How to Set, Change and Reset Firefox Master Password?

Firefox web browser has the ability to store several personal information. If you choose to, Mozilla Firefox can remember website logins & passwords. People use that feature to avoid the hassle of remembering different passwords. But there is also a Master Password feature in Firefox, which most users ignore. A Master Password protects sensitive information such as stored logins & passwords from unauthorized use. Read on to find more information on Firefox master password.

Storing passwords in Firefox without using a master password is a big mistake. Because if a master password is not set, it becomes very easily to access and view all the logins & passwords stored on a Firefox profile. In fact most Firefox users repeat the same mistake. It is because by default master password option remains disabled. If you are allowing Firefox to remember passwords for sites, don’t forget to set a master password. Otherwise, all your saved passwords will remain open to praying eyes. That may pose threat to your privacy or safety of your sensitive information.

How to set a master password in Firefox?

So, Firefox master password feature is not enabled by default? How to enable it? How to set your Firefox master password? Well, it is not that hard. Simply, follow the steps below:

1. Go to to Tools and open Options (or click on the Firefox button and go to Options).
2. Select the Security tab from the options window.
3. Look in the Passwords section. Click on the option “Use a master password”. The “Change Master Password” window will appear.
4. Enter your password twice. Look at the password quality meter. If possible use a tough one.
5. Press the OK button.

That’s it. Your master password is now set. From now on, you may be asked to enter the master password in several occasions. Such as:

• To view the saved passwords.
• To save a new password.
• To edit a saved password.
• To change the master password.
• To remove master password.

How to Change Firefox Master Password?

Want to change your current master password? Wondering how to do that? Follow these steps:

1. Go to Tools and then open Options in Firefox.
2. Open the Security tab from the Options window.
3. Press the button that says “Change Master Password..”
4. A new window will appear. Enter your current password and enter the new password twice.
5. Press the OK button.

How to Reset Master Password in Firefox?

And what if you just forgot your master password? That can happen. Loosing master will prevent you from access all logins stored in Firefox. In such situation a reset may help. Wait! I’m talking about resetting the password, not Firefox reset to default state. There is not direct reset button for Firefox master password. That is obvious for security reason. Anyway, if you want to reset the master password follow the steps below.

1. Type the following in location bar (address bar) chrome://pippki/content/resetpassword.xul
2. Hit the enter button on your keyboard.
3. The page will display a warning message which goes like this: “If you reset your master password, all your stored web and e-mail passwords, form data, personal certificates, and private keys will be forgotten. Are you sure you want to reset your master password?” Press the Reset button at the end of the page.
4. A new message will appear informing: Your password has been reset. Press the OK button to close that window.

That’s it. No need to worry about your forgotten password. Go to Tools, open Options, select Security tab and check the “Use a master password” option. Then set a new master password.

Please note: Like the warning said, when you reset the master password, all your website logins & passwords stored in Firefox will be removed. Also, if you are really concerned about your web privacy or safety, never let Firefox or any web browser remember your passwords.