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How to change or reset your Mozilla account password
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Whether you forgot your Mozilla account password or want to update it for security reasons, this guide will show you how to change or reset it.
Whether you forgot your Mozilla account password or want to update it for security reasons, this guide will show you how to change or reset it.
Content:
This guide will help you update or recover your [[Mozilla account - Managing account data|Mozilla account]] password. If you’re signed in, you can change your password directly. If you’re locked out, you have reset options based on your account setup and data needs.
;[[Image:Mozilla account wrong password|width=400]]
----
=What you should know before you reset your Mozilla account password=
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the two types of data associated with your account.
*Browser data includes information such as browsing history, bookmarks, saved passwords and settings, stored directly on your device. This data remains accessible as long as you have the device and haven’t removed the data.
*Encrypted data is created when you use [[Sync Firefox data|Sync]]. You can choose to sync [[How do I choose what information to sync on Firefox?|selected data]], which is then stored on Mozilla’s servers in an encrypted form to ensure privacy and security. You can access encrypted data from any device where you’re signed in with your Mozilla account.
'''Impact on data after a password reset:''' If you reset your account password with a [[Avoid getting locked out of your Mozilla account#w_set-up-an-account-recovery-key|recovery key]], you keep access to encrypted sync data (like bookmarks, passwords and settings) on Mozilla’s servers. The recovery key keeps this data connected to your account. Without the recovery key, this synced data is erased for security. However, if you reset your password on a device that has a local copy of your data, signing in with your new password will re-upload the local data to [[Sync Firefox data|Sync]]. On a device without local data, the synced data will be permanently lost.
<br>'''Note:''' Resetting your Mozilla account password doesn’t impact subscriptions or payment details, as these are managed separately.
{note}'''Note:''' If you're locked out of your Mozilla account because of a security issue, see [[My sign in was blocked for security reasons on Mozilla account]]. The security issue tag also appears if Mozilla detects that your account credentials have been leaked on the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_web dark web]. In this case, you'll need to reset your password immediately. See [[Reset your Mozilla account password to protect your credentials]] for more information.{/note}
=Select the reset option below that best fits your setup to keep your data intact=
Different password reset options affect your data differently. Select the scenario that best matches your situation.
[[UI:details_start]]
===What if I use a passkey?===
Passkeys and passwords are separate sign-in methods for your Mozilla account.
Even if you use a passkey to sign in, you may still need to reset your Mozilla account password if:
*You forgot your password
*Your password was reset for security reasons
*You use Firefox Sync
Firefox Sync uses your Mozilla account password to protect your encrypted browsing data. Because of this, passkeys do not replace your Mozilla account password for Sync.
{note}'''Note''': Resetting your password does not remove your existing passkeys. However, you should review your passkeys after regaining access to your account and remove any that you do not recognize.{/note}
For more information, see [[Use a passkey to sign in to your Mozilla account]].
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===I know my account password and can sign in===
If you’re signed in to your Mozilla account, follow the steps to change your password.
[[Template:ChangeMozillaAccountPW]]
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===I have my Recovery key===
If you’re locked out, a [[Avoid getting locked out of your Mozilla account#w_set-up-an-account-recovery-key|recovery key]] is required to reset your password without losing synced encrypted data. Click the heading below for detailed steps.
#Go to [https://accounts.firefox.com/signin Mozilla account Sign in].
#;[[Image:Sign in MA|width=350]]
#Click '''Forgot password?''' and follow the prompts.
#;[[Image:Forgot password|width=350]]
#;{note}'''Note:''' This will also reset your account recovery key.{/note}
#On the [https://accounts.firefox.com/reset_password Mozilla account password reset page], enter your email address and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:Reset password|width=350]]
#You will receive an 8-digit confirmation code via email. See [[I'm having problems confirming my Mozilla account]] for help confirming your account.
#Enter the confirmation code, and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:8 digit code|width=350]]
#Enter your account recovery key.
#;[[Image:Recovery key|width=350]]
#Create a new password.
