What Is a Password Manager?

A password manager is an app that stores all your usernames and passwords in an encrypted vault. When you visit a website, it automatically fills in your login information. It can also generate strong, random passwords for new accounts.

• Stores passwords securely using strong encryption — even the company that makes the app cannot read your passwords.
• Fills in login forms automatically on websites and apps.
• Generates strong, random passwords so you never have to think one up.
• Works across your phone, tablet, and computer.
• Alerts you if any of your passwords appear in a known data breach.

Which Password Manager Should You Use?

There are several good options. Here are the most popular ones for everyday users.

• Apple Passwords (free, iPhone and Mac): built into iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. If you use Apple devices, this is the easiest starting point — no extra app needed.
• Google Password Manager (free, Android and Chrome): built into Android and Chrome. Works well if you use Android and Chrome.
• 1Password ($3/month): one of the most polished and full-featured options. Works on all devices and browsers.
• Bitwarden (free with optional paid tier): open-source, highly trusted, and free for most features. A great choice if you want a dedicated manager without a subscription.
• LastPass: once the most popular option, but has had security incidents in recent years. Consider the alternatives above instead.

Getting Started: Setting Up a Password Manager

The setup process is similar for most password managers.

1. 1Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit the service's website.
2. 2Create an account with a strong master password. This is the one password you must remember — make it a long passphrase (four or more random words).
3. 3Install the browser extension on your computer (most password managers offer extensions for Chrome, Safari, and Firefox).
4. 4The manager will offer to save passwords as you log in to websites. Accept these prompts to build up your vault.

How to Save a Password

Once your password manager is set up, saving passwords is automatic.

1. 1Log in to a website as you normally would.
2. 2Your password manager will display a prompt asking if you want to save the password.
3. 3Click Save or Add to vault.
4. 4The next time you visit that site, the manager will fill in your username and password automatically.

How to Generate a Strong Password for a New Account

When you create a new account on a website, let your password manager generate the password instead of making one up.

1. 1When you reach the "Create a password" field on a new account form, click on the field.
2. 2Your password manager will offer to generate a strong password. Click Generate or Suggest password.
3. 3The manager will create a long, random password and save it automatically.
4. 4You do not need to remember this password — the manager will fill it in for you every time.

How to Find a Saved Password

If you need to look up a password (for example, to log in on a device where the manager is not installed), you can find it in the vault.

1. 1Open your password manager app.
2. 2Search for the website or account name.
3. 3Tap the entry to see the username and password.
4. 4Tap the copy icon to copy the password to your clipboard.

What About the Passwords You Already Have?

You do not need to change all your passwords at once. Start by saving passwords as you log in to sites over the next few weeks. Over time, your vault will fill up naturally. When the manager flags a weak or reused password, change it then.