How to Use Proton Pass: Step-by-Step Guideline in 2026

Quick Start

This guide covers every Proton Pass feature:

• Getting Started — Create your Proton Pass account and install the app
• How to Use Browser Extension — Log in to websites in one click without typing anything
• How to Use Password Generator — Generate long random passwords that nobody can guess
• How to Use Hide-My-Email Aliases — Sign up anywhere without handing over your real email address
• How to Use Pass Monitor — Spot weak, reused, or leaked passwords before somebody uses them
• How to Use Pass Sharing — Share a login or a whole vault without sending it over text
• How to Use File Attachments — Keep licence keys and recovery codes with the login they belong to

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve been using Proton Pass as my daily password manager for over a year.

Every step here comes from my own screen, not a press kit.

Proton Pass is a free password manager built by the Swiss team behind Proton Mail.

Most people install it, save a few passwords, and stop there.

That’s a shame, because the aliases and monitoring tools are the best part.

This beginner’s guide shows you how to use Proton Pass properly, step by step.

Proton Pass Tutorial

This tutorial walks through every feature in order, from first install to the tricks power users rely on.

Proton Pass

Stop reusing the same password everywhere. Proton Pass locks your logins behind end-to-end encryption and hides your real email with aliases. The free plan is genuinely useful — no credit card needed to start.

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Getting Started with Proton Pass

Do this one-time setup before anything else.

It takes about three minutes on any device.

Step 1: Create Your Proton Pass Account

Go to the Proton Pass website and click Sign Up.

Already use Proton Mail? The same Proton account works here, so skip ahead.

✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for the confirmation email.

Step 2: Install the App and Browser Extension

Download the Proton Pass app for iOS or Android, then add the browser extension.

Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave are all supported, plus Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Here’s what the dashboard looks like after you sign in:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see an empty vault ready for your first item.

Step 3: Import Your Old Passwords

Open Settings, choose Import, and upload the export file from your old password manager.

Delete that file straight afterwards — it holds your passwords in plain text.

How to Use Proton Pass Browser Extension

Browser Extension lets you log in to websites in one click without typing anything.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Install the Extension

Open the Chrome Web Store and add the Proton Pass browser extension.

The same extension works in Firefox, Edge, and Brave.

Step 2: Pin It and Sign In

Click the puzzle icon in your toolbar and pin Proton Pass so it stays visible.

Sign in with your Proton account to unlock the vault.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: The Proton Pass icon turns from grey to purple once your vault is unlocked.

Step 3: Let It Autofill

Visit any login page and click the field.

Select the saved item and Proton Pass fills both boxes for you.

How to Use Proton Pass Password Generator

Password Generator lets you generate long random passwords that nobody can guess.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open the Generator

Click the Proton Pass icon and select the Generator tab.

It works the same in the app, the web app, and the extension.

Step 2: Set the Length and Characters

Drag the slider to at least 16 characters.

Turn on numbers and symbols for maximum strength.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: A fresh random string appears every time you click Generate.

Step 3: Copy and Save

Hit Generate, then copy the result into the signup form.

Your clipboard clears itself after 60 seconds for security.

How to Use Proton Pass Hide-My-Email Aliases

Hide-My-Email Aliases lets you sign up anywhere without handing over your real email address.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Start a New Alias

Tap the + button in the Proton Pass app and choose Alias.

You can also create one straight from any signup form.

Step 2: Pick Your Alias Address

Proton Pass suggests an address based on the website’s domain.

Edit the prefix if you want, then confirm.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: The new alias appears in your vault with a forwarding toggle next to it.

Step 3: Use It Everywhere

Paste the alias into the signup form instead of your real address.

Mail forwards to your normal inbox, and you can switch any alias off later.

How to Use Proton Pass Pass Monitor

Pass Monitor lets you spot weak, reused, or leaked passwords before somebody uses them.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open Pass Monitor

Select Monitor from the sidebar in the web app or mobile app.

