Adding your first password to Proton Pass
Proton Pass stores passwords in a vault that you access with a single master password. To add a password, open Proton Pass on your device, tap or click the plus button (usually in the bottom right or top right corner), and select "Create password" or "Add item". You'll see fields for the website name, your username or email, and the password itself.
Type or paste the password you want to save. If you're creating a new password for a site, Proton Pass can generate a random one for you — tap "Generate" and it will create a strong combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Once you've filled in the details, save the entry. The password is now encrypted and stored in your vault.
Most people add passwords in one of two ways: manually entering existing passwords you already use, or letting Proton Pass generate new ones as you create accounts. If you're switching from another password manager or from writing passwords down, you can add them one at a time or import them in bulk if Proton Pass supports your old manager's file format.
Key Takeaways
- Proton Pass stores passwords in an encrypted vault protected by a single master password that only you know.
- You can add passwords manually by typing them in, or let Proton Pass generate strong random passwords for new accounts.
- The browser extension and mobile app both sync your vault, so passwords you save on one device appear on the others.
- Proton Pass can autofill login forms on websites and apps, so you don't have to copy and paste passwords manually.
Using the browser extension to save passwords automatically
When you install the Proton Pass browser extension, it watches for login forms on websites. When you enter a username and password and log in, a popup usually appears asking if you want to save the password. Click "Save" and Proton Pass stores it automatically — you don't have to open the app and type anything in.
If the popup doesn't appear, you can still save manually: click the Proton Pass icon in your browser toolbar, then click the plus button and choose "Create password". Fill in the site name, username, and password, then save. The next time you visit that website, Proton Pass will offer to autofill your login information.
The extension works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you use multiple browsers, you'll need to install the extension in each one, but they all connect to the same vault — a password you save in Chrome appears in Firefox too, as long as you're signed into the same Proton account.
Organizing passwords into folders and vaults
As you add more passwords, Proton Pass lets you organize them into folders so you can find them quickly. Create a folder by opening the app, tapping the menu, and selecting "Create folder". You might organize by category — "Work", "Banking", "Social Media" — or by how often you use them.
Proton Pass also offers multiple vaults if you want to keep passwords completely separate. For example, you could have a personal vault and a work vault, each with its own access level. This is useful if you share a device with someone else or want to keep sensitive accounts isolated. Each vault still uses your master password, but you can organize which passwords go where.
Folders and vaults are optional — you can keep everything in one place if you prefer. The search function works across all your stored passwords, so you can find "Bank of America" or "Gmail" by typing a few letters, even if you haven't organized them into folders.
Autofilling passwords on websites and apps
Once you've saved a password, Proton Pass can fill it in for you automatically. On a website, click the login field and Proton Pass usually shows a suggestion with your saved username and password. Tap or click it and the form fills in — you don't have to type anything.
On mobile apps, autofill works the same way on iOS and Android, though the exact steps depend on your device. When you tap a login field in an app, your keyboard usually shows a suggestion bar at the top with your saved passwords. Tap the one you want and it fills in automatically.
If autofill doesn't work on a particular site or app, you can still copy the password manually: open Proton Pass, find the entry, and tap the copy button next to the password. Then paste it into the login form. This is slower but works everywhere.
Keeping your master password find
Your master password is the key to your entire vault. If someone learns it, they can access every password you've stored. Make it long — at least 12 characters — and use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid words from the dictionary or personal information like birthdays.
Write your master password down and store it somewhere find — a locked drawer, a safe, or a piece of paper you keep separate from your devices. Do not store it in an email, a note on your phone, or anywhere online. If you forget it, Proton Pass cannot recover it for you, and you'll lose access to your vault.
Change your master password occasionally, especially if you think someone might have seen it. In Proton Pass settings, look for "Security" or "Account" and select "Change master password". You'll need to enter your current master password, then create a new one.
Syncing passwords across devices
When you sign into Proton Pass on multiple devices — your phone, tablet, and computer — they all connect to the same vault in the cloud. A password you save on your phone appears on your computer within seconds. You don't have to do anything to set this up; it happens automatically when you log in with the same Proton account.
Syncing works whether you're using the mobile app, the browser extension, or the web version at protonpass.com. If you add a password on your laptop, it's available on your phone the next time you open Proton Pass. If you're offline, changes sync when you reconnect to the internet.
Make sure you're signed into the same Proton account on all your devices. If you use different accounts, the vaults won't sync and you'll see different passwords on each device.
What to do if you forget a password
If you forget a password that's stored in Proton Pass, open the app, find the entry, and copy the password. Then paste it into the login form on the website or app. You don't have to remember it — Proton Pass remembers it for you.
If you forget the password to a website itself — not your master password, but the actual login password for that site — you'll need to use the website's "Forgot password" link to reset it. Proton Pass can't help you recover a password you've lost; it can only store and fill in passwords you already know.
If you forget your master password, you cannot recover it. Proton Pass is designed so that even Proton cannot access your vault without it. Your only option is to create a new Proton account and start over with a new vault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import passwords from another password manager into Proton Pass?
Yes, if the other manager can export passwords as a file. Proton Pass supports imports from 1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass, and others. Export your passwords from the old manager, then in Proton Pass go to settings and look for "Import" or "Migrate". Select the file and Proton Pass will add all the passwords to your vault. Check Proton's website for the current list of supported formats.
What happens if Proton Pass crashes or I lose my device?
Your passwords are stored on Proton's servers, encrypted so that only you can read them. If your phone breaks or you lose it, sign into Proton Pass on a new device with the same account and your vault appears. If you lose your master password, you cannot recover the vault — this is by design, because it means Proton cannot access your passwords either.
Can I share a password with someone else?
Proton Pass has a sharing feature that lets you share individual passwords with other Proton Pass users. Open the password entry, tap "Share", and enter the email address of the person you want to share it with. They'll receive a notification and can access that password without seeing your master password. You can revoke access anytime.
Is Proton Pass free or do I have to pay?
Proton Pass has a free version that stores unlimited passwords and works on all devices. The paid version adds extra features like advanced sharing and priority support, but for most people the free version is enough. You can upgrade anytime if you need the additional features.
What if a website gets hacked and my password is exposed?
Proton Pass can alert you if a password appears in a known data breach. Check your settings for "Breach monitor" or "Dark web monitoring" and turn it on. If your password shows up in a breach, Proton Pass will notify you. You should then change that password on the website itself — Proton Pass can't change it for you, but it can remind you which sites need updating.