Topics Map > Office of Cybersecurity > Tools and Software > 1Password > Getting Started
1Password - Getting Started with 1Password at UW-Madison
Activate 1Password Install 1Password Sign-in to 1Password Trusted Devices Device Keys and Linked Devices Import Your Existing Passwords Update Auto-Lock Timing Vaults Sharing Passwords Free 1Password Families
Activate Your 1Password Account
How to Request an Account
- Navigate to https://profile.wisc.edu/doit-services.
- If eligible for 1Password, you'll see it listed under Eligible Services.
- Click the Request Activation button to request your account.
- Look for an invite email from 1Password within the next 24 hours.
Activation Process
- Look for an invitation email from accounts@1password.com with the subject line: "Join University of Wisconsin - Madison on 1Password."
- Click Join now in the email and sign in with your NetID.
- The browser you use to activate your account becomes your first trusted device.
Next Steps
- Immediately add additional trusted devices.
- Install and sign-in to the 1Password browser extension and desktop app.
- Import your existing passwords.
For detailed instructions, visit 1Password - Request and Activate a 1Password Account
Install 1Password Apps
Retrieve Installers
All 1Password installers can be downloaded from https://uw-madison.1password.com/apps.
Browser Extension
- The easiest way to save, fill, and manage passwords in your browser.
- Supported on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Brave.
- For setup instructions, watch this video walk through: 1Password - Video: Setting up the 1Password browser extension
Desktop App
- Provides a robust interface for managing passwords.
- Supports signing in with multiple accounts.
- Supported operating systems: Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
- Recommended as a trusted device for approving new device logins.
Mobile App
- Save, fill, and change passwords on your phone.
- Available for iOS and Android with support for bio-metric unlock (FaceID, TouchID, Fingerprint Unlock, etc).
- Helpful for logging in and approving new devices from different geographic locations.
Sign-in to 1Password
UW-Madison’s 1Password Site
- UW-Madison has its own 1Password website: uw-madison.1password.com.
- Accounts are created using your netid@wisc.edu email address.
- Login with your NetID and NetID password.
Important Tip:
When signing in on the browser extension or desktop app, make sure the sign-in address is set to uw-madison.1password.com. If it’s not, you’ll get an error.
How it works:
- 1Password verifies your NetID login and downloads your securely encrypted data.
- A special code (device key) stored on your trusted device unlocks your account.
If You Have a Personal 1Password Account:
- Personal and family accounts use different login credentials (account password and Secret Key).
- These accounts are separate from your UW-Madison 1Password account.
For detailed instructions, visit 1Password - Set Up and Unlock 1Password on a New Device
Trusted Devices
1Password uses a trusted device model to protect your account.
How it Works:
- Your passwords are only accessible on devices you’ve approved as trusted.
- To sign in on a new device, approve it using a trusted device or by entering a code sent to one of them.
- Trusted devices have unique strong cryptographic device key to ensure security.
Best Practices:
- Add multiple trusted devices immediately to prevent being locked out.
- Use the desktop app as a primary trusted device for reliability.
For detailed instructions to add a trusted device: 1Password - Set Up and Unlock 1Password on a New Device
Device Keys and Linked Devices
What Are Device Keys?
- Each device (e.g., phone, browser, or app) creates a unique code (device key) the first time you log in.
- This code helps keep your data secure and makes sure new devices are approved by you.
Linked Devices:
- When you log in on a new device, you’ll need to approve it from a trusted device you’re already signed in on.
- If you can’t approve a new device because no devices are linked, account recovery is needed.
Best Practice:
- Browsers often clear cookies when closing tabs or being restarted, removing their device key.
- If possible, use the Desktop or mobile apps instead of just a web browser.
Import Your Existing Passwords
You can transfer data from other password managers (e.g., LastPass, KeePass) or browsers into 1Password.
Steps to Import Passwords:
- Use the 1Password Import Tool in the desktop app.
- Follow instructions to import directly from LastPass, or export data from your browser and other password managers.
- Complete the import process.
For detailed steps: 1Password - Copy Your Passwords from LastPass
Update Your Auto-Lock Timing Settings
You can adjust how often 1Password locks itself.
Options:
- Lock after device sleep.
- Lock after closing the app.
- Lock after a set idle time.
How to Update Auto-Lock Settings:
- Open the 1Password app or browser extension.
- Go to Settings > Security > Auto-Lock.
- Adjust the timing to your preference.
Important Tip:
Auto-Lock settings are unique for each device. As needed, repeat these steps for each trusted device.
For more details: 1Password - Update Auto-lock Settings
Vaults
Vaults are like folders that help you organize your passwords and other items.
Types of Vaults:
-
Employee Vault: Store university-related passwords (e.g., NetID). Items in Employee vaults aren’t directly available to other team members. Not all UW-Madison 1Password users will be employees, but this is terminology used by 1Password and is not something we can change.
-
Shared Vaults: Contains items accessible by your team or group.
Managing Vaults:
- Create vaults for specific projects.
- Share vaults with selected colleagues.
- Assign granular permissions appropriate for each user or group, such as 'view-only or 'edit'.
Where to store personal items:
You can use a free Families account to store personal passwords and other items in 1Password. These accounts are separate from your university account and none of the items in them are available to UW-Madison.
Learn more: 1Password - Create, Share, and Manage Vaults
Sharing Passwords Securely
To share a password or item with someone using a Vault:
- Move the item into a shared vault.
- Notify the recipient that they can access the shared item.
To share a password using a link:
- Find the item and click the Share button.
- Add the recipient's email address and Share or Copy the link.
For detailed instructions: 1Password - Securely Share 1Password Items
Redeem Your Free 1Password Families Account
As a UW-Madison 1Password user, you are eligible for a free 1Password Families account to manage personal and household passwords securely.
How to Redeem Your Free Families Account:
- Sign in to your UW-Madison account.
- Go to My Profile and click Redeem Now.
- Choose one:
- Sign up for a new Families account with your personal email.
- Apply to an existing Families account.
Additional Information:
- Includes access for up to 5 people.
- The free membership remains active as long as it’s linked to your UW-Madison account.
- If you leave UW-Madison, you can unlink the family account, add a payment method, and continue using it.
Tips for Personal Items:
- Store non-UW-Madison passwords in your family account.
- Move personal items from your university account to your family account.
For details: 1Password - Get a Free 1Password Families Account
If you have questions or need help, contact the Help Desk for support with setup or troubleshooting.
Important Note from UW Health: Please DO NOT store credentials for UW Health or Meriter systems in 1Password.