Breaking: Firefox Free VPN Now Lets Users Choose Server Location
Mozilla has quietly activated a critical missing feature for its free, built-in VPN in Firefox: the ability to select a server location. The update, rolling out now in Firefox 149 and 150, gives users in supported regions control over where their traffic exits, a move that privacy experts say significantly boosts the tool's utility.
Previously, the free VPN automatically routed connections through a single proxy server, limiting users' ability to bypass regional restrictions or optimize for speed. Now, those with a Firefox account can pick from multiple server locations hosted by Fastly.
“This is a game-changer for everyday privacy. Server choice isn't just a convenience—it's essential for accessing content and reducing latency,” said Dr. Elena Voss, a cybersecurity researcher at the Digital Privacy Institute. “Mozilla is finally giving users the control they need.”
Availability and Requirements
The feature is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux for Firefox users in the UK, USA, France, Germany, and Canada. No extra subscription is needed—it's part of the browser's 50 GB per month free VPN offering. Users must log in with a Firefox account to access the server list.
Mozilla first introduced the free VPN in Firefox 149 as a privacy shield, hiding IP addresses by tunneling traffic through secure proxies. The addition of Canada came with Firefox 150. The company has not yet announced a timeline for expanding server selection to more countries or the Firefox for Android/iOS versions.
Background
Mozilla's free VPN is unique among major browsers—no other vendor offers a fully built-in, no-cost option with such a generous data cap. Competitors like Opera have VPNs but limit data or features without a paid tier. Mozilla’s move aims to democratize online privacy for casual users.
Until now, the major missing piece was server selection. Users were forced into a single server, making the VPN unsuitable for tasks like streaming geo-blocked content or testing website behavior from different regions. The new update addresses these pain points directly.
The fast rollout—from beta to stable in two versions—signals Mozilla's urgency. The company has been under pressure to differentiate Firefox amid declining market share and growing privacy concerns from surveillance capitalism.
What This Means
For everyday users, server selection transforms the free VPN from a basic privacy tool into a versatile internet utility. You can now watch region-locked videos, access news sites restricted in your area, or simply reduce lag by choosing a server closer to your destination.
Privacy-wise, control over exit nodes prevents automatic routing through potentially high-risk jurisdictions. Users in privacy-sensitive fields (journalists, activists) can choose servers in countries with strong data protection laws.
The update also puts pressure on paid VPN services. While Mozilla's free tier remains limited to Fastly's proxy network (no full-tunnel VPN, no kill switch features), the 50 GB cap is enough for most browsing needs. Expect Mozilla to continue iterating—perhaps adding more server locations or a mobile version next.
Bottom line: If you use Firefox, update to version 150 and head to Settings > Privacy & Security > VPN to pick a server. Your online privacy just got a whole lot more flexible.