At SkyPilot, our goal is to enhance your Bluesky experience, giving you the tools to schedule content, analyze performance, and grow your audience. To do this, you need to connect your Bluesky account to our platform. But it’s crucial to do this in the most secure way possible.

That’s why we want to talk about a simple but incredibly important feature: App Passwords.

If you’re connecting any third-party application (including SkyPilot) to Bluesky using your main password, we strongly encourage you to switch to an app password today. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Exactly is a Bluesky App Password?

Think of your main Bluesky password as a master key to your house. It can open every door, change the locks, and access everything inside. You wouldn't hand over your master key to every service provider you hire.

An app password is like a special, single-use key you give to a specific service. You can create a unique password just for SkyPilot, another for a different analytics tool, and so on.

Here’s what makes them special:

  • They are Unique and Revocable: Each password is a distinct, 16-character code that you can delete at any time without affecting your other passwords.

  • They Protect Your Main Password: You never have to share your primary password with a third-party application. If one service has a security breach, your "master key" remains safe.

  • They Provide Limited Access: An app password allows an app like SkyPilot to post on your behalf, but it can’t be used to change your account settings, delete your account, or change your main password.

Using app passwords is the industry-standard best practice for connecting accounts securely, and it’s the only method we recommend.

How to Generate a Bluesky App Password in Under a Minute

Creating an app password is fast and easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Bluesky: Log in to your Bluesky account through the official app or website.

  2. Go to Settings: Navigate to the main menu and tap on "Settings."

  3. Select 'App passwords': This is typically found in the "Privacy and Security" section of the settings menu. Or you can click this link.

  4. Add a New Password: Tap the "Add App Password" button.

  5. Name Your Password: You'll be prompted to give the password a name. We recommend naming it after the app you're connecting, so type "SkyPilot" and tap "Create." This helps you remember which password is for which service.

  6. Copy Your New Password: Bluesky will now show you a unique 16-character password (e.g., xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx). This is the only time you will see this password, so copy it immediately.

  7. Use It in SkyPilot: Paste this new password into the password field when you connect your account to SkyPilot.

That's it! Your account is now securely connected. If you ever want to disconnect SkyPilot, you can simply go back to your "App passwords" list in Bluesky and delete the one named "SkyPilot." Access will be revoked instantly.

Your online security is paramount. Taking a minute to create an app password is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to protect your Bluesky account while unlocking the power of tools like SkyPilot.