LastPass is changing its free service from March 16th 2021. After that date, you will only be able to access your information on one device type.
Wait, one device type?
It means you have to decide: computer or mobile. If you go for computers, it limits you to using LastPass on desktops and laptops running Windows, macOS or Linux. Decide on mobile, and you will only be able to use LastPass on Android and Apple phones, Android tablets, iPads and smartwatches.
But I need it on all my different devices; what do I do?
If you need it across your devices, you have two choices: pay LastPass to use its premium service, or find another free password manager.
I don’t want to pay, so what next?
There are plenty of free password managers around, but the best of the bunch seems to be Bitwarden. It’s secure, user friendly, and the free plan should cover your needs. It also works on just about any device and web browser you can mention. If you were happy with LastPass, you should have no issue with Bitwarden.
Okay, you’ve convinced me, how do I move?
The first step is to export your passwords and other information from LastPass. To do this, you need to have the LastPass browser extension. If you don’t, you can get it through the extension option on your browser or via this page on LastPass’s website.
Step one: Exporting from LastPass
Once you have a LastPass extension and are signed into your account, click on the extension icon shown in your browser. The example below is on Microsoft Edge. It’s very similar to most other browsers, so you shouldn’t have a problem following along.
From the box that appears, click Account Options.
Now, click Advanced.
Next, click Export.
Select LastPass CSV File. Please be aware that the file created will be unencrypted, so you should only do this on a computer you own or trust. Also, fully delete the file once you have completed everything.
LastPass will now ask for your master password. Enter it into the box and click Continue.
The website will now download the CSV file containing your data onto your computer. The default location is usually the Downloads folder, but just make sure you know where you’re saving it – you’ll need that file later.
Step two : Importing into Bitwarden
You are now ready to move the data into Bitwarden. If you already have a Bitwarden account, then just ignore this first step, and jump to here.
If you haven’t created an account, visit the Bitwarden website and click on Get Started.
Fill in the details as asked for in the Create Account section and click Submit.
Once you have created your account, select Login at the top right of the Bitwarden website. Enter your details and click Log In.
Next, select Tools from the top menu.
In the Tools section, click on Import Data from the left-hand menu.
On the right-hand side, click the drop-down menu under Select the format of the import file and choose LastPass (CSV).
Now click on Choose file under the next option heading: Select the import file.
Locate the CSV file you exported earlier and click Open. The example below is on Windows 10, but the process is similar for Mac and Linux.
The file will show next to the Choose file button. Now click Import Data.
The data will import, and your passwords and other LastPass information will show in Bitwarden.
That’s it – but remember, don’t forget to delete the CSV file from the computer.
What do I do with LastPass?
It’s technically ok to leave LastPass as it is, but it may confuse things. Once you are happy that all the data has moved across correctly, it would be a sensible idea to delete your LastPass account.
Step three: Delete your LastPass Account (Optional)
To start the process of deleting your LastPass account, click here
On the website that appears, click the Delete button.
It will ask if you remember your LastPass master password. I’m sure you do, as you wouldn’t have been able to move your data to Bitwarden without it, so click Yes.
A box will now appear with warnings about deleting. If you’re happy to go ahead, enter your login details. You can also say why you are deleting your account. Once you have filled everything in, click Delete.
It will ask if you are sure. If you are, click Yes.
You will get one final warning. If you’re still happy to delete, click Yes.
The website then informs you you have deleted your account and offers information on removing any browser extensions. You have now deleted your LastPass account. Click OK to finish.
Conclusion
LastPass have limited their free account to only allow use on either computers or mobile devices. If this doesn’t suit your needs, you don’t have to pay. Instead, move from LastPass to Bitwarden and get your passwords from virtually anywhere.
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