Switching password managers sounds daunting — you have hundreds of passwords, and the fear of losing them or being locked out is real. The good news: every major password manager has import/export tools, and migration takes about 20–30 minutes. This guide covers the exact steps for every common migration path, with security precautions at each step.
About 20–30 minutes total: 5 minutes to export, 5 minutes to import, 10 minutes to set up extensions/apps, 5 minutes to verify and clean up.
📋 Migration Paths
The General Migration Process
Regardless of which manager you're moving from or to, the process follows the same steps:
- Export from your current manager — CSV or proprietary format
- Set up your new manager — create account, set strong master password
- Import into new manager — verify all passwords transferred correctly
- Install new extension and apps — on all browsers and devices
- Test autofill on 5–10 key sites — confirm everything works
- Delete the export file — immediately, it's unencrypted
- Disable/uninstall old manager — remove old extensions
- Cancel old subscription (if paid) — do this last, after you've confirmed everything works
The exported CSV file contains ALL your passwords in plain text. Handle it like cash — don't email it, don't store it in the cloud, and delete it the moment your import is verified.
Migrating FROM LastPass
Given the 2022 breach, leaving LastPass is strongly recommended. Here's how:
Export from LastPass
- Log in to lastpass.com
- Click your name (top right) → Advanced Options → Export → LastPass CSV File
- Authenticate with your master password
- Save the file to your Desktop
Import to Bitwarden (Recommended)
See our detailed LastPass to Bitwarden migration guide — Bitwarden directly supports LastPass CSV format.
- vault.bitwarden.com → Tools → Import data → Select "LastPass (csv)"
- Upload your exported file → click Import
Import to 1Password
- 1password.com/import → Select "LastPass" → upload the CSV file
- Review and confirm the import
Migrating FROM 1Password
Export from 1Password
- Open 1Password app → File → Export
- Select the vault(s) to export
- Choose format: 1PUX (1Password proprietary) or CSV (universal)
- Enter your master password to confirm
Import to Bitwarden from 1Password
- vault.bitwarden.com → Tools → Import data
- Select "1Password (1pux)" or "1Password (csv)"
- Upload your export file
Migrating FROM Dashlane
- Dashlane app → Profile icon → Export data → Choose CSV
- Enter master password to confirm export
Then import using your new manager's CSV import feature. Both Bitwarden and 1Password accept standard CSV files from Dashlane. See our Bitwarden vs Dashlane comparison to decide where to go.
Migrating FROM Chrome/Browser Saved Passwords
See our complete guide on how to export passwords from Chrome — it covers export on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, plus import steps for Bitwarden and 1Password.
After Migration — Your Checklist
- ✅ Verify count: Does the item count in your new vault match the old one?
- ✅ Test autofill on 10 key sites — email, banking, work apps
- ✅ Install extension on all browsers — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari
- ✅ Set up on mobile — download app and configure autofill
- ✅ Enable 2FA on new account — your most important account
- ✅ Delete the export CSV file and empty Recycle Bin
- ✅ Remove old browser extension
- ✅ Disable old manager's autofill on mobile
- ✅ Cancel old subscription (check billing date to avoid double-charging)
- ✅ Set up your new backup — see password backup guide
Choosing Your Next Password Manager
If you're not sure where to go, here are our recommendations based on your situation:
- Best free option: Bitwarden — open-source, zero-knowledge, unlimited devices, $0
- Best paid option: 1Password — best UX, family sharing, $3/month
- Leaving LastPass specifically: See our LastPass alternatives guide
- Reddit's recommendation: See what Reddit recommends