#;[[Image:new password|width=350]]
#After resetting your password, a new account recovery key will be generated for you.<br>
#;{note}'''Note:''' Recovery keys expire after every use, so it’s important to replace the previous one you had saved.{/note}
#;[[Image:new key|width=350]]
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===I don't have a Recovery key===
Resetting your password without a recovery key deletes synced encrypted data (bookmarks, history, tabs, passwords…) from Mozilla’s servers. Local copies on your device remain and can be re-synced upon login.
{warning}'''Important for Sync users:''' If you reset your password without a recovery key, all encrypted data saved through [[Sync Firefox data|Sync]] on Mozilla’s servers will be erased. Please read '''Restore browser data after a Mozilla account password reset''' after you complete your password reset. {/warning}
#Go to [https://accounts.firefox.com/signin Mozilla account Sign in].
#;[[Image:Sign in MA|width=350]]
#Click '''Forgot password?'''
#;[[Image:Forgot password|width=350]]
#;{note}'''Note:''' This will also reset your account recovery key.{/note}
#On the [https://accounts.firefox.com/reset_password Mozilla account password reset page], enter your email address and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:Reset password|width=350]]
#An 8-digit confirmation code will be emailed to you. See [[I'm having problems confirming my Mozilla account]] for help confirming your account.
#Enter the confirmation code and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:8 digit code|width=350]]
#If you have [[Set up two-factor authentication on your Mozilla account|Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)]] enabled, you will be asked to enter the code from your application at this time.
#;[[Image:2fa code|width=350]]
#Create a new password.
{warning}'''Warning:''' If you are a Sync user and likely to have data stored on Mozilla’s servers, a warning will appear informing you that your encrypted browser data may be deleted. This applies only to data stored on the servers and will not affect the data stored locally on your device.{/warning}
*'''For users with a recovery key configured'''
*;If you have a recovery key but clicked '''Can't find your recovery key?''', you will see a slightly different message regarding data recovery. In this case, you will be prompted with a screen guiding you to retrieve your recovery key or continue without it.
*'''For users with a recovery key who clicked “Can't find your recovery key?”'''
*;[[Image:can't find recovery key|width=350]]
*'''For users without a recovery key'''
;[[Image:users without recovery key|width=350]]
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===I only want to reset my password, I have no data to recover===
If you only need to reset your password and don’t need to recover any data, follow these steps.
#Go to the [https://accounts.firefox.com/reset_password Mozilla account password reset page] (or click '''Forgot password?''' from the Sign in page).
#Enter your email address, and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:Reset password|width=350]]
#An 8-digit confirmation code will be emailed to you. See [[I'm having problems confirming my Mozilla account]] for help confirming your account.
#;[[Image:8 digit code|width=350]]
#Enter the confirmation code from the email, and click {button Continue}.
#If you have [[Set up two-factor authentication on your Mozilla account|Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)]] enabled, you will be asked to enter the code from your application at this time.
#;[[Image:2fa code|width=350]]
#Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password.
#;[[Image:new password|width=350]]
#After signing in with your new password, you’ll need to sign in again on all of your devices.
{note}'''Note for Sync users:''' We recommend creating an account recovery key. This allows you to securely restore your information (such as passwords, bookmarks and settings) in the event you forget your password again. This does not include subscription related information, as that is stored separately.{/note}
[[UI:details_end]]
----
=Restore browser data after a Mozilla account password reset=
If you reset your password without a recovery key, you may need to restore your data. Expand the sections below for steps to help recover your information.
[[UI:details_start]]
===Restore data on the same device===
If you’re using the same device, your data is already safe!
#Sign in with Mozilla in Firefox with your new password.
#Click {menu Sync now} in the Firefox menu [[Image:IG main menu]].
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===Restore data on a new device===
#Sign in with your new password '''on your original device first'''.
#Click '''Sync now''' in the Firefox menu [[Image:IG main menu]].
#Sign in with your new password on the new device and [[Sync Firefox data|sync]].
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===Move data to a new device or use an older Firefox version without sync support===
If you are moving to a new device or using a version of Firefox that no longer supports sync, you can transfer your browser data via the Firefox [[Back up and transfer your Firefox data to a new device|backup assistant]] as long as you still have your original device.
