Why not just keep passwords in a note or a spreadsheet?

Comparison4 min readUpdated 15 NOV 2026

A note or spreadsheet is usually not encrypted with a key only you hold, cannot fill passwords for you, and makes reuse and weak passwords easy. A password manager encrypts everything, fills logins with Face ID and flags weak or reused passwords.

A list of passwords in a note is better than reusing one password everywhere. But it has gaps that matter.

	Note or spreadsheet	Zen Passwords
Encryption	Often none, or tied to your device passcode	AES-256-GCM with a key from your master password
Fills logins for you	No, you copy and paste	Yes, with Face ID or Touch ID
Clipboard	Copies stay until replaced	Copies clear after 45 seconds and stay on the device
Weak or reused passwords	You have to spot them	Flagged automatically
Shows up in search or backups as plain text	Often	No, items are sealed

Moving over

If your passwords are in a spreadsheet, save it as CSV and import it in Zen Passwords' Settings. Then delete the spreadsheet and the CSV, including from your trash. The moving guide walks through it.