---
id: cloud-accounts.password-strength-meter-explained
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/password-strength-meter-explained
category: "Cloud accounts"
subcategory: "Passwords, keys and privacy"
question: "What does the password strength meter mean, and why can't I save a weak password?"
alt_questions:
  - "Password too weak Storage Studio"
  - "Save disabled weak password"
  - "Very weak Weak Fair Good Strong meter"
  - "Strength meter on secret key"
  - "Why does Storage Studio reject my FTP password?"
  - "Password strength gate"
short_answer: "It scores secrets as you type: Very weak and Weak (red) can't be saved, Fair (orange) and Good (yellow) save with a hint, Strong (green) shows none. Common passwords always score weak. The check runs only on your Mac."
tags: ["passwords", "security", "strength meter"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/where-are-my-cloud-passwords-and-keys-stored", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/how-do-i-add-an-ftp-server"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What does the password strength meter mean, and why can't I save a weak password?

The meter scores passwords and secrets as you type: **Very weak** and **Weak** (red) can't be saved; **Fair** (orange) can be saved with a hint to strengthen it; **Good** (yellow) saves with a gentle nudge; **Strong** (green) shows no hint.

It applies to bucket storage secret keys, FTP and SFTP passwords, and SFTP key passphrases. Very common passwords score as very weak no matter their length. To improve the score, make it longer and mix letters, numbers and symbols. The check happens entirely on your Mac — nothing is sent anywhere.

If your server's password is fixed and too weak, change it at the server first; a weak password is the easiest way in.