LastPass Free Users: Understanding the 2021 Changes and Your Options
LastPass is a popular password manager used by millions worldwide to securely store and manage their passwords, notes, and other sensitive information. In early 2021, LastPass announced changes to its free tier, impacting how users could access the service across different device types. This article delves into those changes, explains what they meant for LastPass Free users, and outlines the available options.
Key Changes to LastPass Free in 2021
In February 2021, LastPass announced a significant update to its LastPass Free offering, effective March 16, 2021. The core change revolved around limiting access to the service based on device type:
- Device Type Restriction: Free users would be limited to using LastPass on either computers (desktops and laptops) or mobile devices (phones, tablets, and smartwatches).
- Active Device Type Selection: The first login on or after March 16th determined the user's active device type.
- Switching Device Types: Users were initially given three opportunities to switch their active device type.
- Customer Support Changes: As of August 23, 2021, technical support was limited to Premium and Families subscribers. Free users retained access to the Support Center and community forums.
Understanding Device Types
To clarify the change, LastPass defined two primary device types:
- Computers: This category included all browsers running on desktops and laptops, regardless of the operating system.
- Mobile Devices: This encompassed mobile phones, smartwatches, and tablets.
Examples:
- A Free user choosing "Computers" could use LastPass on multiple computers but not on their phone or tablet.
- A Free user selecting "Mobile Devices" could access LastPass on their phone, tablet, and smartwatch but not on their desktop or laptop.
Impact on Free Users
This change primarily impacted users who relied on LastPass across both computer and mobile devices without a paid subscription. It meant choosing the device type they used most frequently or upgrading to a paid plan for unrestricted access.
Options for LastPass Free Users
Faced with these changes, LastPass Free users had a few options:
-
Choose a Device Type: Select either "Computers" or "Mobile Devices" as their active device type and limit their LastPass usage accordingly.
-
Upgrade to LastPass Premium: This provided unlimited device type access, along with other premium features like:
- Dark web monitoring
- Emergency access
- Security score dashboard
- Dedicated personal support
- Advanced multi-factor authentication
-
Upgrade to LastPass Families: Ideal for families, this plan offered all the features of Premium for up to six users.
Why These Changes?
LastPass cited the need to adapt its offerings to keep up with the evolving digital landscape and the growing user base. By introducing these limitations, LastPass aimed to encourage more users to upgrade to paid plans, which would support the continued development and maintenance of the service.
Next Steps for LastPass Users
While the specific offers mentioned in the original announcement may no longer be valid, LastPass continues to offer various subscription plans to suit different needs.
- Visit the LastPass Pricing page to compare the features of each plan and choose the one that best fits your requirements.
- Explore the LastPass Blog for the latest updates, security tips, and product news.
- Check out alternatives to LastPass such as Bitwarden or 1Password
The Importance of Password Management
Regardless of which password manager you choose, it's essential to prioritize strong password hygiene. A password manager like LastPass can help you:
- Generate strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
- Securely store your passwords in an encrypted vault.
- Automatically fill in login credentials on websites and apps.
- Protect yourself from phishing attacks and other online threats.
By taking proactive steps to manage your passwords, you can significantly improve your online security and protect your personal information.
