The easy way to make sure you never forget your tablet passwords

We've explained the need to using strong passwords many times before and how invaluable a dedicated password manager can be when it comes to remembering thing like at*kI=wOt+iG=cigg;Or. This isn't just a PC problem, though — you need to adopt the same strategy on any computer you use, and that includes smartphones and tablets.

Fortunately, plenty of password managers are available for mobile devices, too, both free and paid for. Many will also synchronise their data with the same app on another computer, although that's usually a paid-for benefit.

All work in much the same way, so it's a matter of personal preference whether you use an app like 1Password, Norton IDSafe or LastPass (which are all available for Android, too).

The best apps backup and/or store their data in the cloud, too, which means you can't lose it and can access it easily from other devices. Here's how to get started with LastPass, we've used an iPad, but the free app is also available for Android tablets like the Tesco Hudl 2. 

Step 1: Install LastPass

Download and install LastPass from the iTunes App Store. You'll have access to the premium app for 14 days, after which it will revert to the free version, but the only real change is that this disables syncing between mobile devices.

Step 2: Complete the tutorial

When you first launch the app, you'll see a message about the LastPass web browser, but you can ignore this for now — just tap the OK button continue and work your way through the rest of the brief app tutorial.

[Related story: How safe is your password?]

Step 3: Create a free account

LastPass looks like an ordinary web browser, but you'll need to register for a free account before you can use it. Tap the Create Account button and fill in the form with your details. Be sure to choose a strong, but memorable password here (you'll need to remember it) and tick the three boxes below before clicking the Create Account button again.

Step 4: Set up your first saved site

Once your account has been created, you'll be returned to the LastPass web browser to add your first saved username and password. Tap the Add Site button and then tap one of the icons for the site you want to use — or tap the Add Custom button for a different site. We're using Twitter in this example.

Step 5: Save your login details

Enter your site login details as usual and once you've logged in, be sure to tap the Yes button that appears at the top-right of the LastPass browser to save the username and password.

[Related story: How to protect your iPad against thieves]

Step 6: Customise the saved information

A new window will open with more information about the site and your login details, so edit this as you see fit before tapping the Save button at the top-right of the screen.

Step 7: Auto-fill your login details

Whenever you next visit a site that you've saved your login details for, LastPass should fill in the details automatically. If not, just tap the LastPass button at the top-right of the browser, then tap Matching Sites until you find the appropriate login and tap the AutoFill option.

Step 8: Use LastPass' bookmarks

You can add logins for other sites by repeating Steps 4 to 7. It's easiest to use LastPass to visit sites you've saved login details for and you can open them directly, rather than type their web addresses. Just select Sites from the LastPass button menu and browse for the site category and name, then tap the Launch option. This works just like the bookmarks list in your usual web browser. 

For advice on choosing a password check out our article: How to create strong passwords and never forget them.

Do you have any tips for remembering passwords? Let us know in the Comments section below.

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