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Firefox keeps asking for the master password even though I only use sync for bookmarks

  • 4 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 15 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

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Every time shortly after starting Firefox, it asks me for the master password. I've read that it has to do with synchronisation via a Firefox account and the saved login credentials for that account. But I use sync exclusively for bookmarks, not for logins.

Is there a way to use the master password, use sync for bookmarks, but prevent Firefox from pestering me with the master password when I don't need to log in to a website?

Every time shortly after starting Firefox, it asks me for the master password. I've read that it has to do with synchronisation via a Firefox account and the saved login credentials for that account. But I use sync exclusively for bookmarks, not for logins. Is there a way to use the master password, use sync for bookmarks, but prevent Firefox from pestering me with the master password when I don't need to log in to a website?

All Replies (4)

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First, the Primary (Master) Password comes into play any time the browser tries to log into anything. Whether it be the sync servers or anything else. The only way to stop this is;

1) Discontinue using the option. 2) Do not log out of your online accounts.


Your ‘logged-in’ status is stored in special cookies. If the cookie is removed, you are logged out.

Type about:preferences#privacy<enter> in the address box. The button next to History, select Use Custom Settings.

Turn off Always Use Private Browsing Mode Turn on Remember My Browsing And Download History At the bottom of the page, turn on Clear History When Firefox Closes. At the far right, press the Settings button. Turn on ONLY Cache and Form And Search History leaving the others off.


Macs: Make sure you install Firefox properly and that you do not run Firefox from within the DMG (Disk Images) file. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac

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I'm not logging out of either my Firefox account that I use for syncing, or the website, and it still asks for the master password.

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Well, the browser is trying to log into something.

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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 to make it possible to login. This has nothing to with whether you sync logins or not.