Primary Password
As of January 2024, I am constantly being asked for a Primary Password when I use the Firefox browser. I do not believe I ever set a Primary Password or Master Password with Firefox, and I have been using Firefox for many years. When I go to the Settings page, it says to confirm my current Primary Password in order to change it. But I need to know my current password to do that. I also unchecked Primary Password, and got a pop-up that said if I remove my Primary Password my information will not be protected if my computer is compromised. Obviously, I don't want that to happen. Is it possible I am being asked for a Primary Password because I am using a VPN? Please advise on how to resolve this problem. I can't change my password, and I can't confirm ever setting one so I am concerned. Thank you.
All Replies (1)
Are you using Sync as this is a possible reason to ask for the Primary Password when you start Firefox ?
Using Sync is a possible reason to ask for the Primary Password at startup. This is because the credentials to login to the Sync account are stored in the Password Manager and you need to enter the Primary Password to unlock the passwords and connect/login to the Sync account. This is even done if you use an external password manager
Note that if you haven't set the PP, then Firefox can ask for OS Authentication instead.
If you can't fix this then you can rename or remove logins.json and #key4.db in the Firefox profile folder to let Firefox create fresh files. You may have to create a Primary Password if Firefox wants to store data in the Profile Manager to be sure it is protected.
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/reset-your-primary-password-if-youve-forgotten-it
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/use-primary-password-protect-stored-logins
You can use the button on the "Help -> More Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page (Root directory).
- Help -> More Troubleshooting Information -> Profile Folder/Directory:
Windows: Open Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data
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