Last updated on February 18, 2025
1Password is a free-to-use, DoIT supported enterprise password manager that allows faculty, staff, and students to securely store, manage, and share credentials used for university purposes.
Account types
1Password offers University and Families accounts that fit different use cases. Users may have one or both accounts.
- University Accounts – Enterprise account activated in the UW–Madison 1Password instance. University accounts:
- Can create and share Vaults with other UW–Madison users.
- Use NetID to login.
- Are supported by DoIT and Cybersecurity
- Families Accounts – Free family account for personal use. Families accounts:
- Can share with family members.
- Cannot be added to UW–Madison Vaults.
- Use a secret key and primary password to login.
- Are supported by 1Password.
A detailed comparison of 1Password account types can be found here: 1Password – University vs Families Accounts
Benefits
- Securely stores, manages, and shares university-related credentials.
- Securely share items like passwords, credit cards, or documents with colleagues through shared vaults.
- Integrated with Single Sign On (SSO-NetID login) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA-Duo) for increased security.
- Eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords (and the vulnerabilities associated with reusing passwords).
- Works across multiple platforms and devices including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Protect you and your family online with a free 1Password Families account.
Requirements
- Enrolled students, student employees, and paid faculty and staff are eligible to activate a 1Password account. Alumni and unpaid staff are not eligible.
- Must be enrolled in MFA-Duo.
- Intended for university-related credentials.
- We strongly recommended installing 1Password’s desktop or mobile app.
Getting started
You can request your 1Password account within the UW–Madison Profile service.
How to Request Your Account
- Navigate to UW–Madison Profile.
If you’re eligible for 1Password, you’ll see it listed under Eligible Services. - Click the Request Activation button to request your account.
- Look for an invite email from 1Password within the next 24 hours.
Tips for Getting Started with 1Password
Here are a few tips to help you set up and start using your 1Password account:
Explore Best Practices
Visit Getting Started with 1Password at UW–Madison for recommendations and helpful tips as you get set up.
Install 1Password
After activating your account, install the 1Password browser extension or app.
For detailed setup instructions, visit Set Up and Unlock 1Password on a New Device.
Sign-In Instructions
When signing in for the first time, update the sign-in address to uw-madison.1password.com.
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions, contact the DoIT Help Desk for support.
Pricing
University accounts are free to use for all active faculty, staff, and students.
Families accounts are free to use for all faculty, staff, students.
Available to
- Faculty
- Researchers
- Staff
- Students