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Key takeaways
- Switching password managers is easier than it sounds.
- Export passwords to CSV, then import them into the new app.
- Review records and settings before deleting your old manager.
Not happy with your current password manager and looking to jump to a different one? That sounds like a time-consuming challenge, but it doesn't have to be.
Most password managers let you export your current passwords so you can import them into another product. From there, you do have to configure all the necessary settings in the new password manager. But at least your accounts should all be in place.
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I currently subscribe to 1Password, which has served me well ever since I transitioned to it from RoboForm. However, with concerns over 1Password raising its prices, current subscribers may think the time is ripe to consider an alternative.
On the other hand, maybe you currently use a free or basic password manager that you find limiting and want to switch to a more robust and feature-rich paid program like 1Password, NordPass, or Bitwarden.
Here's how I made the switch.
How to switch password managers
The specific steps for moving from one password manager to another naturally vary based on the products. But the basic process is similar. Here's how I switched password managers and how you can do the same.
1. Install the new password manager
First, you want to install the new password manager on your computer. Create your account and make sure you can sign in to the software. You'll also need to add the necessary browser extensions, which you can find by searching for the name of the program at the Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome, Firefox Add-Ons for Firefox, and Edge Add-Ons for Microsoft Edge.
2. Export your passwords
Your next step is to export your passwords from your current password manager so you can import them into the new one. To do that with most products, you'll need to save the data as a CSV file.
Depending on the software you use, go to Settings and look for an Export command. After you select that option, you'll likely be prompted to enter your master password to proceed. Choose the CSV option and then save the file to your PC.
Also: How to sync passkeys across your Android, iPhone, Mac, and PC with Chrome - it's easy
Note that the CSV file by default is not encrypted or secured. Plus, it stores your passwords in plain text format. For that reason, don't save the file online or in another potentially vulnerable location. Keep it on your PC only.
3. Import your passwords
Next, you'll want to import the CSV file into your new password manager. Again, look through Settings in the new program and select the Import command. Choose your current password manager if it appears in the list. You may be able to do a more direct transfer. But most likely, you'll have to use the CSV file. Choose that option and select the file.
Depending on your new password manager, you might be taken online to run the import. Make sure that the program promises to keep the unencrypted data in the file private and on your device.
You'll then be able to see the records to be imported so you can review them. The password manager should automatically select the correct data field so it knows which category to use. Otherwise, you can choose the category field.
Next, you may need to assign a label for each column, such as site name, URL, username, and password. You should also be able to tell the program to ignore a specific column if it contains data you don't need to include.
4. View the imported items
After the import is finished, you might be prompted to view the imported items in the new password manager. Review the records to make sure all the data was assigned to the correct fields and that each account looks right.
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5. Continue to set up the new program
With the passwords imported, your next job is to configure the new password manager. Review each setting and change or activate the ones you want. Though the settings on your now-previous password manager may not be the same, you can still check them to make sure you replicate them as closely as possible on the new one.
6. Check your website accounts
Fire up your browser and try to sign in to some of the sites stored in your new password manager. The account credentials will automatically appear for each site to log you in.
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7. Remove the old password manager
After you've confirmed that the new password manager works properly and that all your accounts have been imported and set up, you can stop using the old password manager. Sign in to the program either on your PC or online and delete all of the passwords and other data. You can then uninstall the old password manager.
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