Password Managers are specially designed software to solve the problems of storing passwords and other login credentials. You’ll see 1Password as the best password manager in the top password managers list.
1Password offers you a simple user interface, a wide range of features, and good security services. In this article, we’ll discuss 1Password in detail, such as its features, security services it provides, its pricing.
Table of Contents
Step1. 1Password Setup and Installation process
1Password is very easy to set up and use. Before starting using it, first, you have to access their website to create a 1Password account. As soon as you create your account, you have to choose a strong master password. This master password is the backbone of password management.
Once you logged in to your account, you’ll get a unique Secret key (34-digit Account key). Whenever you sign in from a new device, you’ll have to enter the same Secret key along with your master password.
During this setup process, an Emergency Kit is created. It’s a PDF file that contains account information like your email address, Master password, Secret key, and QR verification code. You can either print out this Emergency kit or store it in a safe place to set up a 1Password account on other devices.
Once the account setup is complete, you can easily download and install it on your device. The operating system it supports is Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. In case your device gets lost, it also gives you the option to disable your account on your device. You have to go to their website to unauthorized access to your account on that lost device.
1Password X Browser Extension
1Password X is the browser extension with 1Password complete version for web browsers. It runs in Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave browsers. You can auto-save and auto-fill your passwords using the extension. It also suggests strong passwords when you’re creating a new account.
Mobile App
The mobile version of 1Password is also good. You can set up1Password account easily on your mobile by using the QR code in an Emergency kit. You’ll also get biometric options in their mobile versions. So, you can unlock it using your Face ID and fingerprint. Infect, their mobile applications are easy to use in comparison to desktop apps.
Step2. Use of various features of 1Password
The User Interface of 1Password is simple, intuitive, and user-friendly. You’ll get to see lots of features. You can create multiple vaults for different purposes and manage your data by keeping it in these separate vaults. The feature 1Password offers are as follow:
Password Generator
1Password offers one of the best password generators out there. It has the option to create random passwords, PIN codes, and memorable passwords, including passphrases. The generated passwords contain digits, symbols, and letters in upper & lower case. You’ll also find the history of previously generated passwords.
Clear Clipboard feature
It offers a Clear Clipboard feature. It means once you’ve copied the password from the clipboard, it will automatically delete that password from the clipboard within the time (up to 90 seconds) set by you.
Storage
1Passwords offers 1GB encrypted storage where you can upload your files and other content. You can store various data types like logins, secure notes, identity, etc. It also provides you local data storage option to store your passwords & login credentials on your local device.
Auto-Fill
Like some other Password managers, 1Password also be used to fill online forms automatically. But before using auto-fill, you have to create an identity containing your personal information. It offers you to create as many identities as you need. You have to click on the 1Password side icon, as it will work through the side icon, which will then prompt the auto-fill to work.
Import and Export
Importing your passwords & other credentials in 1Password is easy, but exporting can only be done through their desktop app from Windows or Mac. However, the import of 1Password exported passwords in other password managers is also easy.
Password Sharing
1Password provides a password sharing option only in their family and team plans. It does not allow you to share your passwords with any other user. If you want to share your passwords or a vault with another user, it generates an access key tied to the shared user’s email address. It ensures safe password sharing with the right user.
Step3. Security features of 1Password
1Password uses end-to-end encryption with AES 256-bit which makes it a highly secure password manager. It’s based on Zero-Knowledge architecture to protect the user data. This security feature ensures that no one other than you can ever gain access to your login credentials.
There is 2FA (two-factor authentication) to provide an additional layer of security to your 1Password account. It supports biometric scanners for 2FA. They have also conducted many security audits.
The other extra security feature is that you can only log in to a new device by using the Secret key along with your master password. Moreover, 1Password doesn’t store your master password and Security key. If you forget your master password, you don’t have any recovery options.
1Password Customer support
1Password has a good knowledge base and offers good forum support, email support which responds within 24 hours. However, the Live chat support option is not available. You’ll also get lots of resources like quick guides, articles, and videos about how to use them on their website.
Step4. Other advanced features of 1Password
Some of the advanced features of 1Password are Travel Mode, Watchtower, and its authentication functionality.
Travel Mode
The standout feature of the 1Password is Travel Mode. By enabling this feature, you can temporarily remove your password vault to hide your data while travelling. You can enable it from the My profile panel. This Travel Mode protects your sensitive information from snoopers and other unwarranted searches during travelling.
Watchtower
1Password offers a great feature known as Watchtower. It will alert you about your vulnerable & weak passwords, compromised & unsecured websites, and other saved items that are going to expire. So, you can change your passwords & other login credentials right away. It uses haveibeenpawned.com to provide data breach reports.
Authenticator
One great thing about 1Password is that it also acts as an authenticator app like Google authenticator, Authy. You don’t have to use any external authenticator along with it. But you’ll have to first set up 2FA for the website before using 1Password as an authenticator.
1Password Pros and Cons
Pros
- Clean, Intuitive user-interface in all devices.
- Offers Travel Mode to secure information while traveling.
- Create different vaults for different uses.
- Offers 2FA, including build-in authenticator,
- Offers Watertower features, including security breach reports.
- Affordable pricing plans.
- Good customer support.
Cons
- No free-plan.
- If you lost the master password, there is no recovery option.
- Limited sharing passwords option.
- Sometimes, glitches in the 1Password Mini browser extension.
Bottom Line
1Password is an affordable password manager that supports almost all platforms. It’s a great tool with high-security features and good customer support.
