Waterfox Backup

Sync can keep selected browser data consistent across devices. Mozilla operates the account and Sync services used by Waterfox. Waterfox Backup is separate: it creates a local file that you control and can store on your computer or with a cloud storage provider.

A backup file contains profile data such as bookmarks, settings and passwords. You can use it to move data to a new computer or restore data after reinstalling Waterfox. When backup is enabled, Waterfox updates the file daily.

Create a Waterfox backup file

1. Open Waterfox Settings and find the backup controls.
2. Click Manage backup. In versions with a direct control, click Turn on backup instead.
3. Choose where to save the backup file.
   • On Windows, you can choose OneDrive if you want the file available while setting up another Windows device.
4. Click Turn on backup.

Protect sensitive data with a password

You can include passwords and payment methods and encrypt the backup file with a password:

1. Select Back up your sensitive data.
2. Enter a password.
3. Confirm the password.
4. Click Turn on backup.

Turn off backup

1. Open Waterfox Settings and find the backup controls.
2. Click Manage backup.
3. Click Turn off and delete backup.

Warning: Turning off backup also deletes the configured backup file. Make a separate copy first if you want to keep it.

Restore Waterfox from a backup file

1. Open Waterfox Settings and find the backup controls.
2. Click Manage backup, then choose the restore option.
3. Click Browse… and select the backup file.
4. Enter the backup password if the file contains encrypted sensitive data.
5. Confirm the restore and allow Waterfox to restart.

Restore during Waterfox setup

When Waterfox is installed on a new device, it may detect a backup in your files and offer to restore it.

1. Review the detected backup file. To use another file, click Choose….
2. If the backup is encrypted, enter its password.
3. Click Restore and restart.
4. After Waterfox restarts, review the default browser and pinning options, then click Save and continue.

What does the backup file save?

Depending on the Waterfox version, the backup file can include:

• Bookmarks
• Settings
• History
• Passwords
• Payment methods
• Extensions
• Other browsing data

Sensitive data, including passwords and payment methods, is included only when password protection is enabled. The protected backup file is encrypted.

Troubleshoot backup and restore problems

Waterfox could not restore the backup

This may happen for several reasons:

1. The file is not a valid backup.
   • Select a file created by Waterfox Backup.
   • Do not modify or rename the file.
2. The file was moved or deleted.
   • Choose the file again from its current location.
3. The password is incorrect.
   • Enter the password used when sensitive-data backup was enabled.

Backup failed or stopped

1. The device ran out of storage space.
   • Free some storage, then turn backup off and on again.
2. Repeated errors interrupted backup.
   • Confirm that the destination folder is available and writable, then turn backup off and on again.

The backup password is rejected during setup

Follow the password requirements shown in Waterfox. Use a secure combination of letters, numbers and symbols.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Mozilla account to use Waterfox Backup?

No. Waterfox Backup saves a file in the location you choose. A Mozilla account is not required. Sync is a separate service operated by Mozilla for keeping selected data consistent across devices, not a replacement for an independent backup.

Can I use cloud storage?

Yes. Choose a folder managed by a provider such as OneDrive or Dropbox. The provider’s storage, privacy and security terms apply to files placed there.

Can I use backup with multiple profiles?

Availability varies by version. Waterfox Backup may be unavailable for profiles created through the newer profile interface. See Profile management for information about those profiles.

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