The error usually occurs after a sudden power failure or an app/extension/OS update. The error is reported on different browser extensions (like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, etc.) and different OS (like Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.). In the case of a mobile app, the error is mainly reported on the Android version but there are a few instances reported on the iOS version as well. The following can be marked as the main factors that can cause the Bitwarden error of “cannot decrypt”:
1. Update the Bitwarden Browser Extension and Bitwarden Desktop App to the Latest Builds
A Bitwarden browser extension or desktop app may show the cannot decrypt error if it is outdated as the outdated extension/app is not compatible with the browser’s or OS modules and due to this incompatibility, the execution of essential extension/app components may not be allowed by the browser/OS. In such a case, updating the Bitwarden browser extension to the latest build may clear the issue.
Update the Bitwarden Browser Extension to the Latest Build
For illustration, we will go through the process of updating the Chrome version of the Bitwarden extension to the latest build.
Update the Bitwarden Desktop App to the Latest Build
For elucidation, we will discuss the process of updating the Windows version of the Bitwarden desktop app to the latest release.
2. Lock and Unlock the Vault in the Bitwarden Extension
A temporary glitch in the Bitwarden extension modules could lead to the decrypt error under discussion and locking/unlocking the Vault in the Bitwarden extension may resolve the issue. For better interpretation, we will go through the process of locking/unlocking the Vault on the Chrome extension of Bitwarden.
3. Disable the Auto Fill Feature of the Bitwarden Extension
The auto-fill feature of Bitwarden is still in its experimental phase and due to its experimental nature, it may not be compatible with all the auto-fill scenarios the extension may face, thus causing the decrypt error. In such a case, disabling the Auto Fill feature of the Bitwarden extension may clear the error. For illustration, we will go through the process of disabling the Auto Fill feature of the Chrome extension of Bitwarden.
4. Manually Sync the Bitwarden Vault
If the Bitwarden vault is failing to automatically sync (due to a glitch) to its servers, then that could result in the Bitwarden error under discussion. In this context, manually syncing the Bitwarden vault may clear the issue.
5. Set the Vault Timeout to Never
Vault Timeout of Bitwarden determines how long the extension may wait before considering itself inactive and locking itself, leading to the cannot decrypt error as the modules of the app are locked when they are required to be unlocked. Here, setting the Vault Timeout to Never may clear the Bitwarden error.
Set the Vault Timeout to Never for the Browser Extension
For elucidation, we will discuss the process of setting the Vault Timeout to Never for the Chrome version of the Bitwarden extension.
Set the Vault Timeout to Never on a Mobile App
For illustration, we will do through the process of setting the Vault Timeout to Never for the Android version of the Bitwarden App.
6. Disable and Enable the Bitwarden Browser Extension
A temporary glitch between the browser modules and the Bitwarden components may cause the “cannot decrypt” error. Here, disabling and enabling the Bitwarden browser extension may solve the problem as it will refresh all the modules. For illustration, we will go through the process of disabling/enabling the Bitwarden browser extension for the Chrome browser.
7. Logout and Login to the Bitwarden Browser Extension/App
A temporary communication glitch between the Bitwarden browser extension/app or Bitwarden servers could also result in the error message. Here, logging out and logging into the Bitwarden browser extension or app may resolve the issue.
Logout/Login on the Bitwarden Browser Extension
Logout/Login on the Bitwarden Mobile App
For illustration, we will go through the process of logging out/into the Android version of the Bitwarden app.
8. Reinstall the Bitwarden Browser Extension
A Bitwarden browser extension may show the decryption error if its installation has gone corrupt and due to this corruption, the extension is failing to execute its essential components. In this scenario, reinstalling the Bitwarden browser extension may resolve the issue. For illustration, we will discuss the process of reinstalling the Chrome version of the Bitwarden browser extension. Before proceeding, note down/back up any essential info/data (like login credentials to the Bitwarden, etc.).
9. Reinstall the Bitwarden Mobile App
If you are encountering the Bitwarden error on a mobile app, then the corrupt installation of the Bitwarden mobile app could be the root cause of the issue. For example, if an update to the Bitwarden app failed to apply properly and corrupted the app installation. Here, reinstalling the Bitwarden mobile app may resolve the issue. For elucidation, we will discuss the process of uninstalling the Android version of the Bitwarden app. If that did not work, then you may try the browser extension on another browser i.e., if you are encountering the issue on the Chrome extension, then you may try the Firefox or Edge extension, till the issue is reported to be resolved on the Chrome extension. In case, the error continues to occur on a mobile app of Bitwarden, then you may use the web version of Bitwarden, till the issue is reported to be resolved on the mobile app.
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