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Android no longer supports master password? Deal breaker for this user

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I've just happened to learn that Firefox on Android no longer uses a master password to protect passwords. That was a feature that has kept me on Firefox forever.

It is insufficient, dangerous, and insecure to rely on my device PIN. PINs are not long, can be brute forced, and law enforcement can compel discloser.

I am baffled by this choice. If it is how its going to be I have no particular reason to use Firefox and I certainly can't financially support it.

I've just happened to learn that Firefox on Android no longer uses a master password to protect passwords. That was a feature that has kept me on Firefox forever. It is insufficient, dangerous, and insecure to rely on my device PIN. PINs are not long, can be brute forced, and law enforcement can compel discloser. I am baffled by this choice. If it is how its going to be I have no particular reason to use Firefox and I certainly can't financially support it.

All Replies (3)

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Hi Nancy, this changed in Firefox 79, about four years ago. Firefox 79 was a complete rewrite that removed a lot of inherited "desktop" features to improve performance and better adapt to mobile user expectations. Unfortunately, that left a number of advanced features on the cutting room floor.

Mozilla has a product suggestion site at https://connect.mozilla.org/. I think if you have time, it would be a good idea to post this request there to get into the current feedback stream. Use the "Ideas" section of the site.

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jscher2000 - Support Volunteer said

Hi Nancy, this changed in Firefox 79, about four years ago. Firefox 79 was a complete rewrite that removed a lot of inherited "desktop" features to improve performance and better adapt to mobile user expectations. Unfortunately, that left a number of advanced features on the cutting room floor. Mozilla has a product suggestion site at https://connect.mozilla.org/. I think if you have time, it would be a good idea to post this request there to get into the current feedback stream. Use the "Ideas" section of the site.

Thank you for taking time to reply. I am horrified this was removed and was removed four years ago. I'll make the request as you suggest, but in the meantime I'm finding a more secure browser solution. I am sure they put it "what's new" text but it wasn't clear to me, but that's neither here nor there. They felt it wasn't important when it is the single most important thing to me about FF.

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Hi Nancy, many people suggest switching from browser-based password managers to cross-browser apps and add-ons like BitWarden (https://bitwarden.com/). I haven't done that myself, but someday when I have time...

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