05.10.24

See what you type: unmasking your password (safely)

Ever gotten locked out of your account because you mistyped your password for the hundredth time? We’ve all been there. Those little dots hiding your password as you type can be super secure, but also super frustrating!

Here’s the thing: toggling the password visibility setting (that little eye icon you often see) can actually help you avoid those annoying lockouts. Why? Because seeing what you’re typing ensures you’re entering the correct characters.

But Isn’t Hiding My Password More Secure?

Yes and no. Password masking (hiding your password with dots) is a great security feature, especially on public computers or if someone might be peeking over your shoulder. But if you’re confident you’re in a safe space, seeing your password can be a benefit.

The Perks of Password Visibility:

  • Say Goodbye to Typos: Those sneaky typos can really mess up your login attempts. Seeing your password lets you double-check for any mistakes before hitting enter.
  • Catch Those Caps Lock Surprises: We’ve all accidentally left Caps Lock on, leading to failed logins. Seeing your password ensures you’re using the correct case for each letter.
  • Copy and Paste with Confidence: Sometimes, you might need to copy and paste your password from a password manager. Seeing it briefly ensures you’re copying the correct thing.

Even if you enable password visibility, be aware of your surroundings. If someone is lurking nearby, switch it back to hidden mode.

The Key Takeaway:

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to password visibility. It depends on the situation. But if you’re confident you’re in a safe space, toggling that eye icon can help you avoid those frustrating login struggles.