HOW TO Get started using LastPass
1 Sign up and sign in
Browse to lastpass.com in your web browser and click the Get to create an account. Enter your email address, then create a strong, but memorable master password. Supply a reminder hint if required and click Sign Up.
2 Install LastPass app
Access to LastPass is via the web or a web browser plug-in. After signing up you’ll be logged into your vault. First, click ‘Add LastPass to your web browser’ and follow the prompts to install the app (which includes the Safari plug-in).
3 Set up access
Open the newly installed LastPass app. When prompted, open System Preferences to grant permission for it to accept keystrokes from any application; also click Open Safari to install the web browser extension.
4 Import passwords
Click ‘Import many passwords at once to LastPass’ to import passwords from another manager or browser. First, select your source – many web browsers (choose Safari for Apple Keychain) and password managers are supported.
5 Export and import
Follow the instructions to open your web browser or password manager, then export your passwords in the format instructed (such as CSV for 1Password). Once done, drag the file into the app to import it into LastPass.
6 Choose what to import
A list of accounts will be displayed – untick any you don’t want to import, then click ‘Import selected’ to import the rest into your new LastPass vault. Use the Incomplete tab to fill in any missing details if needed.
7 Strengthen security
After importing, LastPass will perform an audit – click ‘Go to password security’ to view weak passwords: click ‘Change password’ next to any identified as weak or reused to log in and make the required changes.
8 Enable Safari extension
Select Safari > Preferences. Untick ‘Usernames and passwords’ on the AutoFill tab, switch to the Extensions tab to tick LastPass, then click ‘Turn on’ when prompted. Its icon appears to the left of the Safari address bar.
9 Log in automatically
Click the LastPass icon inside a form and select your username and/or password to fill it; alternatively, click the LastPass icon and click Fill. If nothing happens, use the Copy icon to manually copy and paste instead.
10 Generate password
When signing up for a new account, look for the password generator icon under Create Password – click this and LastPass will suggest a password. Click Show Options to make it longer or to include symbols.
11 Add to database
When you click Fill Password, LastPass will prompt you to add it to LastPass – click Add to do so. As your database grows, open the LastPass app, hold your pointer over an item and click Edit to make changes.
12 Edit entries
Organise logins into folders by typing in a Folder name (or selecting it from the menu). You can also add notes, ‘favourite’ the login (click the star button) and apply advanced settings, such as Autologin, if supported.