Frequently Asked Questions

Is retrokey safe to use?

Yes. retrokey runs entirely in your browser with no server connection. Your passwords are generated locally using the browser's cryptographically secure random number generator (crypto.getRandomValues). We never store, transmit, or see your passwords. Everything happens on your device.

Why should I use retrokey instead of a password manager?

retrokey and password managers serve different purposes. retrokey is a quick, free tool for generating strong passwords on demand—no signup, no account, no commitment. Password managers (like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass) store and manage all your passwords securely. We recommend using both: generate passwords with retrokey, then store them in a password manager.

Can I use retrokey offline?

Yes. retrokey works completely offline after the first visit. The page is cached by your browser, so you can generate passwords anytime without an internet connection. This makes it perfect for travel or situations where you don't have reliable internet.

What's the difference between password strength levels?

retrokey shows three strength levels based on password length and character variety:

• WEAK (Red): Short passwords or limited character variety. Not recommended for important accounts.
• MEDIUM (Amber): Decent length and variety. Acceptable for low-security accounts.
• STRONG (Green): Long password with full character variety. Recommended for all accounts, especially email and banking.

How long should my password be?

At least 12 characters for most accounts. For important accounts like email and banking, use 16+ characters. Longer passwords are exponentially harder to crack. retrokey lets you generate passwords from 8 to 32 characters. As a rule of thumb: longer is always better.

Do I need to use all character types?

It's best to use all four character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols) for maximum security. However, some services have restrictions. If a service doesn't allow symbols, you can toggle them off in retrokey and regenerate.

Can I save my passwords in retrokey?

No. retrokey does not store passwords. It only generates them on demand. You should save your generated passwords in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, LastPass, or your browser's built-in password manager.

Is retrokey free?

Yes. retrokey is completely free. It's supported by optional ads. No signup, no premium features, no hidden costs. Generate as many passwords as you want.

What if a service rejects my generated password?

Some services have unusual password requirements (e.g., no symbols, maximum length of 20 characters). If your generated password is rejected, adjust the settings in retrokey to match the service's requirements and generate a new one.

Can I copy the password easily?

Yes. Just click the large password display field and it's copied to your clipboard. You'll see a "COPIED!" confirmation. On mobile, tap the password field to copy it.

Does retrokey work on mobile?

Yes. retrokey is fully responsive and works on all devices—phones, tablets, and desktops. The interface adapts to your screen size.

What if I need a pronounceable password?

retrokey currently generates random passwords. If you need a pronounceable password, you can manually adjust the generated password or use a different tool. However, random passwords are more secure than pronounceable ones.

How do I know if my password has been compromised?

Use Have I Been Pwned to check if your email has been in a known data breach. If it has, change your password immediately for that service and any others using the same password.

Should I enable two-factor authentication?

Absolutely. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of security. Even if your password is compromised, 2FA prevents unauthorized access. Enable it on all important accounts, especially email and banking.