LastPass adds new restrictions from March 16 to its free subscriber level that allows users to view and manage passwords on one category of devices: mobile or PC. Mobile users will be limited to iOS and Android phones, iPads, Android tablets and smartwatches. Computer subscribers will be able to use their passwords from Windows, MacOS and Linux desktops and laptops, the LastPass browser extension and Windows tablets.
Users on the free level of LastPass will be asked to choose between the two options the first time they sign up after March 16, and the company says they can switch between categories up to three times after choosing. Although customers are limited to a single category of devices at the free level, they will still be able to view and manage passwords from an unlimited number of devices in the mobile or computer category. LastPass says that no users will be excluded from their accounts and will not lose access to their passwords due to the changes.
In addition to limiting device types, LastPass also changes the types of customer support that free-level users will have access to. The company lost access to email support from May 17th.
LastPass clearly hopes the new restrictions are enough to encourage people to upgrade to the Premium or Families levels. LastPass Premium starts at $ 3 per month, while a Families subscription costs $ 4 and includes licenses for up to six people. In an accompanying blog post, the company says it now has more than 20 million users around the world, although it is unclear how many of the services use the free level of service.
Compared to many other password managers, who ask you to sign in to access even their basic features, LastPass’ free level has always been fairly generous. But these upcoming changes may make it much more difficult to use the service for free in the future.