Important: If you've forgotten your Master Password and haven't turned on a recovery method, you may need to reset your account, which erases all of your data. Dashlane never stores or shares your Master Password, so we can't tell you your password if you forget it. We have no way to help you log in to your account. You can follow the steps in our troubleshooting article to check if you've truly forgotten your Master Password.
I forgot my Master Password
Account recovery options for Dashlane
You can set up Dashlane's account recovery key if you use a Master Password to log in to Dashlane.
If you're a member of a Dashlane Starter, Team, or Business plan, and you've turned on the account recovery key or admin-assisted recovery, you can recover your account if you forget your Master Password. A recovery key isn't available to Business plan members using SSO. You have SSO if you use the same login application to access Dashlane and other work accounts. If you don't know whether you have SSO, ask your manager or plan admin.
Admin-assisted recovery for members of Starter, Team, and Business plans
After you've set up Dashlane's account recovery key, you can regain access to your Dashlane account without losing any of your data. You'll provide your saved recovery key, complete an identity verification step, change your Master Password, and recover your account.
Setting up a recovery key isn't required, but the key protects you from being permanently locked out of your account.
About the account recovery key
Important: If you haven't generated a recovery key or lost your recovery key, you won't be able to use this option to regain access to your account. If you've forgotten your Master Password and haven't turned on another recovery method, you can follow the steps in our troubleshooting article instead.
I forgot my Master Password
Account recovery options for Dashlane
With this feature, you can generate a random 28-character code called a “recovery key.” Then if you forget your Master Password, you can regain access to Dashlane with this single-use key and an identity verification step.
You may have only one active key at a time, and you can use each key only once. If you generate a new key, the old key is no longer valid. You can generate a new key anytime if your current key is compromised or lost.
Important: If you generate a recovery key and change your Master Password, your key is no longer valid. You need to generate a new key when you change your Master Password.
Store your key outside of Dashlane
You need to store your key outside of Dashlane because the purpose of the key is to regain access to your account if you forget your Master Password. We recommend keeping your recovery key somewhere safe with other important documents, like your passport.
You can also store your recovery key in a Secure Note and share the note with a trusted contact. If you ever forget your Master Password, that person can give you the key to help you regain access. Remember, you're the only one who can use your key because an identity verification step is required. Unless your trusted contact has access to your email or 2FA tokens used to verify your identity, you're still the only person who can access your data.
Set up your recovery key
If you don't see the Recovery key setting, make sure you're using the latest version of Dashlane available for your device. Then you'll have the most recent improvements and security settings.
- Select the Dashlane D icon in your browser's toolbar and enter your Master Password if prompted. Then in the extension pop-up, select Open the web app.
- In the My account menu, select Settings and then Security settings.
- In the Account recovery section, select View options and turn on Recovery key.
- In the pop-up, select Generate key.
- Write down your key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
- Select Continue.
- In the Confirm your recovery key pop-up, enter your key to be sure that you copied it correctly. If you didn't make a copy, select Go back and write down the key now.
- After correctly entering your key, select Continue and then Done.
- In the Dashlane Android app, go to the menu, select Settings and then Security.
- Turn on Recovery key.
- On the Recovery key screen, select Generate key.
- Write down your key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
- Select Continue.
- On the Confirm your recovery key screen, enter your key to be sure that you copied it correctly. If you didn't make a copy, select the Back arrow icon and write down the key now.
- After correctly entering your key, select Confirm and then Done. You're returned to the Recovery key setting.
- In the Dashlane iOS (Apple) app, select Settings in the bottom menu and then Security.
- On the Security screen, select Recovery key.
- Turn on Recovery key.
- On the Recovery key screen, select Generate key.
- Write down your key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
- Select Continue.
- On the Confirm your recovery key screen, enter your key to be sure that you copied it correctly. If you didn't make a copy, select Back and write down the key now.
- After correctly entering your key, select Next.
- You'll see a confirmation screen, select Done, and you'll return to the Recovery key setting.
If you've set up the Safari extension, follow the first set of steps. Follow the second set of steps for the Dashlane macOS app.
Get started with the Safari extension
Follow these steps to set up your recovery key in the Safari extension:
- Select the Dashlane D icon in your browser's toolbar and enter your Master Password if prompted. Then in the extension pop-up, select Open the web app.
- In the My account menu, select Settings and then Security settings.
- In the Account recovery section, select View options and turn on Recovery key.
- In the pop-up, select Generate key.
- Write down your key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
- Select Continue.
