How to Use LastPass

LastPass stores and autofills your passwords across devices and browsers, built around one master password unlocking an encrypted vault of everything else.

Step 1: Install the extension and set your master password

This one password, never stored by LastPass itself, unlocks your encrypted vault. Since it's the single key to everything, it needs to be strong and not reused anywhere else.

Step 2: Import existing passwords

LastPass can import from your browser's built-in password manager or a CSV export from another password manager, so you're not starting from zero.

Step 3: Let LastPass save new logins

As you log into sites normally, the extension prompts to save the credentials, building your vault organically as you browse rather than requiring a big upfront entry session.

Step 4: Use autofill

On return visits, LastPass detects the login form and offers to fill it, so you rarely re-type a saved password once it's in your vault.

Step 5: Set up sharing on Teams/Business plans

Shared folders let you give teammates access to specific credentials without ever revealing the actual password text to them.

Where it bites

LastPass had well-publicized security breaches in 2022 where encrypted vault data was stolen, though master passwords themselves weren't compromised for users who had a strong, unique one. Worth knowing that history before trusting any password manager as the single point of failure for every credential you own.