How to Export Your Passwords
- Prepare
- Export
- Import
- Verify
Exporting your passwords creates a file you can import into your new manager. This page explains how to do it safely from the most common password managers.
Before You Export
If you haven't already, review the pre-migration checklist. Make sure you know:
- How many passwords you have (for verification later)
- What your new password manager will be
- Whether you have shared items that need coordination
Understanding Export Files
When you export, most password managers create a CSV file (like a spreadsheet) or a JSON file (structured data). Either works for import.
Export files contain unencrypted passwords
Your export file is not protected by your master password. Anyone who gets this file can read all your passwords. Keep it safe and delete it after import.
What Gets Exported
| Usually included |
Sometimes included |
Rarely included |
Usernames Passwords Website URLs |
Notes Custom fields TOTP secrets |
Attachments Payment cards Addresses |
Check your current manager's export documentation if you need to export more than basic passwords.
Export Instructions by Manager
Find your current password manager below for specific steps.
Exporting from LastPass
LastPass export must be done from the web vault, not the browser extension.
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Go to lastpass.com and log in
Use your email and master password. Complete any 2FA prompts.
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Open Advanced Options
In the left sidebar, click "Advanced Options" at the bottom.
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Select Export
Click "Export" under the Manage Your Vault section.
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Verify your identity
Enter your master password again when prompted.
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Save the CSV file
Your browser will download a file called "lastpass_export.csv". Save it to your desktop.
Note about LastPass exports
LastPass exports include passwords, secure notes, and form fills. Payment cards and addresses are not included in the CSV export.
Exporting from 1Password
1Password export is available in the desktop app and web vault.
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Open the 1Password desktop app or go to 1password.com
Log in with your account credentials.
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Select the vault to export
If you have multiple vaults, select the one you want to export. You may need to repeat this for each vault.
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Open File menu (desktop) or click your name (web)
Desktop: File → Export
Web: Click your name → Export
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Choose export format
Select "CSV" for maximum compatibility. 1Password's own format (.1pux) only works for importing back into 1Password.
-
Authenticate
Enter your account password when prompted.
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Save the file
Save to your desktop. Don't email it or save to cloud storage.
Multiple vaults?
1Password exports one vault at a time. If you have Personal, Family, and Work vaults, you'll need to export each separately.
Exporting from Bitwarden
Bitwarden export is available in the web vault, desktop app, and browser extension.
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Log into the Bitwarden web vault at vault.bitwarden.com
The web vault has the most reliable export.
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Go to Tools → Export vault
In the top menu, click "Tools" then "Export vault".
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Select file format
Choose ".csv" for compatibility with most password managers. JSON format includes more data but fewer managers support it.
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Confirm your master password
Enter your master password to authorize the export.
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Click "Export vault"
Save the downloaded file to your desktop.
Organization vaults
If you're part of a Bitwarden organization, personal items and organization items export separately. Check both if needed.
Exporting from Dashlane
Dashlane export requires the web app at app.dashlane.com.
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Go to app.dashlane.com and log in
Use your Dashlane account credentials.
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Open Settings
Click your profile icon, then "Settings".
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Select "Export data"
Under the "Export" section, click "Export data".
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Choose export format
Select "CSV" for compatibility. Dashlane's DASH format only works with Dashlane.
-
Verify your identity
Enter your master password when prompted.
-
Download the file
Save the CSV file to your desktop.
Exporting from Keeper
Keeper export is available in the web vault and desktop app.
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Log into keepersecurity.com/vault
Use your Keeper credentials.
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Go to Settings (gear icon)
Click the gear icon in the top right.
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Select "Export"
Under Account, find and click "Export".
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Choose file format
Select CSV for compatibility with other managers.
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Authenticate
Confirm with your master password.
-
Download and save
Save the file to your desktop.
Exporting from Browser Password Managers
If you've been using your browser's built-in password manager (Chrome, Firefox, Safari), you can export those too.
Chrome
- Go to chrome://password-manager/settings
- Click "Download file" under Export passwords
- Confirm with your computer password (not Google password)
- Save the CSV file
Firefox
- Go to about:logins
- Click the three dots menu (top right)
- Select "Export Logins"
- Confirm the security warning
- Save the CSV file
Safari (Mac)
- Open Safari Preferences → Passwords
- Authenticate with Touch ID or password
- Click the three dots menu at the bottom
- Select "Export Passwords"
- Confirm and save the CSV file
Other Password Managers
For managers not listed here, the process is similar:
- Open the web vault or desktop app (not mobile)
- Find Settings, Tools, or Account menu
- Look for "Export", "Export Vault", or "Backup"
- Choose CSV format when available
- Authenticate with your master password
- Save the file securely
If you can't find export, check your manager's help documentation or contact their support.
After Exporting
Once you have your export file:
- Verify the file size — It should be at least a few kilobytes. An empty or tiny file means export failed.
- Spot-check contents — Open the file in a text editor (not Excel, which can mangle data) and confirm you see actual passwords, not encrypted text.
- Proceed to import — Don't wait days. Import soon while the export is fresh in your mind.
- Plan to delete — After successful import, delete the export file securely (empty your trash too).
Haven't set up your new manager yet?
Now is a good time. Most people switching go with NordPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden — I cover the differences on the choosing page. All three handle CSV imports well.
Common Export Problems
Export option is missing
Some mobile apps don't support export. Use the desktop app or web vault instead.
Export file is empty
You may have selected an empty folder, or export failed silently. Try again and watch for error messages.
Passwords show as encrypted
Some managers export in their own encrypted format by default. Choose "CSV" or "unencrypted" if available.
Missing secure notes or cards
Many managers don't include these in CSV exports. Check for a "full export" or "backup" option that includes all data types.
For more help, see common problems and fixes.
When to Stop and Get Help
Stop if:
- Export requires a payment you weren't expecting
- Your vault shows 0 items but you know you had passwords
- You're exporting a business account and aren't the admin
- The export file contains clearly corrupted or garbled data
Contact your current password manager's support before proceeding.
Next Step