It scans everything already saved in your vault.

Step 2: Read Your Score

Proton Pass flags weak passwords, reused passwords, and missing two-factor authentication.

Breached credentials appear at the top in red.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your monitor list should shrink every time you fix an entry.

Step 3: Fix the Worst Ones First

Click any flagged item and hit Change Password.

The generator opens automatically so you can replace it in seconds.

How to Use Proton Pass Pass Sharing

Pass Sharing lets you share a login or a whole vault without sending it over text.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Select the Item

Open the login you want to share and click the three-dot menu.

Choose Share.

Step 2: Set the Limits

Decide how long the link stays alive and how many views it allows.

Anything you send stays encrypted end-to-end.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: A share badge appears on the item once the link is active.

Step 3: Send the Link

Copy the link and pass it to the person who needs access.

Revoke it from the same menu whenever you want.

How to Use Proton Pass File Attachments

File Attachments lets you keep licence keys and recovery codes with the login they belong to.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open Any Saved Item

Find the login in your vault and click Edit.

Scroll to the attachments area at the bottom.

Step 2: Add Your File

Upload the licence key, recovery codes, or scanned document.

The file is encrypted before it ever leaves your device.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: A paperclip icon now sits next to that item in your vault.

Step 3: Save and Sync

Hit Save and the attachment syncs to every device on your account.

Open it later from the app or the desktop app.

Proton Pass Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After a year of daily use, these are the tips I’d give a friend.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Hidden Features Most People Miss

• Passkey support: Proton Pass can create and store passkeys, so supported websites sign you in with no password at all.
• Password history: Open any item and click History to recover an old password you overwrote by accident.
• Multiple vaults: Create a separate vault for work and one for home, then share only the work vault.
• Autosave on signup: Proton Pass offers to save the login the moment you create an account, so nothing gets lost.

There are plenty of walkthrough videos on YouTube if you’d rather watch someone click through it, but the steps above are faster.

Proton Pass Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Saving Your Proton Password Inside Proton Pass

Mistake #2: Leaving the Import File on Your Desktop

Mistake #3: Skipping the Default Autofill Setting

Proton Pass Troubleshooting

Problem: Autofill Does Nothing on Websites

Cause: Proton Pass is not set as your default autofill service.

Fix: Open your phone or browser settings, select Proton Pass as the provider, then reload the page.

Problem: A Saved Login Won’t Appear

Cause: The saved item points at a different domain than the one you’re on.

Fix: Edit the item and add the current website address as a second URL.

Problem: Credit Card Details Won’t Fill In

Cause: Credit card autofill isn’t available yet in Proton Pass.

Fix: Store the credit card as an item and copy the number manually until Proton ships the feature.

📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Proton Pass support from inside the app.

What is Proton Pass?

Proton Pass is a free password manager that stores your logins, credit cards, and secure notes in an encrypted vault.

Think of it as a keyring that only opens for you.

It uses end-to-end encryption to protect your data before it ever leaves your own device.

Not even Proton can read what’s inside.

For example, a leak at Proton would expose scrambled text and nothing else.

It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and syncs between all of them.

It includes these key features:

• Browser Extension: Save every login to your vault straight from Chrome, Firefox, or Brave.
• Password Generator: Create a unique password for every account in about two seconds.
• Hide-My-Email Aliases: Give websites a throwaway address that forwards to your real inbox.
• Pass Monitor: Get alerts when your credentials show up in a known data breach.
• Pass Sharing: Hand a password to a teammate or family member with an encrypted link.
• File Attachments: Attach a file to any item so everything lives in one encrypted place.

For a full review, see our Proton Pass review.

Proton Pass Pricing

Here’s what Proton Pass costs in 2026:

Free trial: The free plan runs forever with unlimited passwords and unlimited devices.

Money-back guarantee: Proton offers a 30-day refund window on paid plans.

💰 Best Value: Pass plus — unlimited aliases and attachments for the price of a coffee.

