How to switch to a password manager

A step-by-step guide · Updated October 9, 2026

Moving your passwords out of your browser or a notebook takes about 20 minutes. Here's how to do it without locking yourself out of anything.

1. Choose a manager and create a strong master password

Pick a manager from our comparison. Your master password is the one password you'll still need to remember, so make it long. A string of four or five random words, like violin-harbor-pepper-seven, is both strong and memorable.

Write the master password on paper and keep it somewhere safe at home. Most password managers can't reset it for you, because they never know it.

2. Turn on two-factor authentication

In the manager's settings, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) with an authenticator app or a hardware key. Save the recovery codes it gives you with your written master password.

3. Export passwords from your browser

Chrome: Settings → Autofill and passwords → Google Password Manager → Settings → Export passwords.
Safari / Apple Passwords: open the Passwords app → File → Export All Passwords.
Edge: Settings → Passwords → three-dot menu → Export passwords.
Firefox: Passwords → three-dot menu → Export passwords.

Each one saves a CSV file. This file is not encrypted, so treat it carefully.

4. Import the file into your new manager

Every manager in our comparison has an import option in its settings or web vault. Choose the browser you exported from and select the CSV file. Check that your logins appear.

5. Delete the export file and turn off browser saving

Delete the CSV file and empty your trash or recycle bin. Then turn off "Offer to save passwords" in your browser so it stops competing with your new manager. You can also delete the passwords stored in the browser once you've confirmed the import worked.

6. Fix weak and reused passwords over time

Use the manager's password health or security report to find weak or reused passwords. Start with the accounts that matter most: email, banking and anything with saved payment details. Change a few each week; there's no need to do it all at once.

7. Install it on your phone

Install the mobile app, sign in, and turn on autofill in your phone's settings. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → AutoFill & Passwords. On Android, go to Settings → Passwords and accounts → Autofill service.