Mozilla added a new customization option to Firefox 60 that gives an option to users of the web browser to disable the browser's Firefox Sync integration.

Firefox Sync is a data synchronization service that is integrated into the Firefox browser. Users need to sign up for a Firefox Account to use it and may then sync some data with the cloud and other connected devices.

Sync evolved over the years; it started out as an add-on for the Firefox web browser but was built-in Firefox eventually to reach a larger audience by exposing the feature to all users of the browser.

Firefox Sync is the primary option to sync data such as passwords, bookmarks or the browsing history across devices. It is great for Firefox users who run the browser on multiple devices and for users who want to back up important data in the cloud.

Firefox users who don't use Firefox Sync are exposed to it in the browser, however. The main menu lists a Sync option prominently (Sign in to Sync) and the options have an entire section dedicated to synchronization. If you display the menu using the Alt-key, you find Sync listed under Tools as well there.

Disable Firefox Sync integration

Mozilla added a new preference in Firefox 60 that gives you the option to disable Sync so that it wo't show up in the main menu, in the preferences, or under Tools.

Here is what you need to do to configure it:

Load about:config?filter=identity.fxaccounts.enabled in the Firefox address bar. Double-click the preference to toggle its value. A value of True means Firefox Sync is enabled. A value of False means Firefox Sync is disabled. Restart the Firefox browser to complete the process.

Once you have made the change Firefox Sync is no longer visible in the browser UI and sync functionality is disabled.

You can undo the change at any time by setting the value of the preference to True. The patch is an uplift from the Tor project as indicated on Mozilla's website.

Closing Words

Adding an option to Firefox to disable Firefox Sync is a good change in my opinion. Firefox users who don't use it can hide Sync in various places in the user interface to streamline it more.

Now You: Do you use Firefox Sync? (via Sören Hentzschel)

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Summary Article Name Firefox 60: Disable Firefox Sync integration Description Mozilla added a new customization option to Firefox 60 that gives an option to users of the web browser to disable the browser's Firefox Sync integration. Author Martin Brinkmann Publisher Ghacks Technology News Logo

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