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.
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:
To clarify the change, LastPass defined two primary device types:
Examples:
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.
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:
Upgrade to LastPass Families: Ideal for families, this plan offered all the features of Premium for up to six users.
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.
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.
Regardless of which password manager you choose, it's essential to prioritize strong password hygiene. A password manager like LastPass can help you:
By taking proactive steps to manage your passwords, you can significantly improve your online security and protect your personal information.