- In the Confirm your recovery key pop-up, enter your key to be sure that you copied it correctly. If you didn't make a copy, select Go back and write down the key now.
- After correctly entering your key, select Continue and then Done.
Follow these steps to set up your recovery key if you use the Dashlane macOS app:
- Select the Dashlane D icon in your browser's toolbar.
- In the pop-up, select Open the app.
- In the next pop-up, select Log in and enter your email address and Master Password.
- Select the gear icon above the main menu on the left side.
- In the pop-up, select Security.
- Select Recovery key and turn on the key.
- In the pop-up, select Generate key.
- Write down your key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
- Select Continue.
- In the Confirm your recovery key pop-up, enter your key to be sure that you copied it correctly. If you didn't make a copy, select Go back and write down the key now.
- After correctly entering your key, select Continue and then Done.
Use your account recovery key
Important: Before you start the recovery process, make sure you have your single-use recovery key that you previously generated and saved.
You start the recovery process by selecting Forgot your password? from the login page. Then you need to verify your email address with a verification code we send you by email or a 2-factor authentication (2FA) token from your authenticator app.
If you want to use your recovery key on a new device, you need to verify your identity first using the same process used when adding a new device. After you enter your email address, you need to enter a verification code or a 2FA token based on your existing security settings.
- Open the Dashlane app and enter your login email.
- When prompted to add your Master Password, select Forgot password?
- A full browser tab opens.
- In the pop-up, select Start recovery.
- Select Use recovery key.
- On the Verify your identity page, enter a verification code we send you by email or a 2FA token from your authenticator app.
- Enter your recovery key in uppercase letters as provided when you generated your key.
- Select Continue.
- Create a new Master Password for your account.
Tips for creating a strong, easy-to-remember Master Password
- Enter your new Master Password again, select Continue, and then select Done.
- Your account opens, and you’re asked to set up your recovery key again. Select Go to settings to generate a new key. Write down your new key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
Dashlane logs you out of all devices when you change your Master Password. You need to log in to each device with your new Master Password. We'll authenticate the device again by verifying your identity with an email verification code or 2FA token, depending on your existing security settings.
We also turn off the Biometric recovery setting when you change your Master Password. If you want to be able to reset your Master Password with your face or fingerprint, you need to turn on this setting again.
Reset your Master Password with biometric recovery on your mobile device
Important: Before you start the recovery process, make sure you have your single-use recovery key that you previously generated and saved.
You start the recovery process by selecting Forgot your password? from the login page. Then you need to verify your email address with a verification code we send you by email or a 2-factor authentication (2FA) token from your authenticator app.
If you want to use your recovery key on a new device, you need to verify your identity first using the same process used when adding a new device. After you enter your email address, you need to enter a verification code or a 2FA token based on your existing security settings.
- Open the Dashlane Android app and enter your login email.
- When prompted to add your Master Password, select Forgot?
- Select Use recovery key.
- Enter the verification code we send you by email or a 2FA token from your authenticator app.
- Enter your recovery key in uppercase letters as provided when you generated your key.
- Select Next in the lower-right corner.
- Create a new Master Password for your account.
Tips for creating a strong, easy-to-remember Master Password
- Select Next in the lower-right corner.
- Enter your new Master Password again and select Next.
- Your account opens, and you’re asked to set up your recovery key again. Select Go to settings to generate a new key. Write down your new key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
Dashlane logs you out of all devices when you change your Master Password. You need to log in to each device with your new Master Password. We'll authenticate the device again by verifying your identity with an email verification code or 2FA token, depending on your existing security settings.
We also turn off the Biometric recovery setting when you change your Master Password. If you want to be able to reset your Master Password with your face or fingerprint, you need to turn on this setting again.
Reset your Master Password with biometric recovery on your mobile device
Important: Before you start the recovery process, make sure you have your single-use recovery key that you previously generated and saved.
You start the recovery process by selecting Forgot your password? from the login page. Then you need to verify your email address with a verification code we send you by email or a 2-factor authentication (2FA) token from your authenticator app.
If you want to use your recovery key on a new device, you need to verify your identity first using the same process used when adding a new device. After you enter your email address, you need to enter a verification code or a 2FA token based on your existing security settings.
- Open the Dashlane iOS (Apple) app and enter your login email.
- Select Next in the upper-right corner.
- When prompted to add your Master Password, select Forgot your password?
- Select Use recovery key.
- Enter the verification code we send you by email or a 2FA token from your authenticator app.
