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Since KeePass is a traditional password manager, it requires "line of sight" access to a local file to read the KeePass database information. However, when you use KeePass with a cloud storage service app such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, etc., you can synchronize your KeePass database between multiple devices.
As a high-level overview, you want to configure your mobile devices (iPhone and Android) and Windows PCs with the same cloud storage provider and install the appropriate synchronization apps to synchronize files.
Overview of syncing KeePass between Windows PCs, iPhone, and Android
Sync workflows between Windows, iPhone, and Android
It is arguably easiest to configure everything on a Windows PC. The initial steps for getting KeePass configured for synchronization between devices involve the following workflow:
- Install KeePass.
- Create a new KeePass database.
- Install a cloud storage synchronization app.
- Install KeePass mobile apps.
- Interact with KeePass entries.
Install KeePass for Windows
To download a copy of KeePass, visit the KeePass downloads page. You can download either the EXE or the ZIP file. Here, I am executing the KeePass installer. The installation process is straightforward and is basically a "next, next, finish" process. When selecting the components for installation, accepting the defaults is fine for most.
Select KeePass components to install
Create a database
After launching KeePass, choose the far left icon under the File menu to create a new KeePass database.
After KeePass launches, create a new KeePass database
When you choose to create the new KeePass database, choose the location for the cloud storage service you want to use between your Windows PC and your mobile device. Below, I am using OneDrive.
Select a cloud storage location for storing the KeePass database
Create the new KeePass database and choose a master password. Next, name the database.
Select a database name
When it creates the new KeePass database, the wizard will ask if you want to create an emergency sheet with the details of the security information.
In the next step, we begin creating entries. We will populate the database with a couple of sample entries. Right-click and choose Add Entry.
Add a new entry to the KeePass database
Below, we have created a new record called TestEntry.
Creating the new entry and configuring the password
Mobile apps for KeyPass for Windows
Many options are available for KeePass, both on iPhone and Android devices. Let's briefly look at a few apps you can use in conjunction with a cloud storage sync app.
iPhone
- KeePass Touch
- KeePassium
- Strongbox
- AuthPass - (both iOS and Android support)
- PassDrop 2
Android
Sync passwords between Windows and smartphones
I have an Android device where I have the OneDrive app opened with the same account used in the above walkthrough, where the KeePass database was created. As you can see below, we see the KeePass database synchronized to OneDrive storage on the Android device. The view below is of the mobile OneDrive client.
OneDrive app opened on Android showing the KeePass database
Switching back to the KeePassDroid client, when you click Open, you can navigate to your OneDrive storage and select the KeePass database created earlier.
Opening the OneDrive location in KeePassDroid
After selecting the KeePass database synchronized to OneDrive storage, you are prompted for the master password configured when the KeePass database was created.
Prompted for the KeePass master password on the Android device
After opening the KeePass database, the TestEntry record is available for viewing.
The new entry from the Windows PC is now visible from the Android or iPhone device
This same general process works no matter which cloud service is used or if you are using an iPhone. You will install the KeePass mobile app of your choice and open the synchronized file on the device. Keep in mind that this is a multimaster model. You can make updates and changes from any device. Once cloud storage synchronizes with each device, the changes will be reflected, no matter which device is used.
Final notes
KeePass is a great solution that is free and open source. It provides many security features, and when combined with modern cloud storage, you can sync passwords with KeePass between Windows PCs, iPhones, and Android devices.
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In addition, there are many KeePass mobile apps available that are free to use. It is easy to synchronize your KeePass entries between multiple devices.
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I’m using Google drive but I can’t see the kdbx file. I can see it only using the windows keepass program. Hence, I can’t open it on my mobile.. help please. Thanks
how did u create the file on google drive, from KeePass program? Did you find a solution to your problem
It doesn’t seem like a good idea to directly synchronize the open database in keepass.
It can lead to broken database file sometimes.
You should better open a local not shared database and use trigger to synchronize with shared ones.
You will find more information about this ont the official keepass website : https://keepass.info/help/kb/trigger_examples.html#dbsync
Hello, I use Keepass and for many years now. I have four devices and would like a synch. but find it a little daunting.
My way is to upload my main pc KP last updated to G Drive, usually with a new updated file name and then DL it from the other 3 devices. Then I delete the file from G Drive.
It’s a little tedious but it’s doing the job. (although my last such update had a PW with an ‘@’ And this ‘@’ was omitted on my Samsung phone.
From ‘Keepass’ Help I actually read about using trigger…This seems quite involved for me I was expecting somehting a little more simple. Yes I use the free version and thought for synch. it was only available for paid version but i have no real idea. Just the same If it is this complicated I may have to continue as it is.
Did not know how to use ‘Edit’ so use the reply option.
I just wanted to say thank you for Brandon Lee’s article. 🙂
Does not matter much whatever I wrote although I wish I could edit it. However since there seem to be so little interest for this thread. It’s a shame as the article is sound although as said to involved for me (perhaps formany others too).
And I bump into it by chance still trying to get the sync. working for me!
I should give myself a thumb up ….Might get me to Rank 2
for days now i have been trying, using android 13, windows 11, everything is up to date, using onedrive same file and get 2 different sets of data, the windows app does not talk to the android app, from either direction, they have to be loading from each of the devices storage