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paulvbk
October 30, 2025
Solved

sign in 1Password for Windows using camera

  • October 30, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 85 views

Hello

I’ve noticed a change in the Windows desktop app and wanted to check if this is intentional or a regression.

When setting up 1Password for the first time on Windows (fresh install, no existing account on the device), I used to be able to scan the QR code from my printed Emergency Kit using my computer’s camera.

This was extremely useful in real-life emergency situations - for example, when traveling abroad, having all your devices stolen/killed by water, and needing to quickly regain access to my 1Password account from a friend’s laptop or a cyber café using the printed Emergency Kit in my wallet.

However, in the current version of 1Password for Windows, the setup screen no longer offers that option. The only available choices are:

  • Typing the Secret Key manually from the Emergency Kit
  • Importing the Emergency Kit file to auto-fill the Secret Key (I won't have this on me, and even then I wouldn't be comfortable putting it on a "public" device)
  • Scanning a QR code displayed on the new desktop 1Password app from an already-configured 1Password mobile app

There is no longer any option to scan the QR code printed on the Emergency Kit using the desktop camera. You now have to manually type in all the Emergency Kit informations including the long secret key.

On iOS and Android, this feature still exists — you can scan the printed Emergency Kit QR code easily when signing in. But on Windows, it seems to have been removed.

This creates a tedious situation for recovery scenarios where I don’t have a mobile device available, and only have access to my printed Emergency Kit in my wallet. Scanning the QR Code always feeled easier for me.

Thanks a lot for any clarification!
— Paul

Best answer by 1P_SimonH

Hi @paulvbk 👋

Good question! The ability to scan the QR code on an Emergency Kit to sign into 1Password has indeed been removed, with the exception of the iOS and Android versions, so you'd instead need to type in your Emergency Kit information in the scenario you describe. 

 

If you'd like, I'm happy to file a feature request to have the team consider bringing back this option. Let me know if you'd like me to proceed with that.

3 replies

1P_SimonH
1P_SimonHAnswer
Community Manager
October 30, 2025

Hi @paulvbk 👋

Good question! The ability to scan the QR code on an Emergency Kit to sign into 1Password has indeed been removed, with the exception of the iOS and Android versions, so you'd instead need to type in your Emergency Kit information in the scenario you describe. 

 

If you'd like, I'm happy to file a feature request to have the team consider bringing back this option. Let me know if you'd like me to proceed with that.

    P
    paulvbkAuthor
    October 31, 2025

    Hello @1P_SimonH thanks for your answer.

    Yes in my opinion I think this scenario is quite possible and not very far fetched. 

    I would like to file a feature request thank you.

    Was it removed because of end user confusion between the different QR Codes for different use cases ?

    1P_SimonH
    1P_SimonH
    Community Manager
    October 31, 2025

    Hi @paulvbk,

    I'm not sure the reasoning for the change, but I have submitted your feedback so the team can consider the scenarios you've outlined. Thank you!

    ref: PB-51617876

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