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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask how you remember your passwords?

37 replies

Geminijust · 04/08/2024 07:57

You seem to need a password to do anything these days! We do have a book at home that we write them in when we remember but if we're not at home it's a bit of a problem. I've had a notification that I've won a prize on the lottery but won't know if I'm a millionaire until I can get the password later today 🤣 I used to use the same one all the time so I'd remember (yes I know you're not supposed to) but now most need umpteen letters and special characters that I would never remember so I can't do that anymore. I do usually click "save password" which works until my phone resets itself or something then I'm stuffed unless I can get to the password book or click "forgot password" if I'm desperate. I'm so happy when I can check out as a guest (increasingly rare).

Is it just me?

OP posts:
daisym00n · 04/08/2024 08:31

I have 3 key phrases which have some letters changed to special characters which are common to all my passwords and then I add a number code based on the website I'm using. I don’t have to remember anything apart from the start phrase. I sometimes get it wrong if it’s a website I don’t use often but usually get it within 3 guesses before I get locked out.

Original poster
Geminijust · 04/08/2024 08:30

What on earth do you mean about your phone resetting itself? That makes no sense - it’s not a thing that just happens - and you probably need to review your settings.

No idea but every so often the password won't autocomplete, I assumed the phone had done an update or I'd accidentally logged out or something 😑

OP posts:
rumred · 04/08/2024 08:21

I have several lists, similar system to @TwoLeftSocksWithHoles.
There are so many, it does my head in. Surely biometrics are the way to go.

lightand · 04/08/2024 08:21

And good luck to any in my house.

I have to scrabble around for 30 mins myself sometimes, as a.i have to find the books they are written in, and b. then decipher my scribbles.

BibbleandSqwauk · 04/08/2024 08:20

Google chrome and Explorer both do password saves / management. For the few that don't work like that I might write a note on my phone but as a pp said, usually not the whole thing just a memory nudge. Almost all sites now do an instant PW reset option too so that can be used. Come on OP, this reads like a post from 15 years ago!

lightand · 04/08/2024 08:19

WYorkshireRose · 04/08/2024 08:14

Password books are horrendously insecure if you're ever burgled, throw that thing straight in the bin. Or rather, shredder! Then start using a password manager. I use LastPass but there are lots of equivalent ones out there.

Has a burgler in the Uk ever done this?

BobnLen · 04/08/2024 08:17

WYorkshireRose · 04/08/2024 08:14

Password books are horrendously insecure if you're ever burgled, throw that thing straight in the bin. Or rather, shredder! Then start using a password manager. I use LastPass but there are lots of equivalent ones out there.

Yes, I keep telling DH that, he doesn't know any of my important passwords because I know they will be written in the little book

WYorkshireRose · 04/08/2024 08:14

Password books are horrendously insecure if you're ever burgled, throw that thing straight in the bin. Or rather, shredder! Then start using a password manager. I use LastPass but there are lots of equivalent ones out there.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 04/08/2024 08:11

I have a list. I know that sounds daft but I don't list the full password but enough that will remind me.
For example, if the password was TwoLeftSocks9& I would just put TLS in my list, for a, number I might use the day of my birthday, and a special character might always be &.
So I would list it as TLSday+ and I would recognise and know what that means to me.

BobnLen · 04/08/2024 08:11

I use the Apple Keychain one, it probably isn't the best but I find it easy to use as I only use Apple devices and computer. I generally use the ones Apple generates for me but on some of the TV apps, I choose a fairly simple password because of typing it into the TV screen with remote control. DH has a little book for his.

blackcatsarethebestcats · 04/08/2024 08:06

What on earth do you mean about your phone resetting itself? That makes no sense - it’s not a thing that just happens - and you probably need to review your settings.

My passwords are all saved on my phone. I get it to auto generate secure ones. I also have a password manager I can use on my work laptop.

bungaloid · 04/08/2024 08:05

Password managers are baked into every browser or operating system nowadays.
I pay for the use of 1Password as it has the ability to share passwords between family members and works across desktop PC and different O/S etc. It works pretty well but occasionally there are websites where it can struggle to autofill and you end up manually copying and pasting from the manager interface.