Using 1Password

How to set 1Password to lock automatically

You can change how often you need to unlock 1Password, like after your device sleeps or you close 1Password.

Change how often you need to unlock 1Password by managing your auto-lock settings. Your settings aren’t synced between devices, so you can use the ideal settings on each one.

Manage auto-lock in the 1Password browser extension

To manage your auto-lock settings:

  1. Select the 1Password button in your browser’s toolbar.
  2. Select the 1Password in your browser menu and choose Settings, then select Security.

You’ll find these settings and options*:

  • Automatically lock 1Password: 1Password will lock after the specified amount of time has elapsed.
  • Lock after system is idle for: 1Password will lock when there’s no keyboard, mouse, or trackpad activity on your computer for the specified number of minutes.
  • Lock when device goes to sleep: 1Password will lock when your computer or display sleeps.

1Password will always lock when you quit your browser.

* If you turned on "Integrate this extension with the 1Password desktop app", you won’t be able to change these settings. Learn how to manage your auto-lock settings in the 1Password apps.

Manage auto-lock in the 1Password apps

To manage your auto-lock settings:

  1. Open and unlock 1Password.
  2. Select your account or collection at the top of the sidebar and choose Settings > Security.

You’ll find these settings and options:

  • Lock after the computer is idle: 1Password will lock when there’s no keyboard, mouse, or trackpad activity on your Mac for the specified amount of time.
  • Lock on sleep, screensaver, or switching users: 1Password will lock when your Mac or display sleeps  , when your screen saver is activated  , or when you switch users on your Mac  .
  • Allow 1Password to prevent your device from sleeping: 1Password will prevent your Mac from sleeping while you use Large Type to enlarge fields.

When 1Password automatically locks, Quick Access also locks.

Tip

You can unlock 1Password with your fingerprint or with your Apple Watch on a supported Mac.

To manage your auto-lock settings:

  1. Open and unlock 1Password.
  2. Tap the icon for your account or collection at the top left and choose Settings > Security.

    If you’re using an iPad, tap your account or collection at the top of the sidebar.

  3. Tap Auto-Lock on Exit and choose the amount of time until 1Password will lock when you leave the app or lock your device.

If you’re using 1Password for Safari, learn how to manage your lock settings.

Tip

You can unlock 1Password with Face ID or with your fingerprint on a supported iPhone or iPad.

To manage your auto-lock settings:

  1. Open and unlock 1Password.
  2. Select your account or collection at the top of the sidebar and choose Settings > Security.

You’ll find these settings and options:

  • Lock after the computer is idle: 1Password will lock when there’s no keyboard, mouse, or trackpad activity on your PC for the specified amount of time.
  • Lock when computer locks: 1Password will lock when Windows locks.
  • Allow 1Password to prevent your device from sleeping: 1Password will prevent your PC from sleeping while you use Large Type to enlarge fields.

When 1Password automatically locks, Quick Access also locks.

Tip

You can use Windows Hello to unlock 1Password on your PC with your face, fingerprint, or companion device.

To manage your auto-lock settings:

  1. Open and unlock 1Password.
  2. Tap the icon for your account or collection at the top right and choose Settings > Security.

    If you’re using a tablet, tap your account or collection at the top of the sidebar.

  3. Tap Auto-Lock on Exit and choose the amount of time until 1Password will lock when you leave the app or lock your device.

Tip

You can use biometric unlock to unlock 1Password with your fingerprint, face, or eyes.

To manage your auto-lock settings:

  1. Open and unlock 1Password.
  2. Select your account or collection at the top of the sidebar and choose Settings > Security.

You’ll find these settings and options:

  • Lock after the computer is idle: 1Password will lock when there’s no keyboard, mouse, or trackpad activity on your computer for the specified amount of time.
  • Lock when computer locks: 1Password will lock when your computer locks.
  • Allow 1Password to prevent your device from sleeping: 1Password will prevent your computer from sleeping while you use Large Type to enlarge fields.

When 1Password automatically locks, Quick Access also locks.

Tip

You can use system authentication to unlock 1Password with your Linux user password, your fingerprint or other biometrics, or your security key.

Manage auto-lock on 1Password.com

To manage your auto-lock settings:

  1. Sign in to your account on 1Password.com.
  2. Select your name in the top right and choose Manage Account.
  3. Select the gear button next to Auto-Lock and adjust the amount of time before 1Password locks automatically.

You can specify a different number of minutes for each browser you use.

Get help

If you unlock with SSO and aren’t able to use biometrics, you may need to unlock 1Password more often than the duration you’ve chosen in Settings > Security. You can reach out to your team administrator for more information.

If your team has turned on an auto-lock policy, you won’t be able to adjust the Lock after the computer is idle setting in your 1Password apps.

Learn more


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