Firefox Autocomplete Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide

Why Firefox Isn't Saving Your Login Credentials

Many users who habitually permit Firefox to store their login details for frequently visited websites experience annoyance when a site fails to even offer the option to save these credentials. Let's explore the reasons behind this behavior.

The repeated need to manually enter information, as illustrated by the example form, can be quite frustrating.

The Source of the Problem: The 'autocomplete' Attribute

Upon inspecting the page's source code, the issue becomes clear: the presence of AUTOCOMPLETE="off" within the form's code instructs Firefox to disable automatic form completion. This tag is also frequently applied directly to the individual form elements themselves.

This practice is common on networks like corporate vpns, banking websites, and other security-conscious platforms. These entities intentionally prevent browsers from saving credentials to enhance security.

A Solution: Utilizing Greasemonkey

Your Best Option: Employing a Greasemonkey script provides a method to re-enable autocomplete functionality on these forms.

Several pre-made scripts are available at userscripts.org:

http://userscripts-mirror.org/

Alternatively, a custom script can be developed. In some instances, existing scripts may not function correctly with specific network configurations, necessitating a tailored solution.

var frm = document.forms[0];

frm.setAttribute('autocomplete', 'on');

frm.elements[0].setAttribute('autocomplete', 'on');

frm.elements[1].setAttribute('autocomplete', 'on');

The Firebug extension proves invaluable when identifying the specific form elements for script targeting.

By understanding the role of the 'autocomplete' attribute and leveraging tools like Greasemonkey, users can regain control over their browsing experience and minimize the inconvenience of repetitive form filling.