Proton Pass vs Alternatives

How does Proton Pass compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: Proton Pass — strong encryption plus aliases at a low price.
• Best budget: Bitwarden — the free plan covers almost everything.
• Best for beginners: 1Password — the gentlest learning curve of the group.
• Best for families: Pass Family — six accounts and shared vaults on one bill.

🎯 Proton Pass Alternatives

Looking for Proton Pass alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🌟 1Password: Polished interface with Travel Mode and the best family sharing on the market.
• 💼 Passpack: Simple encrypted sharing built for small teams that need offline access.
• ⚡ NordPass: Modern design with XChaCha20 encryption and its own email masking tools.
• 🔒 Keeper Security: Heavy-duty security features, encrypted file storage, and compliance reporting.
• ⭐ LastPass: Broad platform support and flexible account recovery for less technical users.
• 🛡 TotalPassword: Bundles antivirus and real-time breach alerts alongside password storage.
• 📊 Dashlane: Built-in VPN and the most accurate automatic form filling available.
• 🔧 RoboForm: Famous for accurate form filling across an unusually wide list of platforms.
• 💰 Bitwarden: Free, open source, and endlessly configurable for people who like control.
• 🚀 Sticky Password: Lifetime licence option with local-only storage and Wi-Fi sync.

For the full list, see our Proton Pass alternatives guide.

⚔️ Proton Pass Compared

Here’s how Proton Pass stacks up against each competitor:

• Proton Pass vs 1Password: Proton Pass wins on privacy and price. 1Password wins on organisation and polish.
• Proton Pass vs Passpack: Proton Pass has better apps and aliases. Passpack is leaner for team-only use.
• Proton Pass vs NordPass: Both hide your email. Proton Pass gives more away free; NordPass feels slicker.
• Proton Pass vs Keeper Security: Keeper suits regulated businesses. Proton Pass suits individuals who want privacy.
• Proton Pass vs LastPass: Proton Pass has the cleaner breach record. LastPass has wider legacy integration.
• Proton Pass vs TotalPassword: TotalPassword adds antivirus. Proton Pass adds aliases and stronger privacy guarantees.
• Proton Pass vs Dashlane: Dashlane fills forms better. Proton Pass costs far less and hides your email.
• Proton Pass vs RoboForm: RoboForm handles complex web forms best. Proton Pass is stronger on encryption.
• Proton Pass vs Bitwarden: Both are open source and cheap. Bitwarden self-hosts; Proton Pass has better aliases.
• Proton Pass vs Sticky Password: Sticky Password offers a one-off payment. Proton Pass offers cloud sync and aliases.

Start Using Proton Pass Now

You learned how to use every major Proton Pass feature:

• ✅ Browser Extension
• ✅ Password Generator
• ✅ Hide-My-Email Aliases
• ✅ Pass Monitor
• ✅ Pass Sharing
• ✅ File Attachments

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with the Browser Extension.

It takes less than five minutes and makes every login easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Proton Pass work?

Proton Pass keeps your logins in an encrypted vault. It uses end-to-end encryption, so your data is scrambled on your device before it syncs. Not even Proton can read it.

Is Proton Pass truly free to use?

Yes. The free plan covers unlimited passwords across unlimited mobile devices, plus ten hide-my-email aliases. Paid plans add file attachments, unlimited aliases, and full Pass Monitor alerts.

How do I use Proton Pass in Chrome?

Install the Proton Pass browser extension from the Chrome Web Store. Pin it, sign in to your Proton Pass account, then click any login field to autofill saved websites.

How to get Proton Pass to autofill?

Autofill requires Proton Pass to be set as your default provider. Open your browser or phone settings, select Proton Pass, then click a login field and select your saved item.

What is a passkey and how does it work in Proton Pass?

A passkey replaces your password with a key stored on your device. Proton Pass can create and save passkeys, then sign you in to supported websites without typing anything.