Skip to main content
this section: |

Migrating from 1password to Bitwarden

blog ~3 m

featured

This guide explains how to:

  1. Create your own Bitwarden account
  2. Export passwords from 1Password
  3. Import them into Bitwarden
  4. Test everything on your devices

Allow 30–45 minutes.


1. Create a Bitwarden Account

  1. Open your web browser.
  2. Go to https://bitwarden.com
  3. Click Get Started.
  4. Enter:
    • your email address
    • a strong master password
      ⚠️ Important ⚠️: Write down your Master Password somewhere safe. If you lose it, Bitwarden cannot recover your vault. Writing it on paper cannot be seen by hackers. Writing it in a spreadsheet is gifting it to them.
  5. Complete signup and log in.

You now have an empty Bitwarden vault.


2. Install Bitwarden on Your Devices

Install Bitwarden everywhere you log in to websites.

Windows Computer

  1. Do Not install the version from the Microsoft store. It has too many limitations to work properly for most people.
  2. From [bitwarden.com/download][dl], download the Windows Desktop App
  3. Install it.
  4. Sign in with your Bitwarden account.
    Important - If you want your data to stays in the EU, then ensure you ALWSAYS sign into bitwarden.eu. There is a link on every app and login web page

Chrome Browser (Windows or Android)

  1. Open the Chrome Extension Store.
  2. Search for Bitwarden Password Manager.
  3. Click Add to Chrome.
  4. Log in.

Mac Computer

  1. Download the Mac Desktop App from [bitwarden.com/download][dl
  2. Install and sign in.

Safari (Mac)

  1. Open Safari Settings
  2. Go to Extensions
  3. Enable Bitwarden

iPhone / iPad

  1. Install Bitwarden from the App Store.
  2. Open Settings
  3. Tap Passwords
  4. Tap Password Options
  5. Enable Bitwarden as the autofill provider.

Android

  1. Install Bitwarden from the Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app and sign in.
  3. Enable Autofill when prompted.


3. Export Passwords from 1Password

On your computer:

  1. Open 1Password.
  2. Unlock your vault.
  3. Select File → Export.
  4. Choose CSV format.
  5. Save the file to your Desktop.

⚠️ Important

The export file contains all your passwords in plain text.

Do not: - email it - upload it to cloud storage - share it with anyone


4. Import Passwords into Bitwarden

  1. Open your browser.
  2. Go to https://vault.bitwarden.com
  3. Open: Tools → Import Data
  4. Choose 1Password (CSV).
  5. Upload the file you exported.
  6. Click Import Data.

Your passwords should now appear in your vault.


5. Delete the Export File

For security:

  1. Locate the CSV export file.
  2. Delete it.
  3. Empty your Recycle Bin / Trash.

6. Check Passwords Imported Correctly

Look for:

  • common websites
  • work services
  • personal logins

Open a few entries and confirm:

  • username is correct
  • password exists
  • website URL is correct

7. Test Autofill on Each Device

Test logging into a website you commonly use.

Examples: - email - work systems - shopping sites

Windows Desktop

  1. Open the Bitwarden desktop app.
  2. Unlock your vault.
  3. Confirm your logins appear.

Windows + Chrome

  1. Open a login page.
  2. Click the Bitwarden icon in Chrome.
  3. Select the correct login.
  4. Confirm autofill works.

Android + Chrome

  1. Visit a login page.
  2. Tap the username field.
  3. Bitwarden should suggest the saved login.

iPhone + Safari

  1. Open a login page.
  2. Tap the password field.
  3. Choose the Bitwarden login suggestion.

Mac + Safari

  1. Open a website login page.
  2. Click the Bitwarden extension icon.
  3. Select the login.

8. Optional: Organise Your Vault

You can improve your vault by:

  • creating folders
  • adding secure notes
  • updating old passwords

9. Optional Security Improvements

After confirming everything works:

  • Enable Two‑Factor Authentication
  • Set an automatic vault lock timer

Final Check

You should now have Bitwarden working on:

  • Windows
  • Windows + Chrome
  • Android + Chrome
  • iPhone / iPad
  • Mac + Safari

Keep 1Password installed for about a week in case you notice a missing login.

After that you can safely remove it.