Firefox can save usernames and passwords that you use to access online services, such as banking and email websites. If you share a computer with anyone, it is recommended that you use a Primary Password.
Multiple devices/profiles: Primary Passwords are set locally and are not synced between profiles or devices. If you use more than one device or profile, those use separate Primary Passwords.
- For other privacy issues related to sharing a computer, see How do I share Firefox between people on a computer?
Important: After you have defined and set your Primary Password, you will be prompted to enter it once for each Firefox session, when Firefox needs access to your stored passwords. This also applies if you want to add, remove or show a password.
Table of Contents
Create a Primary Password
By default, Firefox does not use Primary Passwords (formerly known as Master password) to protect stored credentials. To define a Primary Password:
- Click the menu button to open the menu panel.
- Click .
Click the Firefox logins menu , then click .
- The Firefox Settings Logins and PasswordsPasswords section. panel will open to the
- Put a checkmark next to Use a Primary Password to open the Change Primary Password dialog.
- Enter your Primary Password. The Password quality meter will indicate the difficulty of guessing your defined password. To create a quality password, your Primary Password should include the following:
- At least one uppercase letter to add complexity.
- Digits embedded within the password, avoiding simple placements at the start or end.
- At least one non-alphanumeric character, such as: @ # $ % ^ & * ( ).
- A configuration that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess, ensuring that you, and only you, can access this secure information.
- For more information on choosing passwords, see Create secure passwords to keep your identity safe.
- Tip: Avoid common substitutions or sequences that might seem complex but are widely used and easily guessed, such as "Password1!" or "Password@13". Instead, think of a unique phrase or a combination of words that only you can easily recall.
- Enter the password a second time to confirm that you have entered it consistently.
- To set the Primary Password, click .
- Close the page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.
Remove the Primary Password
Should you decide you don't need your Primary Password anymore, you can delete it at any time:
- Click the menu button to open the menu panel.
- Click .
Click the Firefox logins menu , then click .
- The Firefox Settings Logins and PasswordsPasswords section. panel will open to the
- Remove the checkmark next to Use a Primary Password.
- Enter the current password to confirm your ownership of the account.
- If you've forgotten your Primary Password, see Reset your Primary Password if you've forgotten it.
- Click .
- Click in the dialog that appears to confirm its removal.
- Close the page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.
Change the Primary Password
You can also change your Primary Password at any time:
- Click the menu button to open the menu panel.
- Click .
Click the Firefox logins menu , then click .
- The Firefox Settings Logins and PasswordsPasswords section. panel will open to the
- Click .
- Enter the current password to confirm your ownership of the account.
- If you've forgotten your Primary Password, see Reset your Primary Password if you've forgotten it.
- Enter the new Primary Password twice.
- Leaving the two fields empty removes your Primary Password.
- To accept the changed Primary Password, click .
- Close the page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.
Based on information from Master password (mozillaZine KB)