We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

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.

Avatar for Username

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

This thread was archived. Jei jums reikia pagalbos, užduokite naują klausimą.

Master Password, I want to protect my passwords from others to be read, but NOT to enter it every time I start Firefox

  • 4 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 7 views
  • Paskiausią atsakymą parašė cor-el

Roneye
Roneye
more options

I don't have any problems when a friend/collegue uses my computer/browser for some minutes, without needing to log out. So even the autofill-option of passwords feels okay to me. But I don't want him to see all my passwords in the security tabs as clear text! Isn't there a option to set a master-password to only protect the Site-Passwords from being displayed but nevertheless to start Firefox without entering the master-password?

I don't have any problems when a friend/collegue uses my computer/browser for some minutes, without needing to log out. So even the autofill-option of passwords feels okay to me. But I don't want him to see all my passwords in the security tabs as clear text! Isn't there a option to set a master-password to only protect the Site-Passwords from being displayed but nevertheless to start Firefox without entering the master-password?

All Replies (4)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

I think Firefox asks for the master password either:

  • the first time you load a page for which you have saved a password
  • when attempting to view saved passwords in Options

If you have saved a login for your home page, that could explain why you get the question immediately. One option would be to change your home page to a blank page or the built-in home page as a workaround.

That said, I usually get prompted for the Master Password when clicking the Show Passwords button. This is a separate prompt from opening the dialog or logging in on a page. Does your Firefox not require the password again?

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

If you use Sync the Firefox wil also ask for the Master Password.

The Sync version used in Firefox 34 and later uses the password manager to store the name (e-mail) and password to be used to connect to the Sync server. The chrome://FirefoxAccounts entry in the password manager stores the authentication data (kA and kB) in JSON format. Previous Firefox versions stored this data in the signedInUser.json file in the profile folder, but the current version only stores the sessionToken in this file and needs the password manager for the Sync credentials.

the-edmeister
the-edmeister
  • Moderator
more options

To answer your question directly, no Firefox doesn't have a feature to have a password to keep someone who is sitting at your PC from viewing your passwords in Options > Security -> Saved Passwords -->Show Passwords.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Names and passwords that are stored in the Password Manager are encrypted with the Master Password and you need to enter the MP to make it possible for Firefox to enter the name and password in a form on the web page. If necessary you will be prompted to enter the MP to log in to the Software Security Device and have access to names and passwords stored in the Password Manager.

You can log out from the Software Security Device (e.g. click Cancel in the Show Passwords dialog) to force re-entering the MP once again.

  • Options > Security: Passwords: "Saved Passwords" > "Show Passwords"

You can view the current status via this page (either Log In button or Log Out button is enabled):

  • Options > Advanced > Encryption: Certificates > Security Devices
    Select: Software Security Device: Log Out button