Firefox for Android not syncing passwords can be a frustrating issue. Several factors can contribute to this problem, and troubleshooting often involves checking a few key areas.
1. Account Status and Sync Settings: First and foremost, ensure you're logged into the same Firefox account on both your Android device and other devices where you expect password syncing to occur. Verify the account's email address is consistent across all platforms. In the Firefox Android app, go to the settings menu (usually represented by three dots or lines) and then navigate to "Sync." Confirm that "Passwords" is toggled on. If it's off, turn it on and allow some time for the sync to initiate. Also, check if "Sync Now" option is available and manually trigger a sync.
2. Connectivity and Background Data: A stable internet connection is crucial for syncing. Weak Wi-Fi or cellular data can hinder the process. Ensure you have a strong and reliable network connection. Additionally, check your Android device's settings to ensure that Firefox has permission to use background data. Some battery-saving modes or data restrictions might prevent Firefox from syncing data in the background. Look for settings related to "Data Saver," "Battery Optimization," or "Background App Refresh" and make sure Firefox is allowed to bypass these restrictions.
3. Firefox Version and Updates: Ensure you're running the latest version of Firefox on both your Android device and your desktop browser. Outdated versions can have bugs that affect syncing. Check for updates in the Google Play Store for the Android app. For desktop Firefox, go to the menu and then "Help" -> "About Firefox" to trigger a check for updates.
4. Conflicting Extensions or Add-ons: While less common on Android, if you're syncing from a desktop version of Firefox with numerous add-ons, a conflicting extension could potentially disrupt the process. Try disabling extensions one by one on your desktop Firefox to see if any are interfering with the syncing process. If you identify a problematic extension, consider removing it or finding an alternative.
5. Corrupted Sync Data: In rare cases, the sync data itself might be corrupted. A possible solution is to reset the sync settings. However, be cautious with this approach. Resetting sync will erase all synced data from the server and require you to re-upload it from one of your devices. Only proceed if you're certain you have a device with all your correct passwords and data. To reset sync, on your desktop Firefox, go to "about:sync" in the address bar. You should find a way to reset sync. This option may also exist in Firefox Account settings accessible through the browser's main menu.
6. Check the Firefox Lockwise App: If you are using (or have previously used) the Firefox Lockwise app on your Android device, ensure it's properly integrated with your Firefox account. While Lockwise is now deprecated and its functionality integrated into the main Firefox app, residual data from the app might sometimes interfere with the new syncing process. Try clearing the cache and data for the deprecated Lockwise app (if present) through the Android settings.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, consider contacting Mozilla support for more specialized assistance. Providing details about your Firefox versions, operating system, and any error messages you encounter will help them diagnose the problem more effectively.