What a password manager is
A password manager is an app that securely stores your passwords so you don’t have to remember them all. You sign in once, and the app fills in passwords for you when needed.
Why password managers matter
Reusing passwords across multiple sites is one of the most common ways accounts are compromised. Password managers make it easy to use a unique, strong password everywhere.
- Reduces password reuse
- Makes strong passwords easy
- Simplifies everyday logins
- Reduces forgotten-password stress
When people typically use them
- Managing many online accounts
- Handling banking and shopping logins
- Managing subscriptions and services
- Improving security with minimal effort
Common password manager tools
- 1Password — popular for individuals, families, and teams
- Bitwarden — widely used free and low-cost option
- Dashlane — includes password health monitoring
- Keeper — used for both personal and work accounts
Reputable password managers use strong encryption so even the provider can’t see your passwords.
What password managers do — and don’t — do
- Do: securely store and generate passwords
- Do: reduce the risk of account takeovers
- Don’t: stop phishing if you enter passwords on fake sites
- Don’t: replace multi-factor authentication
Getting started
- Choose one password manager.
- Create a strong main password you can remember.
- Add your most important accounts first.
- Enable MFA on the password manager itself.