Common Problems & Fixes

Something went wrong? Most migration problems are fixable. Find your issue below.

Before You Start Troubleshooting

First, don't panic. Password migration rarely causes permanent data loss because:

• Your old password manager still has your passwords
• Most websites have password reset if needed
• Import failures don't delete anything

Take a breath. These problems are solvable.

Export Problems

Can't find the export option

Cause: You're using the mobile app or browser extension.

Fix: Export is usually only available in the desktop app or web vault. Log in at your password manager's website directly.

Export file is empty or too small

Cause: Export failed silently, or you exported the wrong folder/vault.

Fix:

1. Verify you're in the right vault (some managers have multiple)
2. Try exporting again, watching for error messages
3. Check if export completed before you clicked away

Passwords are encrypted in the export file

Cause: You chose an encrypted export format instead of CSV.

Fix:

1. Export again and choose "CSV" or "Unencrypted" format
2. If only encrypted export is available, check if your new manager supports that format directly

Export is missing secure notes or payment cards

Cause: Many managers don't include these in CSV exports.

Fix:

• Check for a "full export" or "backup" option that includes all data types
• Some data may need to be manually transferred
• Payment cards often shouldn't be migrated anyway (they have expiration dates)

Import Problems

Import shows 0 items

Cause: File format mismatch or corrupt file.

Fix:

1. Verify the export file has content (open it in a text editor)
2. Try selecting a different source manager in the import settings
3. Try generic "CSV import" instead of manager-specific import

Some passwords didn't import

Cause: Special characters, formatting issues, or entries that don't match expected format.

Fix:

1. Check for import errors or a log file
2. Entries with unusual characters may need manual entry
3. Compare counts: old manager vs. new manager

Passwords are garbled or contain strange characters

Cause: Character encoding mismatch (especially with special characters).

Fix:

1. Re-export with UTF-8 encoding if your old manager offers that option
2. For a few affected entries, manually copy from old manager

Duplicates everywhere

Cause: Multiple imports, or duplicates existed in original vault.

Fix:

1. Most managers have a duplicate finder tool
2. If not, sort alphabetically and manually dedupe
3. Don't stress about perfection—fix duplicates as you encounter them

Account Access Problems

Can't log into old password manager

Cause: Forgotten master password, account issue, or service outage.

Fix:

1. Check if the service is down (search "[manager name] status")
2. Try master password recovery if available
3. Contact their support—they may have recovery options

Passwords work in old manager but not new

Cause: Data corruption during export/import, or password was already outdated.

Fix:

1. Log into the old manager and verify the actual password
2. Manually update the entry in your new manager
3. If the password is wrong in both places, do a password reset on that site

Locked out of an account entirely

Cause: Wrong password, 2FA issues, or account security lockout.

Fix depends on the situation:

Post-Migration Problems

Browser autofill not working

Cause: Extension not installed, browser's built-in autofill interfering, or extension not authorized.

Fix:

1. Install the browser extension for your new manager
2. Disable browser's built-in password saving (Chrome, Safari, Firefox all have this)
3. Make sure the extension is unlocked when you try to use it

Old manager keeps popping up

Cause: Browser extension still installed.

Fix: Remove the old manager's browser extension. Don't uninstall the desktop app yet—keep it as backup for 2-4 weeks.

Mobile autofill not working

Cause: Autofill not enabled in phone settings.

Fix (iOS): Settings → Passwords → Password Options → select your manager

Fix (Android): Settings → System → Languages & Input → Autofill service → select your manager

When to Contact Support

Contact your password manager's support if:

• You've tried the fixes above and nothing works
• You see error messages not covered here
• You're locked out with no recovery options
• You suspect a security issue (unauthorized access, etc.)

Most password manager support teams respond within 24-48 hours. For account lockouts, they often have priority support.

When to Start Over