Does your password manager(Opens in a new tab) Do you have all the features you want? It saves your credentials, generates new passwords, autofills forms, captures and fills in passwords for desktop applications, fills in passwords for mobile apps, includes safeguards for digital heritage, and provides multi-factor authentication(Opens in a new tab), or have secure storage and a VPN? If you’re using a password manager that doesn’t have all the features you want or need, it’s time to make a change. Likewise if the company that manages your passwords is hacked(Opens in a new tab) or suffers a serious data breach(Opens in a new tab) and withholding information from you (hello, LastPass), you should find a new, more trusted password partner.
Many password managers offer free trials of their premium tiers, so you can switch between services before settling on one that you use every day. The perfect password manager is easy to use, so you no longer have to save your credentials on sticky notes or, worse, use the same passwords(Opens in a new tab) for every login on the web. Finding the best password manager can take some trial and error, but thankfully, making the switch is easy. Here’s how.
Do you want to move password managers? Here are some tips(Opens in a new tab) courtesy of PCMag’s Kim Key.
Method 1: Export and Import
You can export your passwords and form information from your current password manager to a file on your computer, which you import into your new password manager.
Most services allow you to save the file with the service’s specific filename. The service may also allow you to export login information such as usernames and passwords via a CSV file.
Credit: PCMag/1Password
A CSV file may not contain all the information you saved in the old password manager, such as B. Your addresses, telephone numbers or credit cards. However, your new password manager may not allow imports from your old one. So if you’re switching to a manager with limited import capabilities from other password managers, a CSV file is a good place to start when it comes to entering your old information.
After saving the file to your computer, install the new password manager. During the setup process, the password manager will ask if you want to import your current password information, which is where your new files come in. Import either the special file or the CSV file into the new password manager and you’re done!
Method 2: Use two at a time
Unlike antivirus(Opens in a new tab) Tools play well with most password managers on your computer, allowing you to run two password managers at the same time. This means you can install a new password manager without removing the old one.
Every time you go to a website with a login, the old password manager fills in your credentials, and the new one captures that information to add to its collection. This process is slower than Method 1 and can result in passwords that you don’t use often not being transferred.
It’s time to change password managers
If for any reason you lose confidence in your password manager or if using it becomes a chore, take the time to switch services. Check out our roundup of the best password managers(Opens in a new tab). We have a list of free password managers(Opens in a new tab) and password managers for businesses(Opens in a new tab), to. We gravitate toward products that combine powerful security, a rich feature set, and a smooth user experience.
This article originally appeared on PCMag.com(Opens in a new tab), sibling site of Mashable. PCMag.com(Opens in a new tab) is a leading technology authority providing labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services.
