Disable Sponsored Content and Stories on Firefox New Tab

This article provides a quick and easy guide on how to customize the Firefox New Tab page by disabling sponsored shortcuts and recommended stories. By following the straightforward steps outlined below, you will learn how to access your browser's customization settings and declutter your starting screen for a cleaner, distraction-free browsing experience.

Method 1: Customize Directly from the New Tab Page

The fastest way to remove unwanted content is directly from the New Tab page itself.

  1. Open the Firefox browser and open a New Tab.
  2. Click the gear icon (Personalize new tab) located in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the page. A customization panel will slide out from the right.
  3. To remove sponsored links, locate the Shortcuts section in the panel and uncheck the box next to Sponsored shortcuts.
  4. To remove articles, locate the Recommended by Pocket (or Thought-provoking stories) section and toggle the switch to the Off position.
  5. Click the Close button at the top of the panel. Your New Tab page will immediately update.

Method 2: Adjust Preferences in the Firefox Settings Menu

You can also disable these features through the main browser settings menu.

  1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner of the Firefox window.
  2. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
  3. Click on Home in the left-hand navigation panel.
  4. Scroll down to the Firefox Home Content section.
  5. Locate the Shortcuts option and uncheck the box for Sponsored shortcuts.
  6. Uncheck the box next to Recommended by Pocket (or Thought-provoking stories) to completely remove the article feed from your New Tab page.
  7. Close the Settings tab. Your changes are saved automatically and will take effect the next time you open a new tab.