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How to set a timeout for the master password?

  • 5 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 28 views
  • Last reply by Terry

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I want to set a timeout for the master password. It's clearly a security threat to leave passwords unencrypted. It bothers me more than being prompted for the master password.

I remember we used to be able to set the timeout and it's a pain to go and logout the software security device after logging in to the one thing that needs the master password.

I want to set a timeout for the master password. It's clearly a security threat to leave passwords unencrypted. It bothers me more than being prompted for the master password. I remember we used to be able to set the timeout and it's a pain to go and logout the software security device after logging in to the one thing that needs the master password.

All Replies (5)

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You can cancel a Primary Password prompt to lock the passwords stored in the Password Manager. You get such a prompt if you click the eye button in Lockwise to reveal a password (you may have to close and reopen Lockwise).

You can manually log out in the Security Device manager.

  • Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Certificates ->
    Security Devices: Software Security Device: Log Out button in the right sidebar
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I'm already using that and the logging out of the software security device.

What I want is for it to require me to re-enter the password after a set amount of time if I need access to the passwords again.

This used to be a feature in Firefox, there were a few settings in about:config that let us control but the newer versions don't respect those values.

Modified by NuHash

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cor-el said

You can cancel a Primary Password prompt to lock the passwords stored in the Password Manager. You get such a prompt if you click the eye button in Lockwise to reveal a password (you may have to close and reopen Lockwise). You can manually log out in the Security Device manager.
  • Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Certificates ->
    Security Devices: Software Security Device: Log Out button in the right sidebar

Lockwise is on Android and iOS and isn't even supported anymore...

These responses aren't understanding my first post, as if these are bots or something.

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Lockwise previously was the name of the Firefox Password Manager (about:logins page) used in current releases of Firefox on desktop and mobile devices. Previously there was a Lockwise extension for desktop and a Lockwise app for a mobile device that has been discontinued. The Lockwise name got dropped around Firefox 95.

There is a pref setting in about:config (signon.masterPasswordReprompt.timeout_ms) for expiring the PP, but that setting if for the reveal eye button on the about:logins page to re-lock to passwords and require to re-enter the PP.

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Have you tried searching for an extension? My recollection is that the timeout was provided by an extension.