This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Account Recovery Key

  • 2 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by kfoxSupport

more options

In updating the OS of my workstation, we did a synch of the firefox data before the workstation was reset and updated. From there we created a Firefox Recovery Key that I have access to now. When I got Firefox installed on the new install, it did not recognize the email address associated with the synch account that I had. I set up the synch using a new email address and verified that. From here I though I could import the recovery key file I have and can't see where that can be done.

Is it possible to associate a new profile synch account and have it use my recovery key to get my old data?

On my old account that was associated with another email, why did it not recognize the email address associated with it? On my end this was a valid email address to me and before the computer was wiped I confirmed that the email address on the old setup was associated with the old synch account. Can this somehow be recovered or synched?

In updating the OS of my workstation, we did a synch of the firefox data before the workstation was reset and updated. From there we created a Firefox Recovery Key that I have access to now. When I got Firefox installed on the new install, it did not recognize the email address associated with the synch account that I had. I set up the synch using a new email address and verified that. From here I though I could import the recovery key file I have and can't see where that can be done. Is it possible to associate a new profile synch account and have it use my recovery key to get my old data? On my old account that was associated with another email, why did it not recognize the email address associated with it? On my end this was a valid email address to me and before the computer was wiped I confirmed that the email address on the old setup was associated with the old synch account. Can this somehow be recovered or synched?

Chosen solution

hello kfoxSupport, firefox 29 has introduced a new sync system which isn't compatible with accounts set up in prior versions.

in this case you'd probably have to use a workaround and first download the prior firefox 28 version and disable automatic updating for the moment (in options > advanced > update): Install an older version of Firefox

then try to link your device the old sync account by using the old email/password/recovery key-combo. after you have successfully restored your data this way you can upgrade to firefox 29 and probably also switch to the new sync system on all of your devices: Sync your Firefox bookmarks, history, passwords and more

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

more options

Chosen Solution

hello kfoxSupport, firefox 29 has introduced a new sync system which isn't compatible with accounts set up in prior versions.

in this case you'd probably have to use a workaround and first download the prior firefox 28 version and disable automatic updating for the moment (in options > advanced > update): Install an older version of Firefox

then try to link your device the old sync account by using the old email/password/recovery key-combo. after you have successfully restored your data this way you can upgrade to firefox 29 and probably also switch to the new sync system on all of your devices: Sync your Firefox bookmarks, history, passwords and more

more options

Thanks for the help, that worked just like you said.