I've lost my Firefox Sync account information - What to do

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  • Revision id: 94633
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  • Creator: rnewman@mozilla.com
  • Comment: Note that Sync data is wiped when password changes.
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  • Reviewed by: heyjoni
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Firefox Sync works by storing your data on Mozilla servers and synchronizing it with your computers and devices. When you set up Sync, you enter a usernamean email address and password in order to prevent others from accessing your account. In addition, we encrypt your data with a Recovery Keya key derived from your password in order to keep it safe on the server. This article explains what to do if you forget or lose any of this important information and are unable to access your Sync account.

Where's my Recovery Key?

Get my Recovery Key from a synchronized device

  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
  2. Click on the Sync tab.
  3. Click Manage Account and select My Recovery Key. Print or save your Recovery Key for later use.

Generate a new Recovery Key

If you don't have a copy of your Recovery Key saved, and you don't have a synchronized device nearby, follow these steps to generate a new Recovery Key.

Warning: This will erase all of your data stored on the server. New data will be secured by this key and then uploaded. Your other devices will stop synchronizing, unless you update them with the new Recovery Key.
  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
  2. Click on the Sync panel.
  3. Click Set up Firefox Sync and a new window will open.
  4. Under I have a Firefox Sync account, click Connect.
  5. Click I don't have the device with me.
  6. Enter your account email address and password.
  7. Click I have lost my other device and a new Recovery Key will be made for you.
    Tip: It's a good idea to print or save your Recovery Key so that you can access your information even when you are away from this computer.
  8. Then click Change Recovery Key. You will see the Setup Complete screen.
  9. Click FinishClose to close the setup window.

I’ve forgotten my Sync password — how do I reset it?

To get a new password follow these steps.

Warning: Your other devices will stop synchronizing unless you update them with the new password.
  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
  2. Click on the Sync panel.
  3. Click on Manage Account, and in the drop-down menu, click Change Password.
  4. Enter your new password in the Change your Password screen, then click Change Password.

Now you're ready to go. Remember to update your password on all your synchronized devices by clicking Sync Now and Preferences... in the bottom error bar that will be displayed.

I’ve forgotten or no longer have access to my Sync email address

Unfortunately there's no way to change or recover the email address associated with a Sync account. You would need to create a new account following the steps described in How do I set up Sync on my computer?

I've forgotten my master Firefox password

For security reasons, your master Firefox password is not synchronized. If you've forgotten your master password and want to stay synchronized, you'll need to reset your master password and re-add your computer to Firefox Sync.

Warning: This will clear your usernames and passwords stored on your device and disconnect you from Firefox Sync. However, your usernames and passwords on the Sync server won't be cleared.
  1. Reset your master password by following the instructions in Reset your Primary Password if you've forgotten it.
  2. Click the Firefox menu Fx89menuButton and select Exit.Click the Firefox menu at the top of the screen and select Quit Firefox.Click the Firefox menu Fx89menuButton and select Quit.
  3. Start Firefox.
  4. Re-add your computer to Firefox Sync.

I’ve forgotten my Firefox Account password — how do I reset it?

To get a new password follow these steps.

Warning: Any data you have on the server will be erased when you reset your password. Your other devices will stop synchronizing unless you update them with the new password.
  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
  2. On the Sync tab, click Sign in to open the Sign in page.
  3. On the Sign in page, click Forgot password? Firefox will send you a reset email.
  4. Follow the instructions in your reset email to change your password.

Now you're ready to go. Remember to update your password on each of your synchronized devices by following the steps below:

  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
  2. On the Sync panel, click on Sign in to open the Firefox Sync page.
  3. Enter your new password and click Sign in.

I’ve forgotten, or don't have access to, my Firefox Account email address

Unfortunately there's no way to change or recover the email address associated with a Sync account. You would need to create a new account following the steps described in How do I set up Sync on my computer?