experiment, Firefox displays a new toolbar button labeled “Firefox IP Protection”. It prompts users to upgrade to Mozilla VPN:

“Upgrade to protect yourself beyond the browser. Enhance your security with Mozilla VPN for your entire device, not just your browser. Customize your VPN location, set site-specific locations, and more.”

This messaging highlights that Mozilla VPN can protect internet connections at the device level, offering premium features like customizable server locations.

The bug tracking details we reviewed reveal that the new IP Protection callout has two variants:

• Signed-in users are prompted directly to enable the VPN.
• Signed-out users are first asked to sign in with a Mozilla account, required to activate VPN features.

The experiment currently targets users in a Nimbus test—Mozilla’s platform for staged feature rollouts—so not all Firefox users will see these prompts. Mozilla also plans to show confirmation prompts to existing VPN subscribers, helping them activate protection within Firefox. Message bars will notify users when the VPN connects, disconnects, or encounters errors.

Mozilla VPN

Mozilla VPN is a subscription-based virtual private network service offered by Mozilla, makers of Firefox. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices, using the WireGuard® protocol for fast and secure connections. A single subscription covers up to five devices with unlimited bandwidth, and Mozilla enforces a strict no-logging policy to protect user privacy.

The experiment reveals Mozilla is planning to integrate device-wide VPN promotion directly into Firefox, making it easier for users to discover, subscribe to, and activate VPN protection for the whole device.

Apart from this, Mozilla is testing adding the Mica effect to the Firefox toolbar in Windows 11, in addition to the effect already present in context menus, tabs, and title bars. Additionally, Firefox on Android is getting a menu redesign and will soon let you lock private browsing tabs.

What do you think about Mozilla promoting its VPN directly within Firefox? Share your thoughts in the comments below.