Don’t Sleep on These 8 Underused Password Manager Features

Password managers are more than just a helpful place to store your login details. They’re packed with extra features and tools to help protect your privacy and security across any device you use—and I reckon you’ve been missing out.

1 Notes

Sometimes, you might need to add further context to the passwords and codes you store. For example, if you’ve saved your passwords for a website, you may want to include your recovery codes in a note. That way, you should always have access to your account.

Using notes is also helpful if you need to keep track of other login information, such as secret questions. Many password managers have a note-taking tool, and it’s much safer than keeping sensitive information in your computer’s notes or on a note-taking app not specifically designed for password storage.

Besides using third-party software, you can also add notes to your saved passwords in Google Chrome. If you’re on the fence about using Apple’s password manager, you’ll find a similar feature within this app.

2 Security Warnings

I use several apps and services, and keeping up with them isn’t always easy. The last thing you want is for a security breach to occur and put your login details at risk, and if you don’t know about it, a cybercriminal can cause significant damage.

Many password managers mitigate this issue by using security warnings, and I strongly suggest looking at these when they arise. If your password was detected in a data leak, you’ll receive a warning and can promptly change your login details. It’s much easier than most other methods of checking for a data leak.

3 Password-Sharing

While you shouldn’t share your password in most cases, you may wish to do this if you share a subscription with someone else. For example, while it has become much harder to share streaming service subscriptions, it’s still possible in some instances.

Sharing passwords via a password manager will typically mean using end-to-end encryption. Another advantage is that others can’t see the password in their messaging app if they accidentally peek over, and you won’t have to worry about spreadsheets becoming public information.

4 Password Folders

Folders are one of the best ways to organize your password manager, and in general, they’re one of the most underrated things on the internet. This feature is a game-changer if you have many passwords to manage across multiple categories.

You can organize your password folders however you want. As a starting point, you can keep your work and personal emails separate if you use your device for both reasons. However, I suggest taking things further and breaking down your login details into separate categories. For example, you can have folders for each of the following:

• Online groceries
• Streaming services
• Your favorite online stores
• Essential subscriptions you may have

You can use password folders if you store your passwords in Bitwarden, and if you start using NordPass, a similar feature is available.

5 Customizing Password Generation

We all know that we shouldn’t be using the same password across multiple websites, but at the same time, we also know that thinking of new passwords each time is exhausting. Strong password generators are an amazing feature in and of themselves, but you don’t have to take what you get at face value.

Many password managers will let you customize the passwords they generate for you. For example, Apple’s Passwords app will create the base password and then allow you to add or remove any characters you deem to be necessary. When you create one on a website, you can also choose if you want it to be easier to type.

I’ve also found customizing passwords useful when I receive words and other sequences that I think would be easier for someone to guess. This tool is typically available in free and paid password managers.

6 Dark Web Monitoring

Believe it or not, you’ll actually find multiple legitimate use cases for the dark web. But at the same time, it’s very understandable if you don’t want any of your details ending up there. While not quite as common as customizable password generation and similar features, dark web monitoring is something worth considering when choosing your service.

These tools will tell you when sensitive information, such as your banking details, have found their way onto the dark web. Once you know this is the case, you can take whatever action you deem necessary. For example, you might want to change your password or cancel your bank card.

1Password has dark web monitoring; you’ll also find it in many VPNs. If you use this part of the internet, make sure you access the dark web safely to avoid compromising your security.

7 Digital Wallets

Storing your payment details will make it much easier to pay for items online, but of course, you need to be careful that your information doesn’t end up somewhere undesirable. Some password managers have digital wallets to store your card information for easy checkout.

You can add multiple types of bank cards and even details for other payment services like PayPal. Moreover, you have the option to add your billing address and simplify this process during the checkout phase. Password managers are a viable alternative if you’re unsure whether to trust your browser with credit card information.

8 File Sharing

You can use your password manager to share login details with people you trust, but did you know that it can also be used for sharing general files? For example, if you want someone to send money to your bank account, you can share your account information (apart from those that are obviously foolish like your card security number or PIN).

It’s also possible to share documents in the same way that you would on Google Docs. However, one thing worth noting is that many links expire; make sure you give the recipient enough notice.