When you use Firefox, all your data such as bookmarks, passwords, and settings are stored in a “profile.” Creating multiple profiles allows you to keep separate browsing data, themes, or settings for different purposes, such as work and personal use. This guide walks you through the steps to create, customize, and manage Firefox profiles.
Table of Contents
- 1 Create a new profile
- 2 Customize a profile
- 3 Open an existing profile
- 4 Delete a profile
- 5 Use Sync with a new profile
- 6 Choose a profile at Firefox startup
- 7 FAQs
- 7.1 Is this feature available on Android or iOS?
- 7.2 Does creating a new profile log me into an account or affect my sync settings?
- 7.3 Will switching profiles mix my data if I’m signed into a Mozilla account?
- 7.4 Which profile will open when I open Firefox?
- 7.5 How do Data Collection and Use settings work with profiles?
- 7.6 Should I back up my profiles?
- 8 Related articles
Create a new profile
Want to start fresh with a new profile? Here’s how:
- In the toolbar, click the account icon
.
- Click Profiles, then taskbardock. . Firefox will launch a new instance to create your new profile, meaning you will see two Firefox icons in your
- Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your new profile. All of your changes will be saved automatically.
- When you’re finished, close the tab or click
Customize a profile
After setting up a profile, you can continue to personalize it by tweaking its name, theme, and avatar.
- Profile name: Give your profile a unique name to help you spot it easily. Profiles are listed alphabetically.
- Profile theme: Pick a theme to give each profile a unique color scheme. This is especially useful if you have multiple profiles open at the same time; different themes help you instantly see which profile's window you’re working in.
- Profile avatar: Choose an avatar that will also help you identify your profile. You’ll also see your avatar as a badge on the Firefox icon in your taskbardock that’s associated with that particular profile.
To update your profile:
- In the toolbar, click the account icon
.
- Click the name of your current profile.
- Click the edit icon in the top-right corner to edit your current profile. To edit a different profile, click .
- Changes made to a profile’s customization are saved automatically. When you’re finished, close the tab or click
Open an existing profile
Switching profiles is super simple:
- In the toolbar, click the account icon
.
- Click the name of your current profile.
- From the dropdown, just pick the profile you want to open.
Delete a profile
If you no longer need a profile, you can delete it easily by following these steps:
- In the toolbar, click the account icon
.
- Click the name of your current profile.
- Click the edit icon in the top-right corner to proceed with deleting your current profile. To delete a different profile, click .
- At the bottom-right, click .
- Since deleting a profile is permanent, you can review the data that will be deleted, and then confirm by clicking
Use Sync with a new profile
You can sync data from your new profile with other devices that are signed into your Mozilla account. To learn more, see How do I set up Sync on my computer? and How do I choose what information to sync on Firefox?.
Choose a profile at Firefox startup
To see the option to choose which profile will open when Firefox starts:
- In the toolbar, click the account icon
.
- Click .
- Select Choose a profile when Firefox opens. If this is not selected, Firefox will open to the most recently used profile.
FAQs
Is this feature available on Android or iOS?
No, the profiles feature is currently not supported on Android or iOS.
Does creating a new profile log me into an account or affect my sync settings?
No, creating or managing profiles does not log you into a Mozilla account or change any sync settings. Sync remains separate, and profiles allow you to set up different browsing environments without linking them automatically to an account.
Will switching profiles mix my data if I’m signed into a Mozilla account?
No, switching profiles won’t merge or mix your data. Each profile keeps separate browsing data, bookmarks, and settings. Firefox prevents syncing multiple profiles with the same Mozilla account on the same device to avoid data merging across profiles. However, each profile can connect to separate Mozilla accounts.
Which profile will open when I open Firefox?
If you have selected "Choose a profile when Firefox opens" from the Manage Profiles screen, you will be able choose from a list of all your profiles when Firefox opens. If this option is not selected, Firefox will open the most recently used profile.
How do Data Collection and Use settings work with profiles?
To make sure Firefox only collects data with your consent, your Data Collection and Use settings will apply to every Firefox profile on your device. That means you only have to change these settings in one profile, and the changes will be applied to your other profiles. When you create a new profile, your current Data Collection and Use settings will automatically apply. You can view and change these any time from the section of about:preferences (The Firefox settings page).
Should I back up my profiles?
The best way to protect your profile data is by creating a Mozilla account for each profile. Sync automatically protects your data across devices, ensuring easy access whenever you need it.