Firefox keeps asking me for Primary Password

Firefox Firefox Last updated: 19% of users voted this helpful
No one has helped translate this article yet. If you already know how localizing for SUMO works, start translating now. If you want to learn how to translate articles for SUMO, please start here.

If you’re using AVG or Eset Internet Security, its certificate might be causing Firefox to ask you for a Primary Password every time you start Firefox.

To resolve this problem, you must first deactivate your Primary Password and then reactivate it:

  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 Privacy & Security in the left panel and go to the Logins and Passwords section.
  3. Remove the check mark from the box next to Use a Primary Password and enter the current password to confirm your ownership of the account.
    Fx80setting-UseAPrimaryPassword
    • If you've forgotten your Primary Password, see this article.
  4. Click Remove and click OK in the dialog that appears to confirm its removal.
  5. Close Firefox: 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.
  6. Open Firefox again.
  7. Repeat the above steps 1 and 2.
  8. Reactivate a Primary Password by selecting the checkbox next to Use a Primary Password and enter a password in the window that opens (use a previous or different password).
  9. Close Firefox: 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.

When you next start Firefox, it should not ask you for your Primary Password unless it's needed.

For more information about Primary Passwords, see Use a Primary Password to protect stored logins and passwords.

Was this article helpful?

Please wait...

These fine people helped write this article:

Illustration of hands

Volunteer

Grow and share your expertise with others. Answer questions and improve our knowledge base.

Learn More