What to Do If You Forget Your Password Manager Master Password

A strong master password is the key to your vault, and because most managers use zero-knowledge encryption, the company cannot simply reset it for you. Here is what to try if you forget it.

Try the recovery options first

• Check for a saved emergency kit or recovery key from when you created the account.
• Look for a hint or biometric unlock already enabled on a trusted device.
• Some managers allow account recovery through a trusted device that is still signed in.

Check devices that are still logged in

If your phone or laptop still has the vault unlocked or biometric access enabled, open it, export or view the passwords you need, and then change the master password from within the app.

If nothing works

With true zero-knowledge encryption, there may be no way to recover the vault. You may need to reset the account and create a new vault, then reset passwords one at a time using each website recovery process, starting with email and banking.

How to prevent it

• Choose a passphrase you can remember, such as four or five unrelated words.
• Write it down once and store it in a safe or a locked drawer.
• Create and store the emergency kit offline.
• Enable biometric unlock on trusted devices.