How to switch password managers without losing data

Switching password managers is less technically complex than most people expect, but it requires doing things in the right order. The most common mistake is cancelling or deleting the old account before confirming that all credentials have transferred successfully to the new one. The second most common mistake is rushing the migration and discovering missing credentials weeks later.

The migration process is: export from the old manager, import to the new one, verify the import, run both in parallel briefly, then deactivate the old account. Each step has a failure mode worth understanding before you start.

Quick answer

You are migrating from LastPass

Export as CSV from LastPass account settings; Bitwarden, Proton Pass, and Dashlane all have direct LastPass import support

You are migrating from browser-saved passwords

Export from Chrome, Firefox, or Safari as CSV; Bitwarden accepts all three formats

You want the most import format support in the new manager

Bitwarden — imports from 50+ password managers and all major browser formats

When it matters

Export from the old manager first — LastPass: Account Settings → Advanced → Export. Bitwarden: Vault → Export Vault. The file contains plaintext credentials; handle it carefully and delete it after import
Import to the new manager — most managers accept CSV or JSON. The import tool is in account settings or the web vault. Review the import log for items that failed
Run both managers simultaneously for 1–2 weeks — don't cancel the old account immediately. Use the new manager for all logins; if you hit a missing credential, it's still in the old vault
Rotate master password and enable 2FA on the new manager before deactivating the old one
Delete the export file — the plaintext CSV is the most sensitive file you'll create during migration; delete it from local storage and any cloud backup locations where it may have synced

When it fails

TOTP codes don't export with most managers — TOTP seeds stored in one manager don't transfer to another via CSV. You'll need to reconfigure 2FA separately in the new manager for any accounts where you stored TOTP codes
Shared vault credentials may not export cleanly — credentials in shared folders or org vaults sometimes require separate export steps
Custom fields and secure notes may lose formatting — complex note structures sometimes don't transfer cleanly between managers
Browser extension conflict — running two manager extensions simultaneously can cause autofill conflicts; disable the old extension after completing the migration

How providers fit

Bitwarden has the broadest import support — 50+ sources including LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane, and all major browser formats. The import is free on the free tier. Migration documentation is thorough and includes step-by-step instructions per source.

Proton Pass supports import from LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, and others. The migration is straightforward through the web app. If you are migrating specifically because of the URL metadata exposure, use the migration as an opportunity to evaluate what was in the vault and rotate passwords on critical accounts.

Dashlane has a guided migration tool that imports from LastPass and other major managers with a wizard interface — appropriate for users who want a more guided process.

Bottom line

Export before anything else. Keep both managers active during the transition. Delete the export file when done. Bitwarden for the broadest import support; Proton Pass or Dashlane for guided migration paths from LastPass.

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