When you choose to unlock 1Password with your device, it’s easier to use a longer and more secure account password than you might have otherwise chosen.
You must unlock your device to unlock 1Password
If you choose to unlock 1Password when you unlock your device, you must successfully authenticate with your device password, device passcode, or biometrics before 1Password will unlock, and 1Password will only remain unlocked as long as your device is unlocked.
On iOS, Windows, and Android, you’ll need to unlock 1Password manually whenever you restart your device, even if you’ve turned on unlock with device.
Your 1Password data is still protected
Unlocking 1Password when you unlock your device doesn’t replace your account password or SSO. The security design of 1Password is upheld, including end-to-end encryption and encryption at rest.
When you unlock 1Password with your device, 1Password creates an unlock secret and encrypts it using an encryption key. The encryption key is securely stored either in your device’s secure element or the 1Password app’s protected memory space.
- On Mac and iOS, we save the encryption key in the Secure Enclave.
- On Windows, we save the encryption key in the 1Password app’s protected memory space.
- On Android, we save the encryption key in the Keystore.
On all platforms, the stored unlock secret is only accessible to the 1Password app. When you unlock your device, 1Password retrieves the unlock secret and uses it to decrypt your data.
Protect yourself when you unlock 1Password with your device
- Unlocking 1Password with your device is only as secure as your settings. This feature is designed to work with recent versions of macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android on devices with modern security hardware. It’s only as secure as those factors and how you configure them. At minimum, this feature requires you to set a device password or passcode.
- Generate a recovery code. If you unlock 1Password with your device frequently, it may be easier to forget your account password if you’re not typing it often. Make sure you have a recovery code generated or a copy of your Emergency Kit printed and prepared.
- Choose a longer, stronger password. The convenience of unlocking 1Password with your device allows you to use a longer and more secure password than you may have otherwise chosen for your 1Password account. Learn how to create a strong password.
- Lock your device when you leave it unattended. On Mac or Windows, make sure you lock your device whenever you aren’t using it. On iOS or Android, consider setting a shorter screen timeout duration.
- If you share your device, don’t use unlock with device Make sure unlock with device is turned off, especially if you unlock the device with a shared password or passcode, so no one else can access your 1Password data.
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