The hardest part about password managers is day one. Once they are in place, they make everything easier. This setup flow keeps you focused on the tasks that give the biggest security gains quickly.

Pick a manager that fits your life

Choose a manager that works on every device you use daily. If it is missing on your phone or work browser, you will stop using it. Look for strong encryption, automatic backups, and easy sharing for family or teams.

Import your existing passwords

Export saved passwords from your browser and import them. Then let the manager scan for weak or reused passwords. That report tells you where to start.

  • Export passwords from your main browser.
  • Import into the new manager and confirm the count matches.
  • Tag your most critical accounts: email, finance, work.
Use the health report to prioritize fixes.

Fix the top 10 risky passwords

Start with your primary email and financial accounts. Generate long, unique passwords and let the manager store them. If you fix the top 10, you remove most real-world risk.

Create a strong master password. Make it a sentence you can remember and do not reuse it anywhere else.

Turn on autofill everywhere

Autofill keeps you from typing passwords into fake sites. Enable browser extensions and mobile autofill, then test it once in each app you use daily.

Backup and recovery

Store recovery codes offline. If the manager supports emergency access, set it up for someone you trust. That is your safety net if you lose the master password.