Bitwarden Complete Cheat Sheet: Master Your Password Management

Introduction

Bitwarden is an open-source password management solution that securely stores and manages passwords and sensitive information across devices and platforms. It offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your data remains secure both in transit and at rest. As a comprehensive password manager, Bitwarden provides features for individuals, families, teams, and enterprises, with both free and premium tiers available.

Core Concepts

Key Features

• End-to-end encryption: All data encrypted locally before syncing to Bitwarden servers
• Open-source code: Transparent security that can be audited by anyone
• Cross-platform compatibility: Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web browsers
• Self-hosting option: Run Bitwarden on your own server for complete control
• Secure sharing: Share passwords and items with trusted contacts
• Two-factor authentication: Additional security layer beyond master password
• Password generation: Create strong, unique passwords easily
• Security auditing: Identify weak, reused, or compromised passwords

Account Types and Plans

Getting Started

Account Setup

1. Visit bitwarden.com or download the app
2. Click “Create Account”
3. Enter email address, name, and master password
   • Create a strong, memorable master password (minimum 12 characters recommended)
   • This cannot be recovered if forgotten
4. Complete the hint (optional but recommended)
5. Accept terms and create account

Creating a Strong Master Password

• Use at least 12-16 characters
• Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters
• Consider using a passphrase (multiple random words)
• Never reuse this password anywhere else
• Ensure it’s memorable to you but not easily guessable

Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

1. Log in to your Bitwarden web vault
2. Go to Settings > Two-step Login
3. Choose your preferred 2FA method:
   • Authenticator app (TOTP) – free
   • Email – free
   • Yubikey – premium
   • FIDO2 WebAuthn – premium
   • Duo Security – premium
4. Follow the setup instructions for your chosen method
5. Save recovery codes in a secure location

Using Bitwarden

Adding Passwords and Items

Manual Entry

1. Click the “+” icon in your vault
2. Select item type (Login, Card, Identity, Secure Note)
3. Fill in the relevant information
4. Add custom fields if needed
5. Click Save

Browser Extension Import

1. Install the Bitwarden browser extension
2. Visit the website you want to save credentials for
3. Enter your login information
4. When prompted by Bitwarden, click “Save”

CSV Import

1. Export passwords from your current manager as CSV
2. Go to Tools > Import Data in Bitwarden
3. Select your previous password manager from the dropdown
4. Upload the CSV file
5. Confirm import

Managing Your Vault

Using the Browser Extension

Mobile App Navigation

Password Generator

Advanced Features

Secure Sharing

Sharing with Family Members (Family Plan)

1. Log in to the web vault
2. Go to Organizations > Your Family Organization
3. Add members by entering their email addresses
4. Create collections of items to share
5. Assign members to collections

Emergency Access (Premium)

1. Go to Settings > Emergency Access
2. Click “Add emergency contact”
3. Enter the email of your trusted contact
4. Set waiting period (time before they can access)
5. Choose access type (View or Take Over)
6. Trusted contact must accept invitation

Secure Notes and Attachments

Self-Hosting Bitwarden (Advanced)

Basic self-hosting steps:

1. Set up a server with Docker and Docker Compose
2. Clone the Bitwarden installation scripts
3. Generate installation ID and key from bitwarden.com
4. Configure environment variables
5. Run installation script
6. Set up reverse proxy and SSL certificates

Security Best Practices

Vault Security

• Change master password periodically (every 6-12 months)
• Enable the strongest 2FA method available to you
• Set automatic logout after period of inactivity
• Regularly check the “Active Sessions” list and end unknown sessions
• Never access your vault on public/shared computers
• Keep all Bitwarden apps and extensions updated

Password Best Practices

• Use the password generator for all new accounts
• Aim for 16+ character passwords when possible
• Never reuse passwords across different accounts
• Use the Password Health report to identify and fix weak passwords
• Update passwords for important accounts every 6-12 months
• Check the Data Breach report regularly

Security Auditing (Premium Features)

• Exposed Passwords Report: Shows passwords found in data breaches
• Reused Passwords Report: Identifies duplicated passwords
• Weak Passwords Report: Flags passwords that are too short or simple
• Unsecured Websites Report: Identifies accounts not using HTTPS
• Inactive 2FA Report: Shows websites where 2FA is available but not enabled

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Forgotten Master Password

Solution:

• If you have Emergency Access set up, your trusted contact can help
• Use your password hint if you created one
• If self-hosting, you may have additional recovery options
• Otherwise, you must reset your account and lose existing data

Prevention:

• Consider storing your master password in a secure physical location
• Use a memorable passphrase
• Set up Emergency Access with a trusted contact (Premium)

Challenge: Syncing Issues

Solution:

• Verify internet connection
• Force sync from the “Account” menu
• Check if Bitwarden service is down (status.bitwarden.com)
• Log out and back in
• Clear browser cache or reinstall app

Prevention:

• Ensure automatic syncing is enabled
• Manually sync before going offline

Challenge: Autofill Not Working

Solution:

• Verify the website URL matches what’s saved in Bitwarden
• Try using keyboard shortcuts instead (Ctrl+Shift+L)
• Check if site is using non-standard login fields
• Use context menu “Autofill” option (right-click)
• Refresh the page or restart browser

Prevention:

• Save multiple URL variations if needed
• Use custom fields for non-standard forms

Challenge: Importing Failed

Solution:

• Verify CSV format matches Bitwarden’s expected format
• Check for special characters that might cause issues
• Try exporting in a different format from source
• Split large import files into smaller batches

Prevention:

• Export a test item first to verify format
• Check Bitwarden’s documentation for your specific import source

Mobile-Specific Features

iOS Autofill

1. Go to Settings > Passwords > AutoFill Passwords
2. Enable “AutoFill Passwords”
3. Select Bitwarden
4. When logging into apps or websites, tap the password field
5. Bitwarden will appear above the keyboard

Android Autofill

1. Go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > Advanced > Autofill Service (Path may vary by device manufacturer)
2. Select Bitwarden
3. When logging into apps, the Bitwarden autofill prompt will appear

Biometric Authentication

1. Open Bitwarden mobile app
2. Go to Settings > Security
3. Enable Unlock with Biometrics (Face ID, Touch ID, or Fingerprint)
4. Set vault timeout preferences

Command Line Interface (CLI)

Resources for Further Learning

Official Documentation

• Bitwarden Help & Support
• Bitwarden Community Forums
• Bitwarden Blog

Security Resources

• Bitwarden Security Whitepaper
• Bitwarden Security Audits
• Have I Been Pwned (complementary service for checking breaches)

Learning Tools

• Bitwarden YouTube Channel
• Getting Started Guide
• API Documentation (for developers)

This cheat sheet covers the essential aspects of using Bitwarden effectively. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official Bitwarden documentation, especially as new features are released and existing ones are updated.