How to synchronize data on Firefox

The period when users lost all browser settings perfectly on one computer when switching to another computer is over. Now, the synchronization of browser data on devices is simple. This allows users to work with the same configuration on both desktops, laptops and phones.

You may be used to syncing on Chrome, and you can sync your browsing data in Firefox with the Firefox Sync feature. Let's look at how to synchronize Firefox data on devices via the following article.

Get started with Firefox Sync

There is no need to install additional add-ons or third-party software to synchronize browsing data on Firefox. The browser can do it all with the built-in Firefox Sync feature.

To access it, open Firefox on your computer. Click the Menu button (three horizontal bars) in the upper right corner, then select Options. In this menu, select the Firefox Account tab on the left.

This tab will show you a brief introduction to Firefox Sync. If you don't have a Firefox account, click Don't have an account? Get started . You will then be taken to the Firefox account creation page.

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To create an account, enter your email address, create a password and specify the age number. Once you've created and confirmed a new account (or if you already have an account), click Sign In and enter your login information.

Firefox can send confirmation emails as an additional security measure. Just click the link in this email to confirm your login. Once done, Firefox will start syncing data.

Manage what Firefox syncs

Go back to Options> Firefox Account to see what Firefox Sync handles.

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You can choose to sync the following types of data:

1. Bookmarks: Keep favorite pages accessible anywhere. Refer to the article: How to manage bookmarks on Firefox for more details.
2. History: Synchronize the list of websites that users have visited.
3. Open tabs: Allows access to tabs on this device from other devices.
4. Add-ons: Synchronize all installed add-ons, but can't install desktop extensions on mobile devices.
5. Logins: Synchronize saved usernames and passwords on Firefox. You need to enter the master password, if you have previously installed a password, to synchronize this information.
6. Options: Synchronize Firefox settings so you don't have to tweak them every time you switch to a new device.

In the Device Name section , you can name it to know which device it is.

Use Firefox Sync on other computers

Next, on a laptop or another computer, just install Firefox as usual. Firefox supports multiple operating systems, so Windows, Mac and Linux users can all do it.

After installing, follow the instructions above to open the Options menu and log in to your Firefox account. The browser will synchronize the selected data after a short time.

History and bookmarks will appear in the same location as the original device. Remember that you may have to log in to add-ons, such as password managers, on new computers before using them.

Access tabs that are synchronized on the desktop

One of Firefox Sync's most interesting privileges is the ability to access open tabs on other devices. The article will discuss how to open synced tabs on mobile devices shortly.

To open a tab from another device on your computer, click the icon that looks like the bookshelves on the right side of the address bar.

Here, expand Synced Tabs and you will see tabs from your other devices. If you use this feature frequently, you can turn on the View Synced Tabs Sidebar option to   Easy access to synced tabs on the left side of the browser.

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Use Firefox Sync on mobile devices

A huge advantage of using a sync service is to keep the browser on mobile and desktop devices in sync. Thankfully, Firefox Sync also works on the mobile version of Firefox for Android and iOS.

After installing the mobile version, press the Menu button (then Settings on Android) and select Sign in to Sync , enter the login information to login to your Firefox account.

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Then, account information such as history and bookmarks will start downloading to the phone. Click on the account information in Settings to adjust the same options as on the desktop.

To access tabs from other devices on your mobile device, open a new Firefox tab and scroll through the History section . Click Synced devices and you will see a list of open tabs from other synced computers and phones.

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Manage Firefox accounts

You now have a Firefox account. Click Manage account under the name in the Firefox Account tab in the Options section .

There are options to change Account picture and Display name if desired. Setting up an Secondary email (secondary email) allows you to have a backup address to receive notifications.

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More importantly, you can create the recovery key in the Account recovery section. This recovery key allows you to retrieve Firefox Sync data if you forget your password. You should also turn on two-step authentication (you'll need a security code and password when you log in).

Finally, check Devices & apps to see where you are logged into Firefox. If you see any device that is no longer in use, click Disconnect to remove them from the account.

Remember to back up Firefox!

Firefox Sync is great, but it's important to note that this is not a literal backup service. Therefore, you should regularly back up your Firefox profile to avoid losing data. A profile stores all important data, such as bookmarks, passwords, and the like. To do this, first need to locate the Firefox profile.

Click the Menu button (three horizontal bars) in the upper right corner of Firefox and select Help> Troubleshooting Information . A new tab will open, containing all kinds of technical information. Please pay attention to the Profile Folder section. Click the Open Folder button and the File Explorer window will open the folder profile.

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Now close Firefox. After Firefox is completely closed, click on the Profiles folder (its name is a string of random characters ending in .default) and press Ctrl + C to copy it and paste it somewhere else to create a backup .

For best results, you should place it on an external drive or store in the cloud, in case the hard drive is broken or stolen, etc.

If using Firefox on multiple devices, you should set up Firefox Sync. It keeps you from wasting time setting up Firefox on your new computer or phone and allows keeping browsing data in sync, no matter what platform you are using.

Good luck!