Remembering all your passwords is impossible. Using the same password everywhere is dangerous. The solution? A password manager. In this article, we explain what a password manager is and how to use one.

Why you need a password manager

The problem with passwords

  • The average person has 100+ online accounts
  • Each account should have a unique password
  • A strong password is at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols
  • Remembering all that is impossible

What people often do (but shouldn't)

  • Use the same password everywhere
  • Use simple passwords (123456, password, qwerty)
  • Write passwords on sticky notes
  • Store passwords in a text file

These methods are all unsafe. If one password is leaked, hackers have access to all your accounts.

What is a password manager?

A password manager is a digital vault that:

  • Stores all your passwords encrypted and secure
  • Generates strong passwords for you
  • Auto-fills login forms
  • Syncs across all your devices
  • Warns you about weak or reused passwords

You only need to remember one password: the master password for your vault.

Free options

  • Bitwarden - Best free option, open source
  • Google Password Manager - Built into Chrome
  • Apple Keychain - Built into Apple devices
  • 1Password - Very user-friendly
  • Dashlane - Includes VPN
  • LastPass - Long-time market leader

Getting started with a password manager

Step 1: Choose a password manager

We recommend Bitwarden for beginners - it's free, secure, and works on all devices.

Step 2: Create your master password

This is the only password you need to remember. Make it strong:

  • At least 14 characters
  • Use a passphrase: "correct-horse-battery-staple" is easier to remember than "X9#mK2@pL"
  • Don't use personal information
  • Don't use it anywhere else

Step 3: Install the apps and extensions

  • Install the app on your phone (iOS/Android)
  • Install the browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
  • Install the desktop app (optional)

Step 4: Import existing passwords

Most password managers can import passwords from:

  • Your browser's built-in password manager
  • A CSV file
  • Another password manager

Step 5: Start saving new passwords

When you log in to a website, the password manager will offer to save the password. Accept it!

Using your password manager daily

Creating a new account

  1. Click the password manager icon in your browser
  2. Choose "Generate password"
  3. Let it create a strong password
  4. The password is automatically saved

Logging into a website

  1. Go to the login page
  2. Click the password manager icon
  3. Select your account
  4. Username and password are filled in automatically

On your phone

Enable auto-fill in your phone settings:

  • iPhone: Settings → Passwords → AutoFill Passwords
  • Android: Settings → System → Languages → Autofill service

Security tips

Protect your master password

  • Never share it with anyone
  • Don't store it digitally anywhere
  • Consider writing it down and keeping it in a safe place (like a safe)

Enable two-factor authentication

Add an extra layer of security:

  1. Go to your password manager's settings
  2. Enable 2FA/MFA
  3. Use an authenticator app (not SMS)

Regularly check your passwords

Most password managers have a security dashboard that shows:

  • Weak passwords
  • Reused passwords
  • Passwords in known data breaches

What if I forget my master password?

This depends on the password manager:

  • Some have recovery options (email, recovery key)
  • Some cannot recover your data at all (for security)
  • Always set up recovery options when available

Important: Store your master password or recovery key somewhere safe!

Frequently asked questions

Is a password manager safe?

Yes, much safer than the alternatives. Your passwords are encrypted and even the company cannot see them.

What if the password manager is hacked?

Your passwords are encrypted with your master password. Without it, they're useless. Choose a reputable provider that has been audited.

Should I use my browser's built-in password manager?

It's better than nothing, but a dedicated password manager offers more features and better security.

Need help? Our support team is ready for you! Send a ticket through the customer portal and we'll usually help you within a few hours.

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