Here are the main steps to migrate from using web browsers as insecure password managers. Our goal is to move to Bitwarden as a purposeful tool with security as a priority.
This guide has three distinct phases:
1st Phase. Set up a Bitwarden account.
2nd Phase. Import your existing passwords to Bitwarden.
3rd Phase. Install the appropriate applications for your needs.
1st Phase. Set up a Bitwarden account.
Steps:
1. Navigate to Bitwarden Web vault page.
2. Click on Create Account
3. Enter the necessary information required in the sign up form. A few tips:
- Use a personal email address.
- Avoid leaving a description under your Master Password Hint that might make your password too easy to guess.
- Make sure to save your master password in a secure method where it can be retrieved if forgotten.
4. Once logged into your vault, click on the Send Email option. Once you open the email in your account, this will unlock all available features in the free tier.
5. Now that we have an account and a password "vault", we'll move to the next step. This is where we'll be able to import your current passwords, learn about login auto-filling on browsers and install the appropriate phone app.
2nd Phase. Import your existing passwords to Bitwarden.
Please choose the link to the scenario/s that apply to you. Each browser name will direct you to Bitwarden's page (external link) with the most current instructions on how to export your passwords.
- I am using Chrome/Edge/Firefox to save my passwords
- I am using iCloud Keychain or Safari (Apple devices)
- I have handwritten passwords and/or save them in a spreadsheet or Word document.
Once we've obtained a file export of your passwords following Bitwarden's instructions, we'll go through the process of importing it into your vault.
Log in to the web vault at https://vault.bitwarden.com, or https://your.bitwarden.domain.com if self-hosting.
1. Select Tools from the top navigation bar.
2. Select Import Data from the tools menu.
3. Complete the following fields from the drop down menus:
3.a Import destination: Required. Select the import destination such as your individual vault or an organizational vault that you have access to. ("My vault" by default)
3.b Folder or Collection: Optional. Select if you would like the imported content moved to a specific folder or organization collection that you have access to.
3.c File format: Required. Select the import file format.
4. Select Choose File and add the file to import or copy/paste the contents of your file into the input box.
5. Select Import Data to trigger the import.
6. After successful import, delete the import source file from your computer. This will protect you in the event your computer is compromised.
7. Go back to the Bitwarden tab, and click on the top-left of the import page to go back to Vaults:
8. Your view always defaults to All Vaults and All Items. This will show all your imported passwords in the vault. If you click on the name of any entries, you'll see its details:
Detailed (Edit) View:
3rd Phase. Install the appropriate applications for your needs.
Depending on the devices you use the most, you might want to have the Bitwarden readily available. We'll safely link the direct pages for your convenience.
For computers, we recommend that you use the extension or add-on that applies to your default web browser, this will guarantee you get login screens automatically filled in and ready to log in.
Please click on the links that pertain to you:
A. I will use Bitwarden to log in web pages on a computer:
- Chrome web browser extension
- Edge web browser extension
- Firefox web browser extension
- Safari web browser extension
B. I am an Apple user:
C. I am an Android User:
Once installed, make sure to log in to make your passwords available. There are additional security options and settings available based on the device you're using Bitwarden.
Here are some useful (external) links that will guide you through some of them:
How to make Bitwarden the default Autofill option:
Disable a Browser's Built-in Password Manager