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===Recover data without the original device or after data loss===
If your original device is unavailable or data was erased in a crash or reset, the locally stored data – like passwords, bookmarks and settings – cannot be recovered.
[[UI:details_end]]
----
=Frequently asked questions=
==Will resetting my password without a recovery key delete data stored on Mozilla’s servers?==
Yes, resetting your password without a recovery key will delete all encrypted data (such as bookmarks, history and saved passwords) stored on Mozilla’s servers. However, if you still have your original device with local copies, signing back in with your new password will re-upload this data to [[Sync Firefox data|Sync]].
==Can I reset my password and still keep my data?==
Yes, if you have a recovery key set up, you can reset your password and keep your synced data on Mozilla’s servers. The recovery key keeps your account connected to your encrypted data, preventing data loss during a password reset.
==What types of data are affected by a password reset?==
A password reset affects encrypted sync data stored on Mozilla’s servers, including bookmarks, history, passwords and settings. Local browser data on your device remains unaffected and accessible as long as you have the device.
==I’m being told to sign in with the “primary email address” for the account==
This message means you’re trying to sign in with a [[Add a secondary email address to Mozilla accounts|secondary email address]]. Your account is associated with a different, primary email address. Make sure to sign in using that primary email.
==My primary password isn’t working, and I can’t sign in==
Primary Passwords are different from Mozilla account passwords. The primary password secures saved logins in the Firefox browser, while your Mozilla account password is used to access your Mozilla account. For details, see [[Use a Primary Password with Sync]].
==Do passkeys replace my Mozilla account password?==
No.
Passkeys provide an additional way to sign in to your Mozilla account, but your Mozilla account password is still used by Firefox Sync to protect your encrypted browsing data.
If you reset your password:
*Your existing passkeys remain associated with your account.
*You can continue using those passkeys to sign in.
*Firefox Sync will use your new password going forward.
=Related content=
*[[Avoid getting locked out of your Mozilla account]]
*[[I've lost my Firefox Sync account information - What to do]]
*[[I'm having problems confirming my Mozilla account]]
*[[Back up and transfer your Firefox data to a new device]]
*[[Secure your Mozilla account with Two-Step Authentication]]
*[[Use a passkey to sign in to your Mozilla account]]
This guide will help you update or recover your [[Mozilla account - Managing account data|Mozilla account]] password. If you’re signed in, you can change your password directly. If you’re locked out, you have reset options based on your account setup and data needs.
;[[Image:Mozilla account wrong password|width=400]]
----
=What you should know before you reset your Mozilla account password=
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the two types of data associated with your account.
*Browser data includes information such as browsing history, bookmarks, saved passwords and settings, stored directly on your device. This data remains accessible as long as you have the device and haven’t removed the data.
*Encrypted data is created when you use [[Sync Firefox data|Sync]]. You can choose to sync [[How do I choose what information to sync on Firefox?|selected data]], which is then stored on Mozilla’s servers in an encrypted form to ensure privacy and security. You can access encrypted data from any device where you’re signed in with your Mozilla account.
'''Impact on data after a password reset:''' If you reset your account password with a [[Avoid getting locked out of your Mozilla account#w_set-up-an-account-recovery-key|recovery key]], you keep access to encrypted sync data (like bookmarks, passwords and settings) on Mozilla’s servers. The recovery key keeps this data connected to your account. Without the recovery key, this synced data is erased for security. However, if you reset your password on a device that has a local copy of your data, signing in with your new password will re-upload the local data to [[Sync Firefox data|Sync]]. On a device without local data, the synced data will be permanently lost.
'''Note:''' Resetting your Mozilla account password doesn’t impact subscriptions or payment details, as these are managed separately.
{note}'''Note:''' If you're locked out of your Mozilla account because of a security issue, see [[My sign in was blocked for security reasons on Mozilla account]]. The security issue tag also appears if Mozilla detects that your account credentials have been leaked on the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_web dark web]. In this case, you'll need to reset your password immediately. See [[Reset your Mozilla account password to protect your credentials]] for more information.{/note}
=Select the reset option below that best fits your setup to keep your data intact=
Different password reset options affect your data differently. Select the scenario that best matches your situation.
