How to Share Passwords Safely with Family

Learn the safest ways to share important account passwords with a trusted family member — without using sticky notes or unsecured text messages.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Decide what to share
2.Choose a sharing method
3.Use a password manager's emergency access feature
4.Write a secure physical backup
5.Review and update regularly

Decide what to share

~15s

Make a list of the accounts that a trusted person might need access to in an emergency: your email, online banking, insurance portals, medical patient portals, and any subscription services you pay for.

Choose a sharing method

~15s

The two safest options are: (1) a password manager app with a family sharing or emergency access feature, or (2) a written record stored in a secure physical location. Avoid sharing passwords by text or email.

Use a password manager's emergency access feature

~15s

If you use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, look for a "Family Sharing" or "Emergency Access" option in the app settings. You can grant a family member emergency access, which they can request to activate if you become unreachable.

Write a secure physical backup

~15s

Write your important account names, email addresses, and passwords in a small notebook. Store it in a fireproof box or safe, or give it to your attorney to keep with your will. Tell the trusted person where it is stored.

Review and update regularly

~15s

Passwords change, and so do the accounts that matter. Review your shared password list at least once a year or any time you change a major password. An outdated list is nearly as unhelpful as no list at all.

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Sharing passwords with a trusted family member — such as a spouse, adult child, or caregiver — is a smart part of planning for emergencies. If you become ill or are in an accident, having someone who can access your email, banking, or medical accounts can be critically important. The challenge is doing this in a way that keeps your information secure.

The safest method is using a password manager that has a built-in sharing or emergency access feature. Apps like Bitwarden, LastPass, and 1Password all offer ways to securely share access to your stored passwords with a designated person. If you prefer something simpler, writing passwords in a physical notebook kept in a secure location — like a safe or safe deposit box — is far better than texting or emailing passwords.

Never share passwords via text message, regular email, or on paper left in an obvious location like by your computer. These methods leave your information exposed to anyone who sees that message or paper.

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