Some of these tips don't apply to members of organizations with Password Management or Credential Protection who log in using single sign-on (SSO). SSO means you use one login application to access Dashlane and other work accounts. Instead of a Master Password, you use your regular work password to log in to Dashlane. If you don't know whether you have SSO, ask your manager or plan admin.
More about using SSO to log in
Dashlane helps you protect your digital identity with strong, unique passwords for all your logins. You can also take a few steps to keep your account secure and ensure you always have access to your information.
Create a strong Master Password that you can remember
If you have a passwordless Dashlane account, this section doesn't apply. But you can use the remaining tips in this article for passwordless accounts.
Passwordless login for Dashlane
The most important thing you can do to keep your account secure is to create a strong Master Password. You want a Master Password that is long, unique, and difficult to guess. You can use a unique combination of characters or a memorable passphrase. If you think you have a weak or easy-to-guess Master Password, you can change your password at any time.
Your Master Password also needs to be easy for you to remember. No one at Dashlane knows your Master Password, and we can't send you your Master Password if you forget it.
Tips for creating a strong but easy-to-remember Master Password
Change your Master Password
Warning! If you forget your Master Password and haven't turned on a recovery method, you may lose the data stored in Dashlane. To ensure the security and privacy of your data, we don't have a traditional "reset password" process like other apps.
How can I avoid losing data if I forget my Master Password?
We recommend that you turn on the recovery options available to you to make sure you don't lose access to your account and data.
Important: Nothing fully replaces your Master Password. Dashlane still asks for your Master Password from time to time to make sure you don't forget your password.
Account recovery options
Account recovery key
With Dashlane's recovery key, you can regain access to your Dashlane account without losing any of your data if you forget your Master Password. 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. Think of your recovery key as your emergency key to your vault.
Set up the account recovery key
Biometric settings
We recommend turning on biometrics and Biometric recovery in the mobile app. Then you can reset your Master Password using your fingerprint or face.
Unlock with biometrics isn't a replacement for your Master Password. Even with biometrics and biometric recovery turned on, we'll ask you to enter your Master Password from time to time.
Master Password reset on Android
Master Password reset on iOS
Master Password reset on the Dashlane macOS app
Admin-assisted recovery if you're a member of a professional plan
Admin-assisted recovery is available to professional plan members. With admin-assisted recovery, you can make a request to your admin and, after approval, reset your Master Password without sharing or losing any personal data. To use admin-assisted recovery, you have to turn it on or activate it when prompted before you forget your Master Password.
For members: Turn on and request admin-assisted recovery
For admins: Manage admin-assisted recovery
Worried that you might forget your Master Password? Download and log in to the Dashlane mobile app. If you turn on biometrics and Biometric recovery in the mobile app, you can reset your Master Password using your fingerprint or face.
Master Password reset with biometric recovery
Important: Unlocking the app with biometrics isn't a replacement for your Master Password. Even with biometrics and Biometric recovery turned on, we'll ask you to enter your Master Password from time to time.
What else can I do to keep my account secure?
You can use this checklist to strengthen your account's security while using Dashlane:
- Use the Password Generator to create strong passwords or passphrases for all your logins. When you create or update a login, Dashlane can generate and save a complex password or passphrase to give your account as much protection as possible.
Generate or change a password or passphrase using Dashlane - Use Dashlane's secure sharing feature to share sensitive information instead of insecure methods like email and text messages. You can share logins and Secure Notes that contain important info like software keys, alarm codes, and account numbers with others who use Dashlane.
Share logins and other data in Dashlane
Store and share important info with Secure Notes - Keep track of your Password Health score and update weak or compromised passwords.
Password Health score - Change your passwords when we alert you about logins affected by a breach.
Security alerts and Dark Web Monitoring in Dashlane - Delete the passwords stored in your browsers. After your passwords are in Dashlane, you no longer need to store them in your browser, where others may obtain access to them.
- Turn on 2-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security for your online life and require two steps when you log in.
Protect your Dashlane account with 2FA - Use our virtual private network (VPN) for additional security on unsecure networks like public Wi-Fi. We offer VPN protection with Dashlane Premium, Premium Plus, Team, Omnix® Password Management, and Omnix Enterprise plans. Managers of Dashlane Friends & Family plans have VPN access, but members invited to Friends & Family by the manager don't.
VPN protection - Regularly save your data to a secure DASH file. Then, if you reset your account because you forgot your Master Password or lost your account recovery key, you won't lose your data.
Export your data to a secure DASH file - Consider passkeys, a highly convenient and secure way to log in to your online accounts, including websites, apps, social media, and bank accounts. Passkeys may replace passwords as the main way you access your accounts in the future.
Passkeys in Dashlane
Want to learn more?
Read our blog posts about password tips, bad password examples, and username best practices.
Did you receive a security alert in Dashlane? Check out this article:
My information has been compromised or found on the dark web