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Use a FF sync account for “bootstrap” configuration on new installation (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by spacedancer@lemmy.world to c/firefox@lemmy.ml

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So I frequently install firefox on different desktop devices and it’s a hassle to set up and configure all the privacy settings and extensions every time I install it on a new device.

Obviously using a FF account and sync would be the easiest way to set it up quickly, however the I don’t want to keep my account logged in on every device since some of the devices aren’t mine.

Having said that, is it possible for me to create a new sync account and configure it the way I want to; then log in on a new install, sync the config, logout, but retain my configuration there; essentially using the account to bootstrap config new firefox installations?

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[–] bahmanm@lemmy.ml 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I was in a somehow similar scenario a few years ago and ended up using profiles.

I created and configured the "perfect" profile on my laptop and made a copy of it on my flash drive. Then whenever I needed to work on a new machine, all I had to was to copy the profile directory from my flash drive.

The details may have changed since then, but I think the idea is still applicable. HTH

[–] spacedancer@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

This might be a good option for me. Do you have to log on to your account to install the profile or can do without?

[–] bahmanm@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it: https://www.bahmanm.com/2023/07/firefox-profiles-quickly-replicate-your-settings.html

[–] spacedancer@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

Cool! Thanks a lot! I'll try this out later.

[–] bahmanm@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago

Hang on...I'm testing and writing the procedure on my blog. I will post back here as soon as I'm done.

[–] CoffeeBot@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago

You can also self host your own sync server (even works on iOS)

[–] jeena@jemmy.jeena.net 1 points 1 year ago

What I do is to use sync but also use a master password so that the important things like passwords aren't accessible without it.