Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Firefox Repeately Asks for Master Password Each Time Any Secure Site Visited During Single Session

  • 5 cavab
  • 1 has this problem
  • 11 views
  • Last reply by DavixH

more options

I have a 2.5 year old Windows 10 Dell Inspiron 7000 series, with Windows Security. I enabled the Firefox password manager recently. It seems to require that I enter the password whenever I need to access a password enabled site. It that by design? I had understood that once the master PW was entered during a session, Firefox would automatically enter the proper credentials to open password protected websites without my having to reenter Firefox's unique master password each time. If not, what's the point? Thanks!

I have a 2.5 year old Windows 10 Dell Inspiron 7000 series, with Windows Security. I enabled the Firefox password manager recently. It seems to require that I enter the password whenever I need to access a password enabled site. It that by design? I had understood that once the master PW was entered during a session, Firefox would automatically enter the proper credentials to open password protected websites without my having to reenter Firefox's unique master password each time. If not, what's the point? Thanks!

All Replies (5)

more options

Hi DavixH, please ignore the spam message with a phone number -- that's not official and we don't know what they will do to your system if you engage.

more options

DavixH said

I enabled the Firefox password manager recently. It seems to require that I enter the password whenever I need to access a password enabled site. It that by design? I had understood that once the master PW was entered during a session, Firefox would automatically enter the proper credentials to open password protected websites without my having to reenter Firefox's unique master password each time.

Yes, normally it's once per session. Firefox should either just fill the login form or show a drop-down of saved choices.

You can void the previous authentication and require a successful new login if you cancel a Master Password dialog. However, that wouldn't usually come up by itself during regular browsing. It would more typically appear if you click the "eye" button or Copy button on the Logins and Passwords page since those require re-entering the Master Password.

more options

Yes, well something's not working as it should because I wind up having to reenter the Firefox master password multiple times per session. Thanks for the info and particularly the heads up on the phone number. If you have any other ideas, please post. Take care.

more options

You would normally only have to re-enter the MP if you have canceled a MP prompt.
u also need to enter the MP if you want to inspect or copy a password in Lockwise (about:logins).

You can check the current Login state in the Security Device Manager via the Software Security Device settings.
You may have to zoom out this page if you do not see the sidebar at the right.

more options

Thanks cor-el. Would it matter that I am only using the local option with Firefox MP? In otherwords, I haven't enabled it across multiple devices. FYI, I have tried to upload a screenshot of my device manager screen. Another question that I haven't run down just occurred to me. This problem is spotty -- sometimes it asks for the password and other times not. Is it possible that opening a new window triggers the need for a new Master Password entry for that window? Just wondering. I admit I am not a wiz at this . . .