How to use a password manager and stop reusing the same password

Most people reuse a few passwords because remembering many is hard. But when one site is hacked, criminals try the same password on other accounts. A password manager solves this problem.

What it does

A password manager is an app that stores your passwords in an encrypted vault. You remember one strong master password, and the app creates and fills in long, different passwords for every account.

How to get started

1. Choose a well-known password manager from a trusted source, such as an official app store.
2. Create a long master password or passphrase that you have never used elsewhere. Write it down once and keep it somewhere safe at home.
3. Switch on two-step verification for the manager itself.
4. Add your accounts one at a time. Begin with email, banking and mobile money, because these are the most important.
5. When the app offers to generate a new password, accept it.

Habits that keep it safe

• Never share your master password with anyone, including people claiming to be support.
• Keep your phone locked with a PIN, fingerprint or face unlock.
• Update the app and your phone regularly.
• Do not save card numbers or documents in a way you would not be comfortable explaining.

What if you forget the master password?

Most managers cannot recover it, which is part of why they are secure. Keep a safe written copy and set up any recovery option the app offers.

A manager is not perfect, but it is far safer than using the same password everywhere.

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Earnings are never guaranteed. See our fees page for the exact costs.