- Enter your recovery key in uppercase letters as provided when you generated your key.
- Select Next in the upper-right corner.
- Create a new Master Password for your account.
Tips for creating a strong, easy-to-remember Master Password
- Select Next in the upper-right corner.
- Enter your new Master Password again and select Next.
- Your account opens, and you’re asked to set up your recovery key again. Select Go to settings to generate a new key. Write down your new key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
Dashlane logs you out of all devices when you change your Master Password. You need to log in to each device with your new Master Password. We'll authenticate the device again by verifying your identity with an email verification code or 2FA token, depending on your existing security settings.
We also turn off the Biometric recovery setting when you change your Master Password. If you want to be able to reset your Master Password with your face or fingerprint, you need to turn on this setting again.
Reset your Master Password with biometric recovery on your mobile device
Important: Before you start the recovery process, make sure you have your single-use recovery key that you previously generated and saved.
You start the recovery process by selecting Forgot your password? from the login page. Then you need to verify your email address with a verification code we send you by email or a 2-factor authentication (2FA) token from your authenticator app.
If you want to use your recovery key on a new device, you need to verify your identity first using the same process used when adding a new device. After you enter your email address, you need to enter a verification code or a 2FA token based on your existing security settings.
- Open the Dashlane app and enter your login email.
- When prompted to add your Master Password, select Forgot your password?
- Select Use recovery key or Start recovery.
- Enter the verification code we send you by email or a 2FA token from your authenticator app.
- Enter your recovery key in uppercase letters as provided when you generated your key and select Next or Continue.
- Create a new Master Password for your account and select Next if necessary.
Tips for creating a strong, easy-to-remember Master Password
- Enter your new Master Password again and select Next or Continue.
- Your account opens, and you’re asked to set up your recovery key again. Select Go to settings to generate a new key. Write down your new key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
Dashlane logs you out of all devices when you change your Master Password. You need to log in to each device with your new Master Password. We'll authenticate the device again by verifying your identity with an email verification code or 2FA token, depending on your existing security settings.
We also turn off the Biometric recovery setting when you change your Master Password. If you want to be able to reset your Master Password with your face or fingerprint, you need to turn on this setting again.
Reset your Master Password with biometric recovery on your mobile device
Generate a new recovery key
For Dashlane Starter, Team, or Business plan admins: You can't generate a new key for members. The recovery key is a self-serve option to help members regain access to their accounts if they forget their Master Passwords.
You may have only one active key at a time, and you can use each key only once. You can generate a new recovery key if you think your current key is compromised or lost. When you generate a new key, your previous key is no longer valid.
Important: If you generate a recovery key and change your Master Password, your key is no longer valid. You need to generate a new key when you change your Master Password.
- Select the Dashlane D icon in your browser's toolbar and enter your Master Password if prompted. Then in the extension pop-up, select Open the web app.
- In the My account menu, select Settings and then Security settings.
- In the Account recovery section, select View options and then select Generate new key.
- In the pop-up, select Generate key.
- Write down your new key, which now replaces your previous key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
- Select Continue.
- In the Confirm your recovery key pop-up, enter your new key to be sure that you copied it correctly. If you didn't make a copy, select Go back and write down the key now.
- After correctly entering your new key, select Continue and then Done.
- In the Dashlane Android app, go to the menu, select Settings and then Security.
- On the Security screen, select Recovery key. You need to turn off Recovery key to generate a new recovery key.
- In the pop-up, select Yes, turn off. To keep this recovery method, select Cancel.
- Turn on Recovery key again to generate a new key.
- On the Recovery key screen, select Generate key.
- Write down your key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
- Select Continue.
- On the Confirm your recovery key screen, enter your key to be sure that you copied it correctly. If you didn't make a copy, select the Back arrow icon and write down the key now.
- After correctly entering your key, select Confirm.
- You'll see a confirmation screen, select Done, and you'll return to the Recovery key setting.
- In the Dashlane iOS (Apple) app, select Settings in the bottom menu and then Security.
- On the Security screen, select Recovery key. You need to turn off Recovery key to generate a new recovery key.
- In the pop-up, select Yes, turn off. To keep this recovery method, select Cancel.
- Turn on Recovery key again to generate a new key.
- On the Recovery key screen, select Generate key.
- Write down your key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
- Select Continue.
- On the Confirm your recovery key screen, enter your key to be sure that you copied it correctly. If you didn't make a copy, select Back and write down the key now.
- After correctly entering your key, select Next. You're returned to the Recovery key setting.
