How pronounceable passwords are built
Letters alternate between a consonant and a vowel, which produces syllables like “lu-wi-be-gu”. The pattern makes the password easy to read aloud over the phone or type with a TV remote, at the cost of some strength per character.
Because each position has fewer options than in a fully random password, you need more length for the same strength. Twelve letters and two digits give about 46 bits. For an important account, raise the length to 18 letters or more.
Good uses
- Temporary passwords you have to read to someone.
- Guest WiFi passwords and device codes that need letters.
- Accounts on devices without a full keyboard.
Frequently asked questions
Are pronounceable passwords secure?
They are secure when they are long enough. The strength meter accounts for the smaller character set, so go by the bits shown rather than the length.
Why are some letters never used?
The letters q, x and y are left out of the consonants because they make syllables hard to pronounce.