The most frequent cause is an out‑of‑sync vault, often after updates or interrupted sessions, while other triggers include extension bugs, incomplete app updates, or operating system issues.
1. Update the Bitwarden Browser Extension and Bitwarden Desktop App to the Latest Version
If you are using an outdated Bitwarden extension or app, it may not work well with your browser or operating system. This incompatibility can cause the “cannot decrypt” error. Updating Bitwarden to the latest version often fixes the problem.
1.1. Update the Bitwarden Browser Extension
1.2. Update the Bitwarden Desktop App
2. Lock and Unlock the Vault in the Bitwarden Extension
Sometimes, a temporary issue with the Bitwarden extension can cause the error. In many cases, simply locking and then unlocking the Vault in the extension can fix it.
3. Disable the Auto-Fill Feature in the Bitwarden Extension
Because the Auto-Fill feature is still experimental, it might not work reliably in all situations and may cause errors. Disabling it could fix the problem.
4. Manually Sync the Bitwarden Vault
If the Bitwarden vault does not sync automatically (possibly due to a glitch), the error may appear. Try syncing it manually.
5. Set the Vault Timeout to Never
Vault Timeout tells Bitwarden when to automatically lock your vault after inactivity. If this happens too soon, Bitwarden might not work as expected and display an error. Setting Vault Timeout to “Never” can resolve this.
5.1. Set Vault Timeout to Never in the Browser Extension
5.2. Set Vault Timeout to Never in the Mobile App
6. Disable and Enable the Bitwarden Browser Extension
A temporary glitch between your browser and Bitwarden can cause the error. Disabling and then re-enabling the extension may resolve this by refreshing its components.
7. Logout and Login to the Bitwarden Browser Extension/App
Occasionally, a connection problem between your Bitwarden extension or app and the Bitwarden servers will cause this error. Logging out and then back in often helps.
7.1. Logout/Login on the Bitwarden Browser Extension
7.2. Logout/Login on the Bitwarden Mobile App
8. Reinstall the Bitwarden Browser Extension
If the Bitwarden extension’s files are corrupted, reinstalling it may solve the issue. Before doing this, make sure you have backed up any important data or saved Bitwarden credentials.
9. Reinstall the Bitwarden Mobile App
If you see the error on the mobile app, your Bitwarden installation may be corrupted—usually due to an incomplete update. Reinstalling the app usually fixes this.
