Despite recent crackdown attempts, let's be honest: most people share some passwords. For example, your friends need the Wi-Fi password when they visit, or you're trying to save money on a Netflix or HBO subscription by sharing your password with a family member. However you do it, it's important to share them securely, and the right password manager can get the job done without risking your account getting hacked. And with both excellent free and paid options to choose from, you can protect your password no matter how much you're willing to spend on it.

How to Use a Password Manager to Share Passwords

Not every password manager makes it easy to share credentials with other people, so I've highlighted apps that are particularly good for this below. Each password manager's sharing options are a little different, so check out the linked reviews to learn more about each sharing process.

Occasional Password Sharing

If you want to share one or two passwords with friends or family members, look for an app that can generate a single-use sharing link.

(Credit: Keeper/PCMag)

Keeper's One-Time Share is a good example because it allows you to send credentials using Airdrop, QR codes, or SMS. The person on the other end doesn't even need to download Keeper to access the password link. If a stranger somehow gets hold of the link, the password is only accessible from the device it was sent to.

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Frequent Password Sharing

Editors' Choice NordPass offers a similar sharing link feature and an option to secure multiple passwords over a long time period. You can customize permissions for shared passwords, such as auto-filling and editing rights or the ability to use the password in view-only mode. You can also decide how long a recipient has access to the password before it expires. Dashlane and Keeper offer similar customizations.

(Credit: NordPass/PCMag)

While examining the ways that sharing passwords can improve romantic relationships, I created a list of the best password managers for sharing. Check out that article to learn what features you should look for when choosing a password manager family plan.

Creating a Digital Legacy

Another less invasive but longer-term solution for sharing your passwords is to establish a digital legacy within your password manager. Many password managers allow you to designate people who will inherit your logins in the event of your death or incapacitation. That way, your trusted family members or friends can shut down your social media profiles and other accounts, preventing scammers and spammers from using your dormant social media profiles to commit fraud.

LogMeOnce has one of the most thorough digital inheritance platforms I’ve seen. In addition to choosing how long to wait to grant access to a designee, you can also choose when the invitation expires. I was impressed with the option to add a message to your emergency contact to let them know details about the accounts and how long they have access. Bitwarden, Keeper, NordPass, and RoboForm also offer digital legacy options.