[[UI:details_start]]
===What if I use a passkey?===
Passkeys and passwords are separate sign-in methods for your Mozilla account.
Even if you use a passkey to sign in, you may still need to reset your Mozilla account password if:
*You forgot your password
*Your password was reset for security reasons
*You use Firefox Sync
Firefox Sync uses your Mozilla account password to protect your encrypted browsing data. Because of this, passkeys do not replace your Mozilla account password for Sync.
{note}'''Note:''' Resetting your password does not remove your existing passkeys. However, you should review your passkeys after regaining access to your account and remove any that you do not recognize.{/note}
For more information, see [[Use a passkey to sign in to your Mozilla account]].
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===I know my account password and can sign in===
If you’re signed in to your Mozilla account, follow the steps to change your password.
[[Template:ChangeMozillaAccountPW]]
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===I have my Recovery key===
If you’re locked out, a [[Avoid getting locked out of your Mozilla account#w_set-up-an-account-recovery-key|recovery key]] is required to reset your password without losing synced encrypted data. Click the heading below for detailed steps.
#Go to [https://accounts.firefox.com/signin Mozilla account Sign in].
#;[[Image:Sign in MA|width=350]]
#Click '''Forgot password?''' and follow the prompts.
#;[[Image:Forgot password|width=350]]
#;{note}'''Note:''' This will also reset your account recovery key.{/note}
#On the [https://accounts.firefox.com/reset_password Mozilla account password reset page], enter your email address and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:Reset password|width=350]]
#You will receive an 8-digit confirmation code via email. See [[I'm having problems confirming my Mozilla account]] for help confirming your account.
#Enter the confirmation code, and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:8 digit code|width=350]]
#Enter your account recovery key.
#;[[Image:Recovery key|width=350]]
#Create a new password.
#;[[Image:new password|width=350]]
#After resetting your password, a new account recovery key will be generated for you.<br>
#;{note}'''Note:''' Recovery keys expire after every use, so it’s important to replace the previous one you had saved.{/note}
#;[[Image:new key|width=350]]
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===I don't have a Recovery key===
Resetting your password without a recovery key deletes synced encrypted data (bookmarks, history, tabs, passwords…) from Mozilla’s servers. Local copies on your device remain and can be re-synced upon login.
{warning}'''Important for Sync users:''' If you reset your password without a recovery key, all encrypted data saved through [[Sync Firefox data|Sync]] on Mozilla’s servers will be erased. Please read '''Restore browser data after a Mozilla account password reset''' after you complete your password reset. {/warning}
#Go to [https://accounts.firefox.com/signin Mozilla account Sign in].
#;[[Image:Sign in MA|width=350]]
#Click '''Forgot password?'''
#;[[Image:Forgot password|width=350]]
#;{note}'''Note:''' This will also reset your account recovery key.{/note}
#On the [https://accounts.firefox.com/reset_password Mozilla account password reset page], enter your email address and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:Reset password|width=350]]
#An 8-digit confirmation code will be emailed to you. See [[I'm having problems confirming my Mozilla account]] for help confirming your account.
#Enter the confirmation code and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:8 digit code|width=350]]
#If you have [[Set up two-factor authentication on your Mozilla account|Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)]] enabled, you will be asked to enter the code from your application at this time.
#;[[Image:2fa code|width=350]]
#Create a new password.
{warning}'''Warning:''' If you are a Sync user and likely to have data stored on Mozilla’s servers, a warning will appear informing you that your encrypted browser data may be deleted. This applies only to data stored on the servers and will not affect the data stored locally on your device.{/warning}
*'''For users with a recovery key configured'''
*;If you have a recovery key but clicked '''Can't find your recovery key?''', you will see a slightly different message regarding data recovery. In this case, you will be prompted with a screen guiding you to retrieve your recovery key or continue without it.
*'''For users with a recovery key who clicked “Can't find your recovery key?”'''
*;[[Image:can't find recovery key|width=350]]
*'''For users without a recovery key'''
;[[Image:users without recovery key|width=350]]
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===I only want to reset my password, I have no data to recover===
If you only need to reset your password and don’t need to recover any data, follow these steps.
