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How to set up a password manager

We'll set up a password manager so you can store and autofill passwords securely across all your devices.

Troubleshooting · Security basics
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Email address for the account
  • Strong master password (create during setup)
  • Devices and browsers where you want the manager installed
Step 1 of 7

Quick triage — pick your path

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Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Choose a password manager, create a strong master password, and install it on your devices.

  • Pick 1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass, or a built-in option (iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager). Confirm the app supports your devices and has a browser extension.
  • Good: You have chosen. Proceed to Create master password.
  • Bad: Unsure—1Password and Bitwarden are popular; Bitwarden has a free tier.

Create master password

Goal: Create a strong master password and store it safely.

  • Use a long passphrase (e.g. four random words) or a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not reuse it elsewhere.
  • Store it in a safe physical location (safe, locked drawer). Confirm you have it written down or memorized before proceeding.

Choose a password manager

Goal: Install the app and create an account.

  • Download the app from the official website or app store. Create an account with your email and master password.
  • If the app offers a recovery key, save it offline. Confirm the app opens and shows an empty vault or welcome screen.

Install the browser extension

Goal: Add the extension so you can autofill passwords in the browser.

  • Add the browser extension from the provider website or your browser extension store. Log in with your master password.
  • Confirm the extension icon appears in the toolbar and shows “Unlocked” or similar when you are logged in.

Import passwords

Goal: Bring existing passwords from a browser or file into the manager.

  • Use the import feature in the password manager. Check the provider help for steps (e.g. export from Chrome, import CSV). Confirm the imported items appear in your vault.
  • Good: Import complete. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Import failed—check file format and try again, or add passwords manually as you log in.

Add and test a password

Goal: Save a password and confirm autofill works.

  • Visit a site you use. Log in. When the manager prompts to save, accept. Confirm the login is saved.
  • Visit the login page again. The manager should offer to fill the fields. Confirm autofill works.

Set up on other devices

Goal: Install the app on each phone, tablet, and computer you use.

  • Install the app and browser extension on each device. Log in with the same account and master password.
  • Confirm you can see your saved passwords and autofill works on each device.

Verification

  • The password manager app opens and shows your vault.
  • The browser extension is installed and open.
  • At least one password is saved and autofill works on a test site.
  • 2FA is enabled on the password manager account (recommended).

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Choose and install Pick a manager, create a master password, install the app and extension.
  2. Add or import passwords Import from browser/CSV or add passwords as you log in.
  3. Set up on other devices Install on each device and log in with the same account.
  4. Enable 2FA Turn on two-factor authentication for the password manager account.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Password manager and version
  • Devices and browsers where setup was attempted
  • Error message if import or autofill fails
  • Whether 2FA is enabled

Do you have a password manager installed?

1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass, or built-in (iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager).

Download the app from the official website or app store. Create an account with a strong master password. Good: app opens and shows vault. Bad: install fails—check device compatibility and try again.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Install the password manager

Choose 1Password, Bitwarden, or similar. Download from the official site. Create an account with a strong master password. Store the master password and any recovery key offline. Confirm the app opens.

Done

Is the browser extension installed and open?

The extension lets you autofill passwords in the browser.

Add the browser extension from the provider site. Log in with your master password. Confirm the extension icon shows "Open" or "Ready" or similar. Good: extension works. Bad: extension not found or will not open—reinstall or check account.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix the browser extension

Remove and reinstall the extension. Log in again. Check that the browser allows the extension. If it still fails, try a different browser or contact the password manager support.

Done

Have you saved at least one password?

Log in to a site and let the manager save the password when prompted.

Visit a site you use. Log in. When the manager prompts to save, accept. Confirm the password appears in your vault. Good: at least one saved. Bad: no prompt—check extension is enabled and you are on a login page.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Save a password

Log in to a site (email, bank, etc.). When the manager prompts to save, click Save. If it does not prompt, right-click the password field and look for "Save with [manager name]." Confirm the entry appears in your vault.

Done

Setup complete

Your password manager is set up. Add more passwords as you log in. Enable 2FA on the password manager account for extra security. Install on other devices to sync.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Which password manager should I use?
1Password and Bitwarden are popular and secure. Bitwarden has a free tier. iCloud Keychain and Google Password Manager work if you stay in the Apple or Google ecosystem. Avoid storing passwords in a browser without a master password.
What if I forget my master password?
Most password managers cannot recover your master password—it encrypts your data. Use the recovery option your provider offers (e.g. recovery key, account recovery). Store the recovery key offline in a safe place.
Is it safe to store all my passwords in one app?
Yes, when you use a reputable password manager with a strong master password. The data is encrypted. A password manager is safer than reusing weak passwords or writing them down.

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