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File based syncing of profile data instead of Mozilla sync? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 2 weeks ago by joeldebruijn@lemmy.ml to c/firefox@lemmy.ml
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I use Firefox (LibreWolf with Mozilla sync) on multiple devices. To have my tabs, extensions and history easy available I use Mozilla for syncing that data.

Would it be possible to just use a generic sync service like rsync or something, to sync the profile folders and every file in it?

Or would that break or corrupt data?

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[-] N0x0n@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I do use Syncthing one way sync to a server to sync the whole Firefox directory and it does work quiet well !

I already did a backup test and It works without data loss. However, not sure this is a great way to accomplish this task... Why? Because while in use your Browser writes a lot of data and could potentially cause sync issues, specially it's databases.

A better way would be to sync all your bookmarks to a WebDAV server with floccus and save your LibreWolf override.cfg

The downside is that you need to reinstall and reconfigure your addons, haven't found a satisfactory solution for those :/

Edit: Maybe a better solution in your case would be to make an automated daily backup of your user directory while your browser is not in use.

Edit2: However not sure your tabs are getting saved that way !

[-] joeldebruijn@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Thanks!

Must admit .... I realise now I am tweaking something I got used to, but going back to why and all ... because I do use Floccus icw my own NextCloud instance. But mainly for long-term-archival-avalability and for laptop devices, because Floccus doesnt sync Firefox Android. So from mobile its this:

  • Firefox Android add a bookmark
  • Sync Firefox Android with Mozilla
  • Back at laptop, sync with Mozilla.
  • Follow up with Floccus sync on laptop ...

At the moment:

  • Bookmarks: Floccus sort of
  • History: maybe I dont need it if I bookmark more but still usefull ....
  • Open Tabs: cant live without it
  • Adresses: Turned on, but not a knock out,
  • Payment: Bitwarden data
  • Add-ons: This is very convenient but not a knock out criteria, could just maintain documentation (a list with sources).
  • Passwords: Bitwarden sync

So, the focus would be syncing Open Tabs and History ....

[-] N0x0n@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

because Floccus doesnt sync Firefox Android.

You sure about that? From memory It did work with floccus (though it does it in a weird way).

Open Tabs: cant live without it.

Yeah that's probably the tricky part in your workflow ! Not sure if syncing your directory will keep the open tabs. Though I may be wrong here because I personally don't use that functionality !

Yeah maybe my instructions are ment for backups rather than keeping a workflow in sync with all your devices. Sorry for my bad reading skills !

~~Dunno if a self-hosted Firefox sync does sync Open Tabs between devices, if it does It's probably your best bet !~~

Also, syncing your whole profile between Desktop/laptop and your phone won't work that easily... They behave very differently and do not have the same directory structure/files on your phone.

Edit: Here's the self-hosted Mozilla Sync storage server

https://github.com/mozilla-services/syncstorage-rs

After skimming through the docs it seems to sync everything (bookmarks, tabs, history, extensions...)

[-] joeldebruijn@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

You sure about that? From memory It did work with floccus (though it does it in a weird way).

Floccus for Android is a local standalone app, usefull but doesnt read / write to Firefox Android bookmarks ..

Yeah maybe my instructions are ment for backups rather than keeping a workflow in sync with all your devices. Sorry for my bad reading skills !

Appreciated still, I backup with restic but indeed these are usefull for backup.

Also, syncing your whole profile between Desktop/laptop and your phone won’t work that easily… They behave very differently and do not have the same directory structure/files on your phone.

This, for me, is the real answer to "Is filebased sync for Firefox possible?"! Because in a pc / smartphone scenario those apps cant work then with each others directories, thanks!

this post was submitted on 16 Mar 2025
26 points (90.6% liked)

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