Sync on Android prompts 'Unknown account'
Just re-installed Firefox on a tablet running Android. Went to sync Firefox. At the sign in page on the Android (Galaxy Tab 3 with Jelly Bean) device, entering my details prompts an 'Unknown account' error. I went back to my PC and saw that the details are indeed exactly correct. I checked them on the PC and the password is right too. But getting sync started on the Android has so far proved impossible.
Any suggestions appreciated.
Modified by sra97
All Replies (10)
Hi sra97, Are you using the new or old sync? The old sync had a work around for resolving a similar error: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=614984#c24 see that comment.
This is android though, so let me look more into this.
EDIT: so would it be possible to add a screenshot of this error and where you are seeing it?
Modified by guigs
Thanks for your reply. On the PC, running Firefox 28.0. Android has Firefox Beta, 29.0. I installed the Beta because of extremely slow performance.
Screen shots of the errors attached, and I'll try that workaround you suggested. I see the errors at any attempt to get Sync working on the Android, whether it's 'Get started' or 'recover password.
When I try the 'How to update to the new Firefox Sync' the article advises me 'Note: this article doesn't apply to your version of Firefox.'
Edit: Attempted fix of 'Delete or rename all files named "places.sqlite", including "places.sqlite-journal" and any "places.sqlite.corrupt". This has not fixed the problem.
Modified by sra97
Hi sra97, It took me a while to understand this, but the new sync has a protocol that requests a new key when signing up with the new sync.
You can take a look at the proposed protocol form a while back https://github.com/mozilla/fxa-auth-s.../onepw-protocol
Unfortunately the device with 29 beta with the new sync set up is only compatible with devices with version 29. However with the update this week, creating a new account in version 29 on your desktop will get you up and running with the mobile device.
I am now ditching Firefox. I have become too used to syncing, so will import my bookmarks to another browser. That is four instances of Firefox you are losing, unless the extended version on Linux allows me to pair.
I'm having a similar problem. Using Firefox 30.0 for Android on my Nexus 7 (Kitkat 4.4.4) and Iceweasel 30.0 on my main laptop (Debian).
Firefox on my Nexus reports "unknown account" when attempting to setup SYNC.
Pretty much ruins use of Firefox on my Nexus 7, unless this is fixed soon.
Thanks, Keith Ostertag
Hi, you can check iceweasel's support forum for plans with their sync. Unfortunately I could not find any mentions of sync.
Having solved the issue, I should have posted earlier. What they don't say is that you need to set up an entirely new account with new password etc, which then works fine.
Can you be more specific? Do you mean "set up an entirely new account" in _addition_ to my present account? And then link them somehow?
I suspect you mean "set up an entirely new account" as a _replacement_ for my existing account. But doesn't that mean I will lose all my sync data?
I don't want to lose my sync data.
Yes. If you are syncing you have a machine with all the bookmarks etc already on, so you can't lose that. Your old sync account no longer works at all. You simply set up a new account on the new system. Mozilla should have done a much better job explaining the change to the new system.
OK, thanks much!
I just followed the instructions on the "How to update to the New FireFox Sync" and it went just fine. Quick and easy.
Keith