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Cannot sync - entering the 12 dig code but nothing happens, no "Finish" button

  • 6 replies
  • 3 have this problem
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  • Last reply by guigs

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Trying to sync FF to new computer (from Windows 7 to 8.1). I get the 12 dig code from the new computer and enter it on the old one. Nothing happens. Step 5 in the Sync instructions ("When the code is accepted you will see a Device Connected message and your device will immediately begin syncing. Click Finish to close the setup window. ") doesn't happen. I do not see "Device connected". All that happens is that the box returns to the Welcome! text and asks if I want to set up an account or if I have one already.

On the new computer, nothing changes. The "Next" button under the generated code does not light up.

Trying to sync FF to new computer (from Windows 7 to 8.1). I get the 12 dig code from the new computer and enter it on the old one. Nothing happens. Step 5 in the Sync instructions ("When the code is accepted you will see a Device Connected message and your device will immediately begin syncing. Click Finish to close the setup window. ") doesn't happen. I do not see "Device connected". All that happens is that the box returns to the Welcome! text and asks if I want to set up an account or if I have one already. On the new computer, nothing changes. The "Next" button under the generated code does not light up.

All Replies (6)

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Hi annaxt,

Thank you for posting your question about Firefox Sync. When you set up the second device, you have to add the 12 alphanumerical code to the old device. If the device is not with you, you have to click "I do not have the device with me" you will need your recovery key for this.

Which part are you seeing? and are both devices connected to the network?

It sounds like the device is not seeing the other device. Are they on the same network?


Technical reference http://docs.services.mozilla.com/keye.../user-flow.html

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What's nice is that this is being improved on too.

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1) I have added the 12 alphanumerical code to the old device.

2) I have both devices beside me.

3) Both devices are connected to the same network.

It must be some kind of bug. I have done this several times before, but now, nothing happens. Very unfortunate, because I have to give the old pc away today :(

The old one has Windows 7. The new one Windows 8.1. Both are pc/Acer. Both Firefox 26.

Sorry, I don't understand the technical ref you sent.

Should I try to do it *as if* I don't have them both with me? Can it be something with the recovery key?

I'm a little desperate!

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Hi annaxt, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

If you have the recovery key, you can add the account to the new device without the old one.Finding the Recovery Key

I've lost my Firefox Sync account information - What to do 

Also if you made a copy of the Profile folder of the old pc, it is possible to add that profile to the new computer. Recovering important data from an old profile

If the recovery key did not work, requesting a new one does require the old computer, however today they have announced an improved Firefox Sync, and is currently available in Aurora. http://thenextweb.com/insider/2014/02.../mozilla-launches-accounts-improved-sync-feature-customizable-ui-firefox-aurora/

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Thank you for answering.

Your first solution, https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-manage-my-firefox-sync-account#w_where-can-i-find-my-recovery-key, does not work, because there is no "Manage account" button. (I gather from reading in the forums that other people have that same problem.)

I will try the other ones, and report back!

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Hey annaxt,

Apologies for the late response. There is another way to get there, in Preferences/ Options > Sync, "Manage Account" will appear if sync is already set up on one of the two devices. There is a new sync Sync your Firefox bookmarks, history, passwords and more if you have Aurora- about:accounts is the page to try. Copy the profile folder into the new profile you create inn the installation.


If the above information does not resolve your issue, please consider creating a new thread containing the specific details of your issue.

Doing so will allow the Mozilla volunteers to give you solutions that are more helpful to you. This may help them to solve your problem faster and more efficiently.

Please, feel free to post the link to your thread on this thread for volunteers interested in assisting you.

Thank you.