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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This section covers common questions and problems users encounter when using Vaultwarden.

I forgot my master password. Can I reset it?

Unfortunately, no.

Vaultwarden (like Bitwarden) uses zero-knowledge encryption, meaning no one—not even the administrator—can recover your master password. If it's lost, your data is permanently inaccessible.

Use a password hint or save your master password securely offline.

I didn’t receive a login or verification email. What should I do?

Check the following:

  • Look in your Spam or Junk folder.
  • Make sure you're using the correct email address.
  • If the server is self-hosted, the admin may need to configure email (SMTP) settings.

Contact your Vaultwarden admin if the issue persists.

The browser extension says “Cannot connect to server.” What’s wrong?

Most likely, the Server URL is not set correctly.

  1. Click the Settings link in the browser extension login screen.
  2. Replace the default server URL (https://vault.bitwarden.com) with your self-hosted Vaultwarden instance URL (e.g., https://vault.bradix.org).
  3. Save and try logging in again.

Can I use Vaultwarden on mobile?

Yes!

  • Download the Bitwarden mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • In Settings, change the Server URL to your Vaultwarden instance.
  • Log in with your credentials.

The mobile app works just like the browser extension, including autofill and vault sync.

How do I back up my vault?

You can export your vault to a file:

  1. Go to Tools → Export Vault.
  2. Enter your master password.
  3. Download the file in CSV or JSON format.

Exported vault files are unencrypted! Store them securely and delete them when finished.

Is Vaultwarden safe?

Vaultwarden is a secure, self-hosted alternative to Bitwarden. It uses:

  • End-to-end encryption
  • Zero-knowledge architecture
  • Open-source code (auditable on GitHub)

Security also depends on how you use it—strong passwords, 2FA, and safe sharing are essential.