Changing Your Master Password

When to Change Your Master Password

You should consider changing your master password if:

• You suspect it may have been compromised
• You've shared it with someone temporarily
• It doesn't meet current security best practices
• You want to rotate it as a precaution

Before You Start

• Make sure you know your current master password. You'll need it to authorize the change.
• Update your recovery kit after the change — the old one will no longer work.
• Close SafeVault on other devices to avoid sync conflicts during the process.

How to Change Your Master Password

1. Open SafeVault on your desktop or web app
2. Go to Settings → Security → Change Master Password
3. Enter your current master password to verify your identity
4. Enter your new master password
5. Confirm the new password by typing it again
6. Click Update Master Password

SafeVault re-encrypts your entire vault with the new password. This may take a few moments depending on vault size.

Choosing a Strong Master Password

Your master password is the most important password you have. Follow these guidelines:

• Length: At least 12 characters (16+ is better)
• Complexity: Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Uniqueness: Never reuse a password from another service
• Memorability: Consider a passphrase — e.g., "BlueTiger$Runs@Dawn42"

After Changing Your Password

1. Download a new recovery kit: Go to Settings → Security → Recovery Kit and save the updated version
2. Sign in again on all devices: You'll be signed out of other sessions for security
3. Destroy the old recovery kit if you printed it
4. Test the new password by locking and unlocking your vault

Important Notes

• SafeVault cannot reset your master password due to zero-knowledge architecture
• If you forget your new master password and don't have the recovery kit, your data cannot be recovered
• The change process is encrypted end-to-end — your new password never leaves your device in plain text