1Password – Getting Started with 1Password at Northwestern

1Password provides a secure and user‑friendly platform for managing your Northwestern credentials and other sensitive information.

Before getting started, we recommend completing the 1Password End User Training to become familiar with the basics of how 1Password works and how to use it effectively at Northwestern. 

This guide walks you through activating your account, setting up trusted devices, and using vaults effectively.

Contents

• Activate Your 1Password Account
• Install 1Password Apps
• Trusted Devices
• Device Keys and Linked Devices
• Vaults
• Sharing Passwords
• Free 1Password Families Account
• Support

Activate Your 1Password Account

How to Request an Account

Faculty and Staff (Business Account)

• Go to the Password Management Portal and click Request Service to submit a TDx request for access.

Students (Free Families Account)

• Follow the steps in How to Redeem Your 1Password Student Account to claim your free four-year subscription. An active NetID is required to access the link. 

Activation Process

• Look for an invitation email from accounts@1password.com.
• Click Join now 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. (link)

• Install and sign-in to the 1Password browser extension and desktop app.
• Note: Installing the 1Password application requires administrative access on your devices.

Import your existing passwords. See, How to Import existing passwords into 1Password.

Install 1Password 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, see Setting up the 1Password Browser Extension.

Desktop App

• Provides a robust interface for managing passwords. n
• Supports signing in with multiple accounts.
• Supported operating systems: Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
• Recommended as a trusted device for approving new device logins.
• For instructions, see Setting up the 1Password Desktop App.

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).

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 your primary trusted 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 Practices

• Browsers often clear cookies when closing tabs or being restarted, removing their device key.
• If possible, use the Desktop or mobile apps in addition to a web browser.

Vaults

Vaults are secure containers that organize your credentials.

Types of Vaults

• Employee Vault: Created automatically for each user. Store your Northwestern work credentials here.
• Shared Vaults: Created teams, departments, or labs that manage shared credentials.

To request a shared vault for your team, fill out the Request Form and select Request Shared Vault in the dropdown for ‘Type of Request’.

Managing Vaults

• Create vaults for specific projects or services.
• Assign permissions at the group level (View, Edit, Manage).
• Review vault membership regularly to ensure continued access is appropriate. 

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 accessible to Northwestern.

Learn more: 1Password – Managing Vault Membership and Permissions

Sharing Passwords

To share a password or item with someone using a Vault:

1. Move the item into a shared vault.
2. Notify the recipient that they can access the shared item.

To share a password using a link:

1. Find the item and click the Share button.
2. Add the recipient's email address and Share or Copy the link

Note: Shared links expire after a maximum of 24 hours and can be viewed only once.

Free 1Password Families Account

As a Northwestern 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:

1. Sign in to your Northwestern account.
2. Go to My Profile and click Redeem Now.
3. 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 Northwestern account.
• If you leave Northwestern, you can unlink the family account, add a payment method, and continue using it.

Tips for Personal Items:

• Store non-Northwestern passwords in your family account.
• Move personal items from your university account to your family account.

For details:  How to Redeem Your Free 1Password Families Account (Faculty and Staff) 

Support

For questions or troubleshooting:

• Contact the Northwestern IT Service Desk at consultant@northwestern.edu.