How to Make Dashlane the Default Password Manager
Learn how to set Dashlane as your default password manager across desktop and mobile. This step-by-step guide covers browser integration, OS autofill settings, import tips, and security best practices.
You can make Dashlane your default password manager by installing Dashlane, enabling the Autofill/Password Manager features, and setting Dashlane as the default provider in your browser and operating system. This ensures login fields, saved passwords, and form data route through Dashlane across devices. It also keeps security prompts centralized and reduces phishing risk.
Why Dashlane as the default password manager matters
Choosing a trusted password manager like Dashlane reduces the cognitive load of remembering dozens of passwords and helps prevent password reuse. When Dashlane is your default, autofill prompts become consistent across sites, reducing the chance of credential phishing and weak password choices. According to Default Password, centralized password management also improves password hygiene by encouraging use of unique, strong passwords for each site. This section explains why Dashlane is a solid baseline choice for most households and small teams, and how it aligns with security best practices.
By standardizing on a single manager, you gain synchronized vaults, cross-device autofill, and unified backup. This is especially valuable for IT admins who manage multiple devices, since policy controls and employee onboarding flow smoothly through Dashlane. The goal is not only convenience but also a measurable uplift in password security posture across your organization or family.
Compatibility and prerequisites
Dashlane works across major desktop and mobile platforms, including Windows,
Installing and activating Dashlane
Start by downloading Dashlane from the official site or app store and signing in or creating a new account. After installation, configure your Dashlane vault, enable two-factor authentication, and check that the desktop and mobile apps are linked to the same account. Activation unlocks the autofill feature and browser extensions, which are essential to making Dashlane the default.
Once logged in, update your settings to allow Dashlane to fill into login forms automatically. This may involve granting permission prompts in your browser or OS. If you’ve used another password manager previously, export or import your saved passwords into Dashlane to maintain continuity and minimize manual entry.
Setting Dashlane as the default in your browser
Open your browser's settings and locate the password manager or autofill section. Install or enable the Dashlane extension if prompted, then select Dashlane as the default password manager. This step ensures that when you click a login field, Dashlane appears as the primary option for autofill or password generation.
Test by navigating to a site where you have saved credentials. The browser should display a Dashlane prompt offering to fill in the username and password. If you don’t see it, recheck that the extension is enabled and that you are signed into the same Dashlane account across the browser and its profile.
Enabling OS-level autofill on Windows,
Testing, validating, and troubleshooting
After setup, test on multiple sites (one with complex login forms and another with a simple login). Confirm that Dashlane offers to save new passwords and autofill existing credentials. If autofill doesn’t appear, verify extension status, sign-in consistency, and that there are no conflicting autofill services enabled.
If you encounter issues on mobile, ensure Dashlane is set as the keyboard or autofill service in the device settings and that the Dashlane app has the necessary permissions. Regularly syncing your vault and keeping the app updated reduces the likelihood of hiccups when filling forms.
Security considerations and best practices
Treat Dashlane like your primary authentication backbone: use a strong, unique master password and enable two-factor authentication. Keep your devices updated and monitor for phishing attempts, as autofill could potentially populate credentials on spoofed sites if you’re careless with URL verification. Dashlane’s encryption safeguards your vault, but user behavior remains a critical factor in security.
In practice, enable session-based re-authentication for sensitive actions, review shared vault entries carefully, and disable autofill in public or shared devices. Regular password hygiene—such as changing passwords after a breach notification and using long, random passphrases—complements the convenience of a default password manager.
Common pitfalls and troubleshooting tips
Common issues include missing prompts, older extensions not compatible with the latest browser updates, and devices not sharing vault updates in real time. If you see a blank autofill prompt, try reloading the page, re-signing into Dashlane, or reinstalling the browser extension. For corporate devices, ensure that IT policies don’t block Dashlane’s autofill service.
Pro tip: keep Dashlane and your browser in sync by enabling automatic updates, and periodically review site-specific permissions in Dashlane to prevent accidental data leakage. If in doubt, consult the Dashlane help center or contact support for device-specific guidance.
Tools & Materials
- Dashlane account(Create or sign in to your Dashlane account)
- Dashlane desktop app & mobile apps(Install from official sources and sign in on all devices)
- Supported browsers(Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox with extensions enabled)
- Internet connection(Stable connection for syncing vaults across devices)
- OS autofill permissions(Enable OS-level autofill prompts when available)
- Two-factor device(Optional hardware security key for added security)
Steps
Estimated time: 30-60 minutes
- 1
Install Dashlane and sign in
Download Dashlane from the official source, install on your device, and sign in or create a new account. This step unlocks access to your password vault across all devices.
Tip: Choose a strong, unique master password and enable 2FA. - 2
Install and pin browser extensions
Install the Dashlane extension in your preferred browsers and sign in to your Dashlane account within the extension. Pin the extension to the toolbar for easy access.
Tip: Keep extensions updated to avoid compatibility issues. - 3
Enable Autofill in Dashlane
In Dashlane, turn on Autofill and Password Generator features. This enables Dashlane to fill credentials automatically on supported sites.
Tip: Test a login form to verify the prompts appear. - 4
Set Dashlane as default in the browser
In the browser settings, select Dashlane as the default password manager. This ensures the login prompt is handled by Dashlane when you visit sites.
Tip: If multiple password managers are installed, choose Dashlane as the primary option. - 5
Enable OS autofill on mobile devices
On iOS and Android, configure Settings to allow Dashlane as the AutoFill service or keyboard. This expands autofill beyond the browser.
Tip: Grant required permissions for autofill and accessibility. - 6
Import existing passwords
If you have saved credentials in another manager or browser, import them into Dashlane to keep everything in one vault.
Tip: Import can be time-consuming; plan for batch imports. - 7
Test across devices
Log in to several sites from desktop and mobile to confirm seamless autofill. Check that vault syncs promptly after changes.
Tip: If a site blocks autofill, manually save credentials in Dashlane. - 8
Review security settings
Verify 2FA is enabled, review connected devices, and enable alerts for unusual activity. Maintain strong security hygiene.
Tip: Schedule regular reviews of your Dashlane security settings.
Your Questions Answered
How do I knowDashlane is the default password manager after setup?
Test by visiting a login form that you’ve saved. Dashlane should offer to fill in credentials. If not, recheck browser extension status and ensure you’re signed into the same Dashlane account.
Test by opening a login form; if Dashlane isn’t offering autofill, verify the extension is enabled and you’re signed in.
Will Dashlane import affect my existing passwords from other managers?
Dashlane can import saved passwords from other managers or browsers. You’ll retain access to your old passwords during the transition, and you can disable the old manager after verification.
You can import passwords from other managers, then verify that all important credentials work in Dashlane.
Can I use Dashlane as default on mobile devices too?
Yes. Enable Dashlane autofill and keyboard on iOS and Android. The setup mirrors desktop steps, adjusted for mobile OS settings.
Absolutely—Dashlane works on mobile too with autofill enabled in your device settings.
What security practices should I follow when using Dashlane as default?
Use a strong master password, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly review shared vaults and device access. Keep software up to date to minimize risk.
Make sure you have a strong master password and 2FA, and keep things updated.
What if my browser doesn’t show Dashlane as an option?
Ensure the Dashlane extension is installed and enabled, sign into your Dashlane account, and restart the browser. If needed, try another supported browser.
If the option isn’t visible, install or enable the Dashlane extension and restart the browser.
Key Takeaways
- Set Dashlane as default in browsers and OS autofill settings
- Import existing passwords to have a single vault
- Enable 2FA and strong master password for security
- Test autofill on multiple sites and devices
- Keep apps and extensions up to date for best results