#Go to the [https://accounts.firefox.com/reset_password Mozilla account password reset page] (or click '''Forgot password?''' from the Sign in page).
#Enter your email address, and click {button Continue}.
#;[[Image:Reset password|width=350]]
#An 8-digit confirmation code will be emailed to you. See [[I'm having problems confirming my Mozilla account]] for help confirming your account.
#;[[Image:8 digit code|width=350]]
#Enter the confirmation code from the email, and click {button Continue}.
#If you have [[Set up two-factor authentication on your Mozilla account|Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)]] enabled, you will be asked to enter the code from your application at this time.
#;[[Image:2fa code|width=350]]
#Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password.
#;[[Image:new password|width=350]]
#After signing in with your new password, you’ll need to sign in again on all of your devices.
{note}'''Note for Sync users:''' We recommend creating an account recovery key. This allows you to securely restore your information (such as passwords, bookmarks and settings) in the event you forget your password again. This does not include subscription related information, as that is stored separately.{/note}
[[UI:details_end]]
----
=Restore browser data after a Mozilla account password reset=
If you reset your password without a recovery key, you may need to restore your data. Expand the sections below for steps to help recover your information.
[[UI:details_start]]
===Restore data on the same device===
If you’re using the same device, your data is already safe!
#Sign in with Mozilla in Firefox with your new password.
#Click {menu Sync now} in the Firefox menu [[Image:IG main menu]].
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===Restore data on a new device===
#Sign in with your new password '''on your original device first'''.
#Click '''Sync now''' in the Firefox menu [[Image:IG main menu]].
#Sign in with your new password on the new device and [[Sync Firefox data|sync]].
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===Move data to a new device or use an older Firefox version without sync support===
If you are moving to a new device or using a version of Firefox that no longer supports sync, you can transfer your browser data via the Firefox [[Back up and transfer your Firefox data to a new device|backup assistant]] as long as you still have your original device.
[[UI:details_end]]
[[UI:details_start]]
===Recover data without the original device or after data loss===
If your original device is unavailable or data was erased in a crash or reset, the locally stored data – like passwords, bookmarks and settings – cannot be recovered.
[[UI:details_end]]
----
=Frequently asked questions=
==Will resetting my password without a recovery key delete data stored on Mozilla’s servers?==
Yes, resetting your password without a recovery key will delete all encrypted data (such as bookmarks, history and saved passwords) stored on Mozilla’s servers. However, if you still have your original device with local copies, signing back in with your new password will re-upload this data to [[Sync Firefox data|Sync]].
==Can I reset my password and still keep my data?==
Yes, if you have a recovery key set up, you can reset your password and keep your synced data on Mozilla’s servers. The recovery key keeps your account connected to your encrypted data, preventing data loss during a password reset.
==What types of data are affected by a password reset?==
A password reset affects encrypted sync data stored on Mozilla’s servers, including bookmarks, history, passwords and settings. Local browser data on your device remains unaffected and accessible as long as you have the device.
==I’m being told to sign in with the “primary email address” for the account==
This message means you’re trying to sign in with a [[Add a secondary email address to Mozilla accounts|secondary email address]]. Your account is associated with a different, primary email address. Make sure to sign in using that primary email.
==My primary password isn’t working, and I can’t sign in==
Primary Passwords are different from Mozilla account passwords. The primary password secures saved logins in the Firefox browser, while your Mozilla account password is used to access your Mozilla account. For details, see [[Use a Primary Password with Sync]].
==Do passkeys replace my Mozilla account password?==
No.
Passkeys provide an additional way to sign in to your Mozilla account, but your Mozilla account password is still used by Firefox Sync to protect your encrypted browsing data.
If you reset your password:
*Your existing passkeys remain associated with your account.
*You can continue using those passkeys to sign in.
*Firefox Sync will use your new password going forward.
=Related content=
*[[Avoid getting locked out of your Mozilla account]]
*[[I've lost my Firefox Sync account information - What to do]]
*[[I'm having problems confirming my Mozilla account]]
*[[Back up and transfer your Firefox data to a new device]]
*[[Secure your Mozilla account with Two-Step Authentication]]
*[[Use a passkey to sign in to your Mozilla account]]