If you've set up the Safari extension to have a better autofill experience, follow the steps to generate a new key. If you use the Dashlane macOS app, you need to turn off your recovery key and set it up again, so you have a new key. The steps for turning off your recovery key are in the next section.
Get started with the Safari extension
Follow these steps to generate a new recovery key in the Safari extension:
- Select the Dashlane D icon in your browser's toolbar and enter your Master Password if prompted. Then in the extension pop-up, select Open the web app.
- In the My account menu, select Settings and then Security settings.
- In the Account recovery section, select View options and then select Generate new key.
- In the pop-up, select Generate key.
- Write down your new key, which now replaces your previous key. We recommend storing your key in a safe place with other important documents, like your passport. We don't recommend storing your key on your device or anywhere online.
- Select Continue.
- In the Confirm your recovery key pop-up, enter your new key to be sure that you copied it correctly. If you didn't make a copy, select Go back and write down the key now.
- After correctly entering your new key, select Continue and then Done.
Turn off account recovery
Important: If you turn off your recovery key, your existing key is no longer valid. You won't be able to use this option to regain access to your account if you forget your Master Password.
- Select the Dashlane D icon in your browser's toolbar and enter your Master Password if prompted. Then in the extension pop-up, select Open the web app.
- In the My account menu, select Settings and then Security settings.
- In the Account recovery section, select View options and then turn off Recovery key.
- In the pop-up, select Yes, turn off. To keep this recovery method, select Cancel.
- In the Dashlane Android app, select Settings and then Security.
- On the Security screen, select Recovery key and then turn off Recovery key.
- In the pop-up, select Yes, turn off. To keep this recovery method, select Cancel.
- In the Dashlane iOS (Apple) app, select Settings in the bottom menu and then Security.
- On the Security screen, select Recovery key and then turn off Recovery key.
- In the pop-up, select Yes, turn off. To keep this recovery method, select Cancel.
If you've set up the Safari extension to have a better autofill experience in Safari, follow the first set of steps. Follow the second set of steps for the Dashlane macOS app.
Get started with the Safari extension
Follow these steps to turn off your recovery key in the Safari extension:
- Select the Dashlane D icon in your browser's toolbar and enter your Master Password if prompted. Then in the extension pop-up, select Open the web app.
- In the My account menu, select Settings and then Security settings.
- In the Account recovery section, select View options and then turn off Recovery key.
- In the pop-up, select Yes, turn off. To keep this recovery method, select Cancel.
Follow these steps to turn off your recovery key in the Dashlane macOS app:
- Select the Dashlane D icon in your browser's toolbar.
- In the pop-up, select Open the app.
- In the next pop-up, select Log in and enter your email address and Master Password.
- Select the gear icon above the main menu on the left side.
- In the pop-up, select Security.
- Select Recovery key and turn off the key.
- In the pop-up, select Yes turn off. To keep this recovery method, select Cancel.
Common questions
Is the recovery key secure and private?
Yes. Our patented zero-knowledge recovery key process is built on our zero-knowledge architecture. No one—including Dashlane—has access to your data. Your logins and personal information are always “encrypted,” even when we store your data on our servers as a backup and to sync your data across devices. Encryption scrambles your data so that no one can read it. When you enter your Master Password, your data is “decrypted” on your device and available only to you.
Dashlane never stores or shares your recovery key, so we can't tell you your key if you lose it.
Common questions about security at Dashlane
Why does Dashlane recommend I write down my recovery key but not my Master Password?
The Dashlane Master Password is used regularly by most people, which is why we recommend that you create a password that is strong and easy to remember.
Your recovery key protects you from being permanently locked out of your account. Think of your recovery key as your emergency key to your vault.
You need to use your key only if you forget your Master Password. Then you'll provide your saved recovery key, complete an identity verification step, change your Master Password, and recover your account. With this process, you can be sure your account won't be compromised.
We recommend writing down your recovery key and putting the key in a secure location. You need to store your key outside of Dashlane because the purpose of the key is to regain access to your account if you forget your Master Password. We strongly recommend not storing your key on your device or anywhere online because hackers may be able to access any information not stored securely.
Can I still recover my account with other recovery methods? Or can I use only the recovery key to recover my account after I turn it on?
You can use other recovery methods if you’ve set them up.
Are shared items affected by using the recovery key?
No. Any items you shared with others or that others shared with you remain shared.
Can a Starter, Team, or Business admin deactivate the recovery key for their team?
Not at this time.