Pass Guard

User Manual

Welcome to PassGuard, your secure, local-only password manager. This guide will walk you through setting up your account, managing your passwords, and using the app’s security features.

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🚀 Getting Started: First-Time Setup

The first time you launch PassGuard, you must create your secure user account. This is a one-time process.

Step 1: Create Your Account

You will be presented with the “Create Your Account” screen. Fill in the three required fields:

1. Username: The name you will use to log in (e.g., “MyUser”).
2. Password: Your primary password for logging in. Make this strong and memorable.
3. Master Key: A separate, high-security password. This key is used for recovery only.

⚠️ WARNING: Your Master Key is CRITICAL

• Your Master Key is the only way to change your password if you forget it.
• It is the only way to recover your 2FA if you lose your phone.
• If you lose your Master Key, you will lose access to your account and all your data forever.

Write it down and store it in a safe, secure place separate from your computer (e.g., a physical safe).

Click “Next: Setup 2FA” to continue.

Step 2: Set Up 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)

For your security, PassGuard requires 2FA.

1. Install an Authenticator App: On your smartphone, install an app like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy.
2. Scan the QR Code: Open your authenticator app, choose to add a new account, and scan the QR code displayed on the PassGuard screen.
3. Save Your Master Key: The screen will also display your Master Key again. This is your last chance to save it.
4. Verify: Your app will now generate a 6-digit code. Enter this code into the box at the bottom of the PassGuard screen and click “Verify & Complete Setup.”

Your account is now created, and you will be taken to the login screen.

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🔒 Logging In

On the login screen, you will need three pieces of information every time:

1. Username: The username you created.
2. Password: The password you created.
3. Authenticator Code: The 6-digit code from your authenticator app (this code changes every 30 seconds).

You can press the “Enter” key in any of the three fields to log in.

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📂 The Category Screen (Your Dashboard)

After logging in, you’ll see your main dashboard, which displays your password categories.

• To Add a Category: Type a name (e.g., “Social Media”, “Banking”, “Work”) into the text box and click the “╋ Add New Category” button.
• To Open a Category: Simply click the large blue button for the category you want to view.
• To Delete a Category: Click the red trash icon (🗑️) in the top-right corner of any category button.
  • Warning: This will permanently delete the category and all accounts stored inside it.
• To Toggle Theme: Click the “🎨 Toggle Theme” button to switch between light and dark modes.
• To Logout: Click the “🚪 Logout” button to return to the login screen.

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🔑 Managing Your Accounts

When you open a category, you see the grid where your accounts are stored.

• To Add a New Account: Click the “╋ Add Account Slot” button at the bottom of the screen. This will add a new, blank row.
• To Edit an Account: Simply click any field (Website, Username, Password, or Remarks) and start typing.
• To View a Password: Click the “eye” icon (👁️) in the password field to reveal the password. Click it again to hide it.
• To Delete an Account: Click the red trash icon (🗑️) at the end of the row. The row will instantly disappear.

💾 IMPORTANT: Save Your Changes!

No changes (adds, edits, or deletes) are final until you click the “💾 Save Changes” button at the bottom of the screen. If you log out or close the app without saving, your changes will be lost.

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⚙️ Security & Recovery

If you lose your password or 2FA device, you can use your Master Key to recover.

1. How to Change Your Password

1. On the Login screen, click the “Change Password” button (bottom-left).
2. You will be prompted for three things:
   • Your Username
   • Your Master Key
   • A current Authenticator Code
3. If all three are correct, you will be prompted to enter a new password.

2. How to Recover Your 2FA (Forgot Authenticator)

If you lose or replace your phone, you can re-link your 2FA.

1. On the Login screen, click the “Forgot Authenticator?” button (bottom-right).
2. You will be prompted for two things:
   • Your Username
   • Your Master Key
3. If correct, the app will display your original 2FA QR code and secret key.
4. You can now scan this code with your new authenticator app to get your codes again.

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📦 Data Storage

PassGuard is a local-only application. Your data is never sent to the cloud. All your information is stored in an encrypted database file on your computer.

You can find your data folder here:

• On Windows: C:\PassGuard\
• On Linux/Mac: /home/YourUser/PassGuard/

This folder contains your encrypted database (pass.db). You can back up this folder, but do not delete it or you will lose all your data.