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The Steps

Step 3: Install Apps and Extensions

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Up to now, we've been using the Proton Pass password manager directly from their website. This is great for managing your passwords, like when we imported passwords earlier. But what happens when you don't have an internet connection, or when you want Proton Pass to automatically log you into websites and applications?

To get the most out of Proton Pass, you'll need to install the dedicated apps and browser extensions. These tools allow Proton Pass to integrate seamlessly with your devices, making it easier to manage and autofill your passwords and other sensitive information.

Why Install Apps and Extensions?

On desktop and laptop computers, you typically need two types of software:

  1. Browser Extensions: These integrate with your web browser to autofill login credentials on websites.

  2. Desktop Applications: These manage logins for desktop applications and provide a central place to manage your passwords offline.

Similarly, on mobile devices, the Proton Pass app serves both as a password manager and an autofill service for apps and websites.

Getting the Proton Pass Apps and Extensions

Installing Proton Pass is probably the easiest step in setting up your password manager. You can get all the apps and extensions (or be directed to the appropriate download locations) from one website:

Available Platforms

Proton Pass offers apps and extensions for a variety of operating systems and browsers:

  • Desktop Operating Systems:

    • Microsoft Windows

    • Apple macOS

    • Linux

  • Mobile Operating Systems:

    • iOS (for iPhones and iPads)

    • Android (for smartphones and tablets)

  • Web Browsers:

    • Google Chrome

    • Mozilla Firefox

    • Microsoft Edge

    • Brave

    • Apple Safari

Understanding How Proton Pass Works Across Devices

As represented in this image, Proton Pass keeps your encrypted passwords and other sensitive information in a central repository, which syncs across all your devices.

Note: Insert an image here that illustrates how Proton Pass syncs across devices and integrates with apps and browsers.

  • Websites: When you need to log into a website, the Proton Pass browser extension fills in your login information automatically. Regular desktop applications can't interact directly with websites, which is why the extension is necessary.

  • Desktop Applications: When you need to log into a desktop application (like a VPN client or email software), the standalone Proton Pass desktop app can provide autofill functionality or allow you to copy credentials easily.

  • Mobile Devices: On smartphones and tablets, the Proton Pass mobile app serves both as a password manager and an autofill service. It can fill in login details for both apps and websites on your mobile device.

Installing the Proton Pass Browser Extensions

The browser extension is essential for autofilling your login credentials on websites. Here's how to install it:

  1. Visit the Proton Pass Download Page

    Go to https://proton.me/pass/download. Scroll down to the section for browser extensions.

  2. Choose Your Browser

    You'll see options for different browsers:

    • Chrome

    • Firefox

    • Edge

    • Brave

    • Safari

  1. Click on Your Browser

    Click on the icon or link for your preferred browser. This will redirect you to the official extension store for that browser.

  2. Install the Extension

    • Chrome and Brave:

      • Click "Add to Chrome".

      • Confirm by clicking "Add extension" when prompted.

    • Firefox:

      • Click "Add to Firefox".

      • Click "Add" in the permission prompt.

    • Edge:

      • Click "Get".

      • Click "Add extension" in the pop-up.

    • Safari:

      • Download the Proton Pass app from the Mac App Store, which includes the Safari extension.

      • Enable the extension in Safari's preferences under "Extensions".

  3. Log In to Proton Pass

    After installing, click on the Proton Pass icon in your browser toolbar. You'll be prompted to log in with your Proton account credentials.

  4. Set Up the Extension

    • Unlock with Password: Enter your Proton Pass password to unlock the extension.

    • Set Preferences: You can adjust settings like autofill preferences and security options.

Installing the Proton Pass Desktop Application

For managing passwords in desktop applications and accessing your vault offline, install the Proton Pass desktop app:

  1. Download the App

  2. Install the App

    • Windows:

      • Run the downloaded .exe file.

      • Follow the installation wizard steps.

    • macOS:

      • Open the downloaded .dmg file.

      • Drag the Proton Pass app into your Applications folder.

    • Linux:

      • Follow the instructions provided on the download page for your specific distribution.

  3. Launch and Log In

    • Open the Proton Pass app from your applications menu.

    • Log in with your Proton account credentials.

  4. Set Up the App

    • Unlock with Password: Enter your Proton Pass password.

    • Configure Settings: Adjust preferences like auto-lock timers and security options.

Installing the Proton Pass Mobile App

To manage passwords and autofill on your mobile devices:

  1. Download the App

    • iOS (iPhone/iPad):

      • Open the App Store.

      • Search for "Proton Pass".

      • Tap "Get" to download and install.

    • Android:

      • Open the Google Play Store.

      • Search for "Proton Pass".

      • Tap "Install".

  2. Open the App and Log In

    • Launch the Proton Pass app from your home screen.

    • Log in with your Proton account credentials.

  3. Set Up Autofill

    • iOS:

      • Go to Settings > Passwords > AutoFill Passwords.

      • Enable AutoFill Passwords and select Proton Pass.

    • Android:

      • Go to Settings > System > Languages & input > Autofill service.

      • Select Proton Pass as your autofill service.

  4. Configure Security Options

    • Set up biometric unlocking (Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint) if supported.

    • Adjust auto-lock timers and other security settings.

Final Notes

  • Multiple Browsers: If you use multiple web browsers, you can install the Proton Pass extension in each one. For example, if you use Firefox as your primary browser and Chrome for certain tasks, install the extension in both to ensure seamless autofill capabilities.

  • Synchronization: Proton Pass syncs your encrypted data across all your devices. Any changes you make on one device will be reflected on others when they are connected to the internet.

  • Security: Proton Pass uses end-to-end encryption to secure your data. Your passwords are encrypted on your device before being sent to Proton's servers, and only you can decrypt them.

By installing the Proton Pass apps and extensions on your devices, you ensure that you have secure and convenient access to your passwords and sensitive information wherever you go. This setup allows you to autofill login credentials on websites and applications, manage your password vault offline, and keep everything synchronized across all your devices.

Saving New Logins Automatically

You can set up Proton Pass to save new logins automatically as you use your phone.

  1. Enable Autofill

    • For Android: Go to your phone's Settings > System > Languages & Input > Autofill service. Select Proton Pass.

    • For iOS: Go to Settings > Passwords > Autofill Passwords. Enable Autofill and select Proton Pass.

  2. Log In to a New Site

    Open a browser or app and log in to a website or service.

  3. Save Prompt

    Proton Pass should prompt you to save the new login details.

    • Tap "Save": Confirm to add it to your Vault