So it appears that in order for mini or browser extensions to work 1Password has to be open.

RxH

So it appears that in order for mini or the browser extensions to work the 1Password program has to be open. That seems to defeat the purpose of the vault. If the program is open then the contents of the vault are visible to anyone using the computer. I thought mini and the extensions were supposed to work without the program being open. I have only been using 1Password for one day but I seriously regret having spent $60 for the Mac and Android versions.

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1Password Version: 5.3.2
Extension Version: 4.4.1
OS Version: OSX 10.10.4
Sync Type: wifi

littlebobbytables

Hi @RxH,

I'm not sure I'm fully understanding. When you say 1Password has to be open are you referring to the main 1Password window or do you mean that your vault is unlocked?

As long as 1Password mini is allowed to always run (the Always keep 1Password mini running option in the General tab of 1Password's preferences) then the main window can be closed. This works because 1Password mini keeps the vault unlocked and accessible.

Are your concerns related to this at all or have I misinterpreted your post?

adihaya

@RxH, if you go to 1Password > Preferences (Command - comma) > General you will see an option called "Always keep 1Password mini running". As long as that option is turned on, even if you quit the main 1P app the extensions and Mini will keep running.

if the program is open, the contents of the vault are visible to anyone using the computer

The contents of the vault are encrypted and secured, and are only visible after entering your master password. From there on, the contents are openly visible but you can easily lock the vault either by pressing the lock icon in the top-right corner of 1Password or by hitting the keystroke (Command-alt-control-L is the default).

sjk

Hi @RxH,

I hope the information from @littlebobbytables and @adihaya answers all your questions. Here's more about the Always keep 1Password mini running option they mentioned from the General Preferences page of the 1Password 5 for Mac User Guide:

Always keep 1Password mini running

Enabled by default

1Password mini is required to use the browser extensions, so we recommend enabling "Always keep 1Password mini running". When it is enabled, 1Password mini will run in the background every time you log in to your Mac.

One thing to consider is that 1Password mini always runs when the main 1Password app is running regardless of this setting, so if you only want to use the browser extensions when the main 1Password app is running, you could disable this option. However, we find that most folks like to use the browser extensions regardless of whether the main 1Password app is running or not, thus the default behavior here.

That page also shows keyboard shortcuts available under General Preferences, where the ^⌥⌘L default for Lock 1Password can be changed. And Security Preferences is where you can adjust Auto-lock options to your liking.

If you have more questions or concerns please don't hesitate to ask or share them. We're always here to help! :)

RxH

Thanks for your replies. I have the 'keep mini running' option checked. When I quit the main 1P app, it locks the program (locks the vault) which requires entering the master pwd to reopen the program (unlock the vault). But when I quit the main app it also locks the mini and the browser extensions. I have to enter the master pwd each time I want to use the mini or the extensions. My understanding from the 1P documentation is that even if I quit (lock) the main program the mini and extensions will keep running without having to enter the master pwd to use either.

sjk

Hi @RxH,

When I quit the main 1P app, it locks the program (locks the vault) which requires entering the master pwd to reopen the program (unlock the vault). But when I quit the main app it also locks the mini and the browser extensions.

Have you enabled the Lock when main window is closed Auto-lock option under Security Preferences? That one is disabled by default.

1Password is either fully locked or unlocked, adjustable with the Auto-lock options under aforementioned Security Preferences. There are no separate locking options for the main application, 1Password mini, and browser extensions.

Locking is handled by 1Password mini, which powers the interface for both the 1Password browser extensions and main application.

I have to enter the master pwd each time I want to use the mini or the extensions.

If you have the Lock when main window is closed Auto-lock option disabled then one of these others (all enabled by default) is responsible for 1Password being locked whenever you're trying to use mini or the browser extensions:

• Lock on sleep
• Lock when screen saver is activated
• Lock when fast user switching
• Lock after computer is idle for 5 minutes

When enabled and any of those conditions are met, the 1Password main app, mini, and extensions are all locked. For instance, maybe you're trying to use the extension and having to re-enter your master password after returning to your computer from longer than a 5 minutes break. The Lock after computer is idle for 5 minutes option could have been responsible for the locking and you may prefer setting it for more than 5 minutes idle.

And 1Password will be locked whenever mini is restarted, which of course includes after a system restart.

Some people like to only have Lock on sleep enabled so that 1Password remains unlocked except when their computer sleeps (or is restarted). Feel free to adjust the Auto-lock options until finding a combination that works well for you. :)

I hope that helps!