What Happens to Your Passwords When You Delete Your Password Manager App

MakeUseOf

By Katie Rees

Published Nov 28, 2023

The app is gone, but have the passwords also been erased?

Ervins Strauhmanis/Flickr

Password managers use encryption to securely store your login credentials and sensitive information, but the type of encryption used can vary. Check what encryption your password manager uses before storing your data.
Depending on your password manager, your passwords may be stored offline, also known as cold storage. This prevents cyberattacks that rely on an internet connection and involves storing passwords locally on your device with on-device encryption.
When you delete the app of a password manager, it may not necessarily delete your account. Some password managers store passwords on remote servers, so your passwords may still be stored even if the app is removed from your device. Look for an account deletion option in your app settings before uninstalling to ensure your data is properly deleted.