How to use Perplexity AI search in Firefox

The quick answer

You can start using the new Perplexity AI search feature in Firefox right now. Follow these four steps to enable it.

1. Update your Firefox browser to the latest version on your desktop.
2. Click the search provider icon (like the Google logo) in the address bar.
3. Select the Perplexity icon from the dropdown list of search options for a single query.
4. Go to Settings, then Search, to set Perplexity as your default search engine.

What is the Firefox Perplexity AI integration?

Mozilla has officially added Perplexity, an AI answer engine, as a built-in search option in its Firefox browser. This feature is now available to all desktop users globally after a successful test period in several markets.

Instead of showing a list of blue links like Google, a Perplexity AI search gives you a direct, conversational answer to your question. It also includes citations, so you can see exactly where the information came from and verify its accuracy.

How an AI answer engine changes search

Traditional search engines are built to find and rank web pages. An AI answer engine is built to find and synthesize information into a direct answer. This fundamentally changes how you get information from the internet.

Consider these key differences:

• Direct Answers vs. Link Lists: Perplexity provides a summary answer written in natural language. Google gives you a list of potential sources you must click through and read.
• Built-in Citations vs. Source Hunting: Perplexity lists its sources directly below the answer. This helps you trust the information and dig deeper if needed.
• Conversational Follow-up vs. New Queries: You can ask follow-up questions to refine your answer in Perplexity. With traditional search, you often have to start a new search with different keywords.

How to use Perplexity AI search in Firefox

Getting started with Perplexity in Firefox is simple. The feature is designed to be accessible without being disruptive. You can use it for specific queries or make it your primary way of searching the web.

Make sure your Firefox is updated

First, ensure you have the most recent version of Firefox on your desktop. Perplexity integration is part of a new browser update.

You can check for updates by going to the Firefox menu, selecting "Help," and then "About Firefox." If an update is available, it will download automatically. You can also download the latest version directly from the official Firefox website.

How to make a single Perplexity search

If you want to try Perplexity for a specific question without changing your default search engine, you can do it directly from the address bar.

1. Type your question into the Firefox address bar.
2. Look at the bottom of the search suggestions box. You will see a row of search engine icons.
3. Click on the Perplexity icon.

Firefox will run your search using Perplexity, opening the results in a new tab. This allows you to use the AI answer engine whenever you feel it's the right tool for the job.

How to set Perplexity as your default

If you find the conversational answers useful, you can make Perplexity your default search engine. This means every search you type into the address bar will automatically use Perplexity.

1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) and select "Settings."
2. In the Settings menu, click on "Search" in the left-hand panel.
3. Under "Default Search Engine," click the dropdown menu.
4. Select "Perplexity" from the list.

Your changes are saved automatically. Now, all your searches will go through the Perplexity AI search engine, giving you cited, conversational answers every time.

Why Mozilla chose this AI integration path

While some companies are building entirely new browsers around AI, Mozilla is taking a different approach. The integration of Perplexity highlights Mozilla's focus on user choice, privacy, and enhancing the existing Firefox experience.

According to Mozilla, the decision was based on positive user feedback from its initial tests. Users want powerful AI tools, but they also want control over how and when they use them. You can read more about their reasoning on the official Mozilla blog.

A focus on user privacy

A major concern with AI tools is how they handle user data. Mozilla has been clear about its privacy standards. They state that Perplexity maintains strict rules against selling or sharing personal user data.

This means your information is only used for the intended purpose of providing an answer. This commitment to privacy makes Firefox a strong choice for users who want to explore browser AI tools without sacrificing their data security. You can learn more on Perplexity's website.

Preparing your business for AI search

The rise of AI answer engines is a major shift for digital marketing. When users get answers directly in the browser, they are less likely to click through to a website. This means businesses must adapt their strategies.

The new goal is to become a citable source for engines like Perplexity. This emerging field is called Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). It focuses on creating clear, authoritative content that AI can easily reference. If you want your brand to show up in these new search results, you need to optimize your site for AI answer engines.

Other new Firefox features to use now

The latest Firefox update includes more than just the Perplexity integration. Mozilla also rolled out two other significant features to improve how you organize and conduct your browsing.

Organize your browsing with Profiles

Firefox now includes Browser Profiles for all users. This feature lets you create separate, independent browsing environments on the same computer. Each profile has its own history, bookmarks, passwords, and cookies.

This is extremely useful for separating different parts of your life. For example, you can create profiles for:

• Work: Keeps all your professional bookmarks, logins, and history in one place.
• Personal: For social media, shopping, and personal accounts.
• Side Projects: A clean space for research and development without clutter from your other activities.

Using profiles prevents data from mixing and helps you stay focused on the task at hand. It removes the need to constantly log in and out of accounts or use different browsers for different tasks.

Test visual search with Google Lens

For users who keep Google as their default search engine, Mozilla is also testing a new visual search feature. This integration brings Google Lens functionality directly into the desktop browser.

If you are part of the test group, you can right-click on any image on a webpage and select a new option to search with Google Lens. This allows you to find the source of an image, identify objects within it, or find visually similar pictures.

The future of search is conversational

Firefox's addition of Perplexity is part of a larger industry trend. Web browsers are evolving from simple gateways to the internet into interactive partners powered by AI. This integration shows a path forward that balances innovation with user control.

As more users adopt these tools, the nature of online visibility will change. Your business can no longer rely on just ranking for keywords. You need a comprehensive, forward-thinking approach. An effective AI-driven marketing strategy is no longer optional.

Navigating this new landscape requires expertise and constant adaptation. By focusing on creating high-quality, well-structured content, you position your brand to be a trusted source in the age of AI. For businesses that want to stay ahead without the complexity, Ingeniom offers a complete solution from website to social, fully managed on a monthly plan and built for the new era of search.