Strong Passphrase Maker
A passphrase is a password made from several simple words joined together. It is easier to remember than a jumble of letters and numbers, and it can still be strong because it is long. For example, four simple words joined with hyphens are much easier to type and remember than a short password like "Sun123". This maker picks words at random, in your browser only, and shows you a new passphrase each time you tap the button.
The words are picked with a safe random method built into your browser. The passphrase is never sent anywhere, and this site does not store it. As soon as you leave this page, the passphrase shown here is gone unless you have written it down. That is why the most important step is to write it down on paper and keep that paper somewhere safe at home. Do not send the passphrase to anyone, do not type it into a message, and do not use the same passphrase for your email, your bank, and your other important accounts. Use a different passphrase for each important account, so that if one is found out, the others are still safe.
Choose how many words you want. Three words is shorter and easier to remember. Four words is a good middle choice for most accounts. Five words is the strongest choice here, and is a good choice for your most important accounts. Pick the number that you can remember and type without too much trouble, and remember that a longer passphrase is only helpful if you can remember it and keep it safe.
How to use this tool
- Choose how many words you want: 3, 4, or 5.
- Tap or click "Make a passphrase".
- Read the passphrase shown. Tap "Make a passphrase" again if you want a different one.
- Write the passphrase down on paper, exactly as shown, including the hyphens. Keep the paper somewhere safe at home.
- Use the "Copy" button only if you need to paste the passphrase right away into a password change screen. After you paste it, write it down as well, and never share it with anyone.
No passphrase made yet. Choose the number of words and tap "Make a passphrase".
Worked example
Example choice: 4 words. One passphrase this maker could show is "apple-river-moon-garden". That is only an example to show the shape of a passphrase. Your own passphrase will be different, because the words are picked at random each time. When you tap "Try the example", the tool sets the word count to 4 and makes a fresh passphrase for you. Write down the passphrase you actually get, not the example words in this paragraph, and keep it somewhere safe at home.
Common mistakes
- Using the same passphrase everywhere. If one account is broken into, every other account with the same passphrase is at risk too. Use a different passphrase for your email, your bank, and other important accounts, even if it takes a little more time to write them down.
- Sharing the passphrase with someone who asks for it. A real company, bank, or support worker will not ask you for your full password or passphrase. If someone calls or messages and asks for it, do not share it, even if they sound kind or official.
- Storing the passphrase in a plain note on the phone with no lock. A note anyone can open is not a safe home for a passphrase. Paper kept safely at home is a simple choice for beginners. If you use a notes app, make sure it is protected and do not label the note with the account name in plain words.
- Changing one word and calling it a new passphrase. Changing "apple" to "apples" in the same passphrase is a small change. It is safer to make a fresh passphrase with new random words for a different account, using the maker again.
- Forgetting the hyphens or the exact spelling. A passphrase only works when it is typed exactly as it was set, including the hyphens between words. When you write it down, copy it slowly, letter by letter, and check it twice before you close the page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a passphrase made of simple words really strong?
Yes, when it is long enough and the words are picked at random. A longer passphrase with more words is stronger than a shorter one. Five words is stronger than three words. The strength comes from the length and the random choice, not from using hard or unusual words.
Does this site store or send my passphrase?
No. The passphrase is made in your browser only. It is never sent anywhere, and it is not stored by this site. If you close the page without writing it down, it is gone. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe at home.
What if I forget my passphrase?
Use the account's own "forgot password" steps in its official app or website. That is why it helps to have a paper copy kept safely at home. Do not ask anyone else to recover it for you, and do not share the paper copy with strangers.
Can I use this passphrase for every account?
It is much safer not to. Use a different passphrase for important accounts, especially email and banking. That way, if one passphrase is found out, your other accounts are not all at risk at the same time.
What should I do if the Copy button does not work?
Some browsers do not allow copying from this kind of page. If you see a message saying copying did not work, write the passphrase down by hand instead. Copy the words exactly, including the hyphens, and check them twice.