Disable Firefox Sync

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  • Creator: AliceWyman
  • Comment: added note that mobile phone number is not required - see discussion
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  • Reviewed by: AliceWyman
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Note: This article applies to Firefox version 71 and above. Please update Firefox to the latest version for the latest features and security updates.

Firefox Sync allows you to sync your bookmarks, logins and passwords, browsing history, tab settings and other items across various devices. See How do I set up Sync on my computer? to learn more about how to turn on Sync.

You can disable Sync, if you you’d like, to avoid syncing your data across certain devices when creating or signing into a Firefox Account. You'll remain signed in to your account even after Sync has been disabled, unless you decide to sign out. You can also disable Sync for devices that have been synced previously. For additional information, see Remove a synced device from your Mozilla account.

Note: You can sign up for a Firefox Account without having to enable Firefox Sync immediately.

Disable Sync for previously synced devices

To disable Sync for previously synced devices:

  1. Click the Mozilla account icon on the Firefox toolbar.

    Mozilla account icon
  2. Select Sync Settings from the drop-down menu.
    Sync Settings fx71
    The Sync panel of your Firefox Settings page will open.
  3. Click the Change… button in the Syncing: ON subsection.
    The Choose What To Sync pop-up will open.
    Disconnect Sync fx71
  4. Click Disconnect…. A confirmation prompt will appear.
    Fx71DisableSync-DisconnectPrompt
  5. Click the Disconnect… button in the Disconnect Sync? prompt.

Firefox will stop syncing your account but won’t delete any data or settings. The Sync panel of your Firefox Settings page will now show Syncing: OFF.

Fx71SyncingOff
Note: To turn syncing back on, click Set Up Sync… in your Firefox Settings Sync panel.

Disable Sync for an existing Firefox Account on a new device

You can disable Sync when first signing into an existing Firefox Account on a new device. (This also applies when you first create a new Firefox profile.)

  1. Enter your email address on the Welcome to Firefox page that displays when you first start Firefox and click Continue.
    Fx71Welcome
  2. Enter your Firefox Account password on the next Sign In screen.
  3. Click Don’t sync this device.
    Fx71signin-SyncOption

You will be signed in to your Firefox Account but Sync will not be set up for the new device.

Note: You can bypass the Send Firefox directly to your smartphone and sign in to complete setup page, by opening a new tab or window. A mobile phone number is not required.