Why did Dashlane ditch the master password? How to register without a master password

However, Dashlane now allows you to create accounts without a master password. Here's why and how to set up a password-less account.

What is the master password?

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The master password is the key to your password manager account. When you sign up for a password manager, you'll have to set a master password for your account.

It's called the "master password" because you enter it to "unlock" all of your other account passwords. Once you've moved all your login details into your password manager, your master password is the only one you need to remember. Just enter it into your password manager and you "unlock" all other login details.

While this is convenient for you, it means that anyone who knows your login details can access all of your online account credentials. That's why some password management companies never store your master password on their servers.

Unfortunately, if you forget your master password, there's no way to have the company send you a new password or reset it. Password companies give you a recovery key during signup in case you lose your master password, but if you lose that key too, you won't be able to log in anymore.

Thus, passwords are a double-edged sword. On the plus side, you only need to remember your master password to gain access to all your online accounts. You can use tools to create complex passwords since you won't be the one to remember them; Your password manager will do this for you

On the negative side, losing your master password can permanently lock your account. And if anyone knows what your master password is, they can access all of your other online accounts.

Why did Dashlane ditch the master password?

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The master password is an important element in a password manager; If you create an account, you will have to set up a master password. That's why Dashlane caused a wave of controversy when it announced on the Dashlane Blog that it would allow people to register without needing a master password.

Instead of using a password, you can use your fingerprint or Apple Face ID. And while other password managers let you log in with biometrics, they don't have the option to remove the master password login method.

Dashlane made this move to address the two disadvantages of using a master password that the article mentioned earlier. First, fingerprints and face scans are much harder to lose than passwords. If you lose the device containing your biometric data, Dashlane states that you can log in again with a new device.

Second, it's much harder for hackers to access your fingerprint or facial data than it is with your password. Additionally, scammers cannot use phishing techniques to steal your biometric data, unlike passwords.

It's worth noting that you can still sign up for Dashlane with your master password if you want. This method is just a way for people who don't like the idea of ​​a master password to create an account without it.

How to set up a Dashlane account without a master password

At the time of writing, you cannot change an existing Dashlane account to one that does not require a master password. You need to create a new account through the Android or iOS app. However, Dashlane also intends to allow existing accounts to ditch the master password in the future.

To get started, download Dashlane on Android or iOS. Open the app, then enter the email you want to sign up for.

The next screen will ask you to set up a master password. Don't do this; Instead, look at the bottom of the screen for the Create Passwordless Account button and tap it.

Dashlane will then walk you through the process of creating an account without a master password. This involves setting up a PIN and then signing up for Dashlane using your phone's biometrics. Once done, you will be the proud owner of a Dashlane account without a master password.

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If you want to use your account on a device that doesn't support biometrics, you can use your phone to verify your login. For example, if you want to install and use Dashlane on Windows, you can log in with your username. Dashlane will then ask you to verify your login information via phone.

Just go to your phone, tap the three horizontal bars icon at the top left, tap Settings , then select Add New Device . You will see the login attempt here; Allow it to use Dashlane on your other device. The app will remember you for 14 days before you need to repeat the process.

Jessica Tanner

Update 20 December 2023