Onboarding checklist

Use this onboarding checklist to track progress and make sure nothing is missed during your onboarding process

Account setup

  • Confirm and review with users the 3-step account set up process: Invite > Accept > Confirm 
  • Log in with existing account or create new account using invited email
  • Complete SSO login set up if applicable
  • Create strong master password (14 to 16+ characters with mixed cases, numbers, symbols) Optional if you’re using SSO with trusted devices
  • Review company-specific password policies and guidelines
  • Follow company password guidelines, consider using passphrase
  • Set up 2FA using preferred methods (authenticator app, hardware key, or email)
  • Save and securely store 2FA recovery codes

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Client installations

  • Install browser extension and pin it to the navigation toolbar
  • Download and install desktop application (Windows, Mac, Linux)
  • Download mobile app (iOS, Android)
  • Log into all installed clients with master password and 2FA, or SSO (if applicable)
  • Adjust login settings to preferences (biometric setup, timeout settings)

Support links:

Get to know Bitwarden vault

  • Explore web app, browser extension, mobile and desktop apps interface and main navigation elements
  • Understand the differences between My vault (individual items) and Organization vault (shared items)
  • Learn to use search function
  • Familiarize with item types (logins, notes, cards, identities)

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Password management fundamentals

  • Practice adding new login items (Click + or Add Item)
  • Learn to edit existing items - click Edit (pencil icon)
  • Set up extension autofill through browser settings
  • Practice using autofill from browser extension (hotkey, inline autofill)
  • Use built in password generator for creating strong passwords (in extension, click on password field or Generator tab)

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Secure credential sharing and collaboration

  • Understand collections concept for shared items: Collections act as shared folders for passwords/notes in organization vault
  • Practice accessing shared items through collections
  • Learn about groups and permission levels: Groups assign collection access to multiple users (eg. "Marketing Team")
  • Practice organizing individual My Vault items with folders

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Features beyond password management

  • Explore Bitwarden Send for encrypted sharing to anyone, even non-Bitwarden users
  • Review password history for login items (Password History tab in login items)
  • Configure biometric unlock on desktop and mobile (if applicable)
  • Explore TOTP storage and generation

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Recovery planning

  • Understand account recovery options of master password is lost or forgotten
  • Document account recovery procedures
  • Verify secure storage of recovery codes and master password backup

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Best practices

  • Emphasize Bitwarden in improving organizational security posture
  • Explain how Bitwarden reduces breach risks, aids compliance, and promotes safe practices
  • Schedule regular vault maintenance and security reviews
  • Send regular reminders for users to accept invitation to set up Bitwarden account
  • Use Vault Health reports to audit password health across company

Support links: