In the first edition of our ‘Did you know’ series for 2024 we share some interesting features about Bitwarden/Vaultwarden open source password managers: seamless account switching. This new feature, now available across Bitwarden’s browser extension, desktop application, and mobile apps, it makes it much easier how users manage multiple Bitwarden accounts. The same applies if you are using Vaultwarden by self-hosting or choosing one of our VaultWarden Managed Hosting packages. In practice this means that switching between Bitwarden accounts has never been more straightforward. Whether toggling between personal and work accounts or maintaining separation for other reasons, this feature streamlines the process of being ore secure online. In addition, the capability to switch accounts is now accessible on both desktop and mobile applications, as well as all browser extensions excluding Safari, which will be included in the Mac desktop app and released in a future software update. However, we strongly recommend opting for an open-source browser such as Firefox, steering clear of proprietary alternatives.

A breakdown of how it works:

• Header Indication: The application header clearly displays the active account. A single click reveals a dropdown menu with options to add a new account and quick access to existing accounts.

• Account Separation: Each Bitwarden and/or Vaultwarden account operates independently, ensuring a clean and private user experience with no interaction between accounts.

• Flexibility: Users can add up to five accounts, with the option to mix cloud and self-hosted installations. Each account has unique vault timeout and unlock settings.

Things to keep in mind with this new update

In terms of search and how things work, vault operations are carefully adjusted to fit the specific active account. This helps to prioritize both focus and security, making sure that the actions performed in the vault are precise and under control, leading to an improved user experience.

The autofill function follows a similar approach, working only within the boundaries of the active account. This choice not only simplifies the autofill process but also boosts security by keeping the autofill feature specific to the account. Additionally, on mobile devices, users can easily switch between active accounts, adding convenience without sacrificing security. In addition please keep in mind:

A reminder: Bitwarden or Vaultwarden?*

It’s important to understand between Bitwarden and Vaultwarden. Vaultwarden is an open source password manager and an alternative implementation of the Bitwarden server API written in Rust and compatible with upstream Bitwarden clients. It is perfect for self-hosted or managed hosting deployment where running the official resource-heavy service might not be ideal such as small and medium teams. For small and medium teams seeking hassle-free added security, our Managed Hosting offering is tailored to provide an optimal environment for Bitwarden.

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