Even though mobile device manufacturers offer alternatives like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, the truth is we still need to manage passwords on Android, and the operating system's built-in tools aren't that great. Today we're going to recommend two managers: one that works directly on our smartphone, and another that relies on a free and open-source classic like KeePass.
You Need a Password Manager
Using any mobile device forces us to maintain a delicate balance between convenience and security. It's very comfortable to let the browser automatically save all passwords and restore sessions without a hitch, but if for any reason we lose control of the device (say, a robbery), the risk of ending up with compromised accounts and services is gigantic.
Here is where we reiterate our recommendation of adopting a password manager. These programs install a very robust protection layer, and the truth is they don't add too much in terms of complexity or difficulty. In fact, you'll most likely incorporate them into your sessions quickly, keeping your digital life secure. The Web offers many options, but for managing passwords on Android, today we'll talk about two apps:
RoboForm
RoboForm has a wide range of features in its Everywhere version that costs two dollars a month, but its Free edition brings everything we need: unlimited logins and autofill of credentials for a single mobile device. You can also use its generator to create stronger passwords, protect access to the app with an independent PIN, and set the time intervals for its automatic lock.
When you create a RoboForm account for the first time, the app activates its trial of 30 days, but after that it should drop to its free mode. The official page states that RoboForm can work offline, and it warns us that we should never lose our master password, because it's impossible to recover.
KeePassDroid
Unlike other password managers, KeePassDroid is an Android implementation of the classic KeePass and is aimed at its users. What does that mean? We can copy .kdb and .kdbx database files to our smartphones and tablets, and access them directly. After entering the master password, it's enough to tap the service we want to open. Its credentials are sent to the clipboard, and we access them through the notification system.
KeePassDroid isn't a dazzling wonder when it comes to interface, but the point is it doesn't need to be. It barely functions as a gateway to our KeePass database, and that's more than enough. KeePassDroid is a free, open-source app that works offline (its developer confirms it doesn't even have the proper permission to connect to the Internet).
In Summary
Managing passwords on Android is much simpler than we think. The two apps we've mentioned here have a free profile and the ability to work offline, but don't stop exploring other alternatives. What matters is that you use a quality manager and improve the security of your digital life. Good luck!
