Can't import browsing data from Mozilla Firefox

A Former User

Current Opera Version: 62.0.3331.68
Current Firefox Version: 68.0

Hi, I recently decided to switch to Opera as my default web browser (since I really miss having Chrome extensions and stuff) and Opera gave me the option to import my browsing data from Firefox. I thought this would work, and I tried to import several times but none of my passwords/history/cookies were imported at all. I would really appreciate help with this as I have a lot of passwords and I don't really want to log back in and all that stuff, same with my cookies.

Thanks,

Midnight

burnout426

burnout426 Volunteer

I tested myself. Password importing from Firefox is not working. I'm not sure if this is a new issue or if it never worked.

Workaround:

Use https://github.com/kspearrin/ff-password-exporter to export your Firefox passwords to a csv file.

In Opera, goto the URL opera://flags/#PasswordImport, enable password importing and relaunch Opera.

In Opera, goto opera://settings/passwords, click the menu to the right of "saved passwords", choose "import" and point it to the csv file.

I don't know about cookies and history, but that should give you your passwords.

A Former User

Hi "Midnight Foxxii".

Probably that function is available. I don't know. But I can help you with nmy opinion. Hopefully!

First I'd like to know what is the reason to import the history and cookies from other browsers? Makes (in my opinion) no sense. Cookies anyway needs to be deleted as often as possible. There are persistent cookies (long lasting or permanent cookies stored) and those "rubbish" needs to be deleted. Personally I would not recommend to implement those data in a freshly installed browser. As well the history. Bookmark the links you need, and then delete the history.

Passwords: Sorry Foxxii, passwords are very sensitive personal information and should not be stored/saved in a browser password manager. I know, a lot of people still doing this, but that's a no go. As a "normal" user we don't know much about a browser infrastructure and on the other site about the intention. We just can grab as much information as possible, learn and if we are curious enough, we can watch behind the walls. I am trying to do so and I do not recommend to store passwords with a PW manager provided by a browser.
Another problem: Transmitting those data from one to another browser. Is anything encrypted? Not sure? Don't do it!

Google: Chrome might be the safest browser ever. But what, if the surveillance comes from Google itself? Chrome says its all encrypted ....
Please keep in mind: Beside all the other Niche Google Alphabet is operating, collecting data is still the main business and also the most profitable chain of Google. Sympathise but no trust for this multinational concern at all. BTW. that is the reason why I do not use chrome or google search since years... I just feel un-save with this browser on my machine. Of course, also me is providing data to google, but controlled :). However ...

Password Solution: Use an external password manager like Last-Pass or the new password manager of NordPass (aproduct of NordVPN). You get a fully encrypted solution which is really safe. Please check the blog of NordVPN and also LastPass Blog. Please all guys out there, get more information about your personal safety...

On this point, to all the readers pointing with the finger on me:) : NO i am not paid by LastPass or NordVPN. But it is nice that you see things that way and always be on a watch in terms of people want to "bull shit" you! No, I am just internet security affiliate, using LastPass since years and also NordVPN since ... hmm seven months?.. However, I trust in those services as those projects and services after my recherche (and believe me, I did a lot of researches in the past few years) are good or outstanding.
One last thing, related using a PW manager: Make sure choosing a product which offers a two-way authentication. But I guess all the trustworthy and serious players in this field in 2019 offering that security tool. The problem are keyloggers which are scary malicious trackers... Please read the Blogpost if you do not know anything about it!

Finally, your Bookmarks: If you are using different browsers or even different machines, I am sure you want to have all your bookmarks up to date. Anywhere and anytime. Right? Importing bookmarks once into Opera doesn't covers that requirement.. Therefor use a cloud based extension. The only option I know (since Xmarks died) is EverSync from EverHelper. The only tool right now (if there is another solution, I would be keen to know about it), which provides the synchronisation between Opera, Chrome, FF, bookmarks from browsers on Android and maybe Safari (not sure). With this solution you are always up to date where ever you are. Be careful with the sync between Opera and Chrome as Chrome will delete your speed dial entries from Opera. If you are using Opera as your standard browser you can fire the bookmarks in one direction only (upload) and download it to Firefox and Chrome. Activate the browsers internal sync option (all browsers) and each browser will sync the bookmarks between the different devices.. Well done!

Last but not least: Welcome to OPERA! In my opinion it's a great browser. I am in love with it.. Even there are a lot of destructive voices... We will see what future brings to us....

BTW: By using OPERA Extension "Chrome Extensions" you will be able to add Chrome Extensions to OPERA. It works great. Just do not overload the Browser with unnecessary Extensions, as this slow down the browser and uses a lot of RAM. If you are using up to 16 or more GB RAM, the browser will pre-book memory (like every browser). No need to worry if you see that the browser uses 2.8 GB RAM. That is fine, as it is available. And also, 55 open TABS are not for free, OPERA (as every other browser) will use as much RAM as he can, to stabilise the performance.. Many people get shocked. But in fact free RAM is there to use it.... No worry!

It's just amazing how risible the arguments of the people are: They are using Chrome since years and got spy since years from NSA and from Google and now they are asking completely irritated: Is OPERA still safe in Chinese hands? in fact I do not know, that Opera Norway sold the browser to the government of China? Do you? Same people using AMAZON (kick-ass), GOOGLE search, GOOGLE Analytics for their websites, having ANDROID and WINDOWS and doesn't know what role IBM plays in this game... Well done haters, get informed before you complain and write down nonsense ! Thanks Pascal

A Former User @burnout426

@burnout426 said in Can't import browsing data from Mozilla Firefox:

I tested myself. Password importing from Firefox is not working. I'm not sure if this is a new issue or if it never worked.

In the German forum @mrlightman describes that the 64-bit version of Opera can import data and passwords from the 64-bit version of Firefox, but not from Firefox 32-bit.

Another member adds that an import should basically work within the same architecture (32 => 32-bit, 64 => 64-bit).

Since I do not store passwords in my web browsers, I cannot check these information myself.

burnout426

burnout426 Volunteer @Guest

@yanta Hmm, both Opera and Firefox are 64-bit on my system (Windows 10). Thanks.

A Former User @burnout426

@burnout426

The thread from which the two statements originate is locked, so that I can't ask @mrlightman there which concrete Firefox and Opera versions the import was successful with.

The second member I quoted has left the forum in the meantime. In June he had told a Mac owner who was complaining about the same problem:

[The import from Firefox] worked fine for me. If you want to import your passwords from Firefox into Opera, but have set a master password in Firefox, delete this in Firefox, close Firefox and then do the import with Opera. [...]

The OP mentioned MACOS 10.14.5, Firefox 67.0.1 and Opera 60.0.3255.160. There is no feedback from him as to whether he succeeded in importing his passwords based on this advice.

Again, I beg your pardon, if that doesn't work.