Using KeePass on Google Drive and iPhone
Solvedurilou777 Posted messages 319 Registration date Status Membre Last intervention -
Hello everyone! It's been a while!
I'm working on using Keepass on my computer (Windows 10) and on my iPhone 8 by syncing both with Google Drive. Can someone act as a mentor to help me understand how this works and how to proceed? I need all my passwords on my phone for a short trip. Thank you for your always valuable help!
3 réponses
Hello,
I’m going to give you the perspective of someone using Windows 10 (and then 11, no difference) and on Android with Google Drive for synchronization + online autofill.
You’ve probably understood it, Keepass is an Open Source password manager, hence free (you can still tip the developer). You have the homepage at this link to download the latest version:
you have the plugins page to add functionalities:
https://keepass.info/plugins.html
for example, I use the KeePassRPC plugin alongside the Kee (Chrome Web Store) extension - the link is also in the list of plugins - for autofilling forms on my PC
after a little manipulation in the software (moving a .plgx file to the "Plugin" folder) and another one on the browser (validating a pairing code), you will have autofill working automatically, and every time you fill in a field, you can quickly save new credentials.
apparently to synchronize with Google Drive, some people use one of the synchronization plugins offered like KeeAnywhere for example, and it’s certainly the simplest; personally, I downloaded the Google Drive software for PC, so my cloud space appears as a volume that I named G: next to my other hard drives and USB drives
- I suppose my method is not the best; besides, the G: volume is not always mounted when needed...
So in Keepass, you just have to click "New" to create a database and thus save the empty file (which ends with .kdbx) in the Google Drive ---> My Drive ---> subfolder according to your preference. Or find the settings for the synchronization plugin.
- you need to choose a strong master password that you won’t forget!
So the configuration is mainly done on PC; on mobile, you just need to find a client to access the database. Some are more or less advanced and also allow you to modify the database. I don’t know how well autofill managers are integrated into the iPhone; in Android, there's a setting to select the one we use by default, and it appears in all password input fields.
https://www.apple.com/us/search/keepass?src="""""""""lobalnav
From what I see, you have the choice between KeePass Touch and Strongbox - KeePass & PwSafe and KeePassium (KeePass passwords) and IOSKeePass and Fast Pass - KeePass 4; KeePassium and IOSKeePass being the best rated, I suggest you try both and see your preference / the one with the features you need.
- regularly back up your .kdbx file locally, it costs nothing (it’s encrypted, ZEN); in fact, the software/apps do this too, to allow access to the database even offline or in case of sync issues...
Of course, if you have any questions, I can provide more detailed explanations, possibly with screenshots to help you; just the iPhone part, you’ll have to manage a bit on your own. Combine it with two-factor authentication, and you’ll be part of the elite in terms of your online security; I’m not exaggerating.
Hello! Or good night, depending.
1. I managed to connect my Keepass from the computer to Google Drive thanks to the KeeAnywhere plugin. I tested the synchronization of Keepass from the computer with Drive, which seems okay but not 100% stable. Why? I don’t really understand. As long as that part works, I can switch from computer to computer by logging into my Google account.
2. On my iPhone, I downloaded the Keepassium app and successfully connected to Google Drive (downloaded it earlier on my cell), and it synchronized by itself; I don’t know how.
3. I checked the stability of the entire Keepass on the computer/database on Google Drive/Keepassium on the iPhone. Everything seems solid. Question: how can I ensure the continuity of the device's synchronization without having to redo the tests every time I open the apps? In other words, is there a general synchronization command, or does the cloud system with KeeAnywhere handle it automatically? I want to be able to edit new entries from the iPhone, of course. Thank you once again for your insights and help.
Hello,
If you don’t want to have to save manually every time (by clicking Save or Ctrl + S):
Go to Tools ---> Options ---> Advanced and check the auto-save option on closing / after modifying an entry.
Otherwise, I assume the plugin immediately synchronizes, but I don't know how it works; the method I've personally used saves directly to the Google Drive file, it's like I'm editing it in real time (there are also options to enable a local backup).
But actually, it’s not modified locally first and then synchronized; it’s truly the cloud version that is modified in real time each time.
So if there's an error saving (for example, the Google Drive server is unavailable), it will crash directly, it will give me an error message right away. There is also likely an option in the app, and in any case, the app will first try to open the database from Google Drive, and if that doesn’t work, you will probably receive a notification informing you of the error, and maybe it will open the local backup instead if there is one.
You can run tests to see what happens when you delete the file from Drive and try to open Keepass or Keepassium, etc. If that makes you feel more comfortable, but personally, it has been going well for a good two years ^^
You can also test adding a password on the PC, and check how long it takes to appear on the phone.
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Which seems fine but not 100% stable - I don't understand, can you explain the problem?
Hello,
I’ve just been convinced to keep Dashlane, yes I know it’s not free but…
It's true, there's a certain setup to do. Ideally, you shouldn't already have a ton of entries to migrate, although in CSV it might be possible.
Personally, I took the opportunity to make sure all my passwords are "up to standard".
And especially for the paranoid, it gives the possibility to handle everything 100% locally and know exactly what's happening with the data after each press of a button...
After that, everything runs smoothly ;)
I hope you convinced our friend Benwifi, I will stick with Dashlane but I understand your choice.
Have a nice day.