# 1Password Launches “Nearby” Feature for Simplified Credential Access
## An Intelligent Method to Retrieve Your Credentials
1Password, a leading password management tool, has rolled out a fresh feature that enables users to associate geolocation data with items saved in their vaults. Although this might appear to be a small improvement, it can effectively address a widespread issue: recalling and accessing credentials for applications and services that frequently log users out at the least opportune moments.
From airline applications to ticketing platforms and loyalty programs for restaurants, various apps require users to log in repeatedly, often at inconvenient times. With the introduction of the “Nearby” feature, 1Password seeks to make retrieving these credentials smoother and more efficient.
## Understanding How the “Nearby” Feature Functions
This new functionality allows users to designate specific locations for their credentials. When you launch 1Password in a designated area—whether it be an airport, a concert venue, or a preferred restaurant—the app will prioritize displaying the credentials linked to that location at the top of the “Home” page.
For instance, if you regularly utilize the Ticketmaster app at concert venues, you can assign a location to your Ticketmaster login. The next time you arrive at a venue, 1Password will promptly bring up your credentials, saving you time and hassle.
## Tackling the Challenge of Ambiguous App Names
One of the major hurdles in accessing stored credentials is the variability in app names. Many applications have names that are either confusing or not intuitive, complicating the search process in a password manager. For example:
– Maryland’s MARC commuter train app is referred to as **CharmPass**
– The Marriott hotel app is identified as **Bonvoy**
– Toast, a restaurant ordering service, has a consumer app called **Local by Toast**
– Several apps utilize generic prefixes such as “my” (e.g., **myLidl** for Lidl grocery chain)
By associating credentials with a location instead of depending on app names, 1Password assists users in swiftly locating the correct login without needing to recall obscure app names or sift through an extensive list of saved credentials.
## Resolving Issues with URLs and Logins
Another frequent dilemma with password managers is that some applications employ login URLs that do not correspond with their brand names, making it hard for password managers to match the proper credentials. For instance, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) app, **SmarTrip**, often logs users out and doesn’t consistently link accurately with stored credentials in 1Password.
By permitting users to assign locations to their logins, 1Password offers an alternative method for displaying the correct credentials when needed the most.
## Privacy and Security Aspects
1Password has highlighted that the “Nearby” feature is fully optional and does not track, store, or share users’ location information. The location data is saved locally on the user’s device, ensuring privacy and security. Moreover, enterprise users’ location data is not shared with employers.
Users can also adjust the radius for “Nearby” items, ensuring that only pertinent credentials appear according to their preferences.
## How to Activate the “Nearby” Feature
1Password has created a [support page](https://support.1password.com/item-locations/?mac) with guidelines on how to add locations to saved credentials on both desktop and mobile devices. This feature is now accessible to users with the latest app version.
## A Progression in Password Management
Though the “Nearby” feature may not be a revolutionary security breakthrough, it is a sensible upgrade that tackles real-life frustrations. By facilitating access to credentials in situational contexts, 1Password is aiding users in saving time and alleviating stress during moments when rapid access to logins is crucial.
As password management tools continue to progress, it will be intriguing to observe if other services implement similar location-based features to enhance user convenience. For the time being, 1Password users can relish a more intelligent way to retrieve their credentials—precisely when and where they are needed.
