How to Sign Up for a Passbolt Account? A Complete

In a world where digital security threats are becoming increasingly complex, the importance of secure password management cannot be overstated. Whether you're a small business, a development team, or an enterprise handling sensitive information, safeguarding credentials is essential. That’s where Passbolt comes in—a robust, open-source password manager specifically designed for team collaboration with security at its core.

Unlike many commercial password managers that focus on individual use, Passbolt is built for teams. It offers end-to-end encryption, user control, and seamless integration with self-hosted or cloud-based environments. Signing up for a Passbolt account is the first step toward protecting shared credentials and managing team access securely.

If you're wondering how to sign up for a Passbolt account, whether on a self-hosted server or the Passbolt cloud service, this article will walk you through the process in detail. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to get started with one of the most secure password management tools available.

What is Passbolt?

Passbolt is an open-source password manager built for teams and professionals. It allows multiple users to share and manage passwords in a collaborative environment. With a focus on security and flexibility, Passbolt can be self-hosted on your infrastructure or used via a hosted cloud platform.

Here are some standout features of Passbolt:

• End-to-End Encryption: All passwords are encrypted on the client side before being sent to the server.

• Team Collaboration: Easily share access to credentials with colleagues while maintaining control.

• Granular Permissions: Set who can read, edit, or share each password.

• Open-Source: Transparent development backed by community audits and contributions.

• Flexible Deployment: Choose between self-hosted and cloud-hosted versions.

With that background, let's dive into the step-by-step guide for signing up for a Passbolt account.

Step 1: Choose Your Deployment – Self-Hosted vs Cloud

Before you begin signing up, it’s important to know which version of Passbolt you want to use.

Option 1: Cloud-Hosted Version

The cloud-hosted option is ideal if you prefer a hassle-free setup. Passbolt handles all the hosting and maintenance, allowing you to focus solely on password management.

Option 2: Self-Hosted Version

If you have in-house IT support and want full control over your data, the self-hosted version is the way to go. You’ll install Passbolt on your own server, configure security settings, and manage access internally.

The account creation process differs slightly between these options, so we’ll cover both.

Step 2: Signing Up on Passbolt Cloud (Hosted)

If you’re using the hosted version of Passbolt, signing up is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it:

Step 2.1: Access the Hosted Platform

Open the Passbolt cloud platform in your browser. You will be greeted with a welcome screen or login page. Look for the sign-up or "Create an Account" option.

Step 2.2: Provide Basic Information

You’ll need to provide a few details:

• Full Name: Your name will be used to identify your user profile.

• Email Address: This will be your login ID and for verification purposes.

• Password: Create a strong password to protect your account. You’ll also be using a key pair (explained below) for enhanced encryption.

Step 2.3: Verify Your Email

After submitting your registration information, Passbolt will send a verification email to your inbox. Open the email and click the confirmation link to activate your account.

This verification step ensures your email is valid and that you're authorized to create the account.

Step 3: Set Up Your GPG Key Pair

One of the most unique aspects of Passbolt is its use of GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) encryption. Instead of relying solely on traditional passwords, Passbolt uses a key pair to encrypt and decrypt data securely.

Step 3.1: Generate Your GPG Key

Passbolt will prompt you to create a GPG key pair, which includes a public key and a private key. The public key encrypts your data, and only your private key can decrypt it.

This can usually be done directly through your browser during the sign-up process. You’ll be asked to set a password for your private key.

Step 3.2: Download and Backup Your Key

Once generated, download a backup of your private key and store it somewhere secure. This key is critical. If you lose it, you could lose access to your encrypted data.

You may also be given the option to import an existing GPG key pair if you already use one elsewhere.

Step 4: Log In and Configure Your Account

Once your key pair is set up and your email is verified, you can log into your account for the first time.

What You’ll See:

• Dashboard: Your personal space to view stored credentials.

• Password Vault: Where your saved and shared passwords are stored.

• Team Management: If you’re an admin, you can invite other users and manage their roles.

• Security Settings: Access to change passwords, keys, and security options.

Step 5: Signing Up via Self-Hosted Installation

If you or your company prefers more control over data, you'll likely be using a self-hosted Passbolt instance. Here’s what the signup looks like in that case:

Step 5.1: Access the Self-Hosted URL

Your system administrator will give you a unique web address (URL) to access the self-hosted Passbolt platform. Open the URL in your browser.

Step 5.2: Admin Creates Your Account

In most self-hosted environments, the administrator will pre-create your user account. You will then receive an email invite with a link to set up your account.

Click the link, and it will take you to the onboarding page.

Step 5.3: Create Password and GPG Key

Just like with the cloud version, you’ll go through the GPG key generation process and create a password. Be sure to store your private key securely.

Step 5.4: Finalize Setup

Complete the steps to configure your account. Once done, you can log in and begin using Passbolt just like with the cloud-hosted version.

Step 6: Invite Team Members (For Admins)

If you’re setting up Passbolt for a team, your next step will be to invite users:

• Go to User Management or Team Settings

• Add email addresses for your teammates

• Assign roles (admin, manager, user)

Each user will receive an invite with setup instructions. As with your account, they will need to generate a GPG key pair during onboarding.

Step 7: Start Using Passbolt

Now that your account is active, you can begin managing credentials:

• Add Passwords: Create entries for websites, databases, and other services.

• Share Passwords: Select who has access and assign permissions.

• Organize Items: Use folders, tags, or categories to keep things structured.

• Track Activity: Monitor who accessed or modified shared credentials.

Passbolt also supports browser extensions, allowing you to autofill passwords directly on websites.

Tips for a Smooth Passbolt Experience

Here are a few best practices after signing up:

• Backup Your Private Key: Without it, you cannot decrypt your stored passwords.

• Use a Strong Master Password: Choose something secure and avoid reusing it across platforms.

• Keep Software Updated: Whether you’re using the app or browser extension, stay updated to benefit from new features and security patches.

• Educate Your Team: Make sure everyone knows how to use GPG keys and follow best practices.

Common Issues During Sign-Up

• GPG Key Generation Errors: Try switching browsers or updating browser extensions.

• Email Not Received: Check spam/junk folders or contact your administrator.

• Key Pair Not Downloading: Ensure pop-ups or downloads are not blocked by browser settings.

Conclusion

Signing up for a Passbolt account is the first step toward securing your team's passwords in a collaborative, encrypted environment. Whether you choose the cloud-hosted platform for ease or self-hosting for control, Passbolt offers a secure and scalable solution tailored to teams that prioritize privacy and transparency.

With its open-source architecture, GPG encryption, and intuitive interface, Passbolt helps you eliminate risky password sharing methods like spreadsheets or messaging apps. By following this guide, you can confidently sign up, set up your account, and start using Passbolt to manage your organization’s sensitive credentials with ease and security.

Make the shift from chaotic password management to structured, secure, and collaborative control—start your Passbolt journey today.

Technology enthusiast skilled in software development, AI, and cybersecurity. Passionate about innovation and problem-solving in the tech industry.