Google Chrome Streamlines Password Manager on Android

Google Chrome Enhances Password Manager Experience on Android

Google is updating Chrome on Android next month to greatly improve how password managers operate inside the mobile browser. Chrome on Android will allow third-party password managers to natively autofill forms on websites, improving the experience of apps like 1Password, Dashlane, and others.

Improved Autofill Functionality for Third-Party Password Managers

Google offers its own password manager in Chrome, alongside passkeys and autofill support for information like your address and payment card data. While you can set a preferred autofill service on Android, it uses a compatibility mode inside Chrome that makes it feel super glitchy for third-party password managers. I regularly swap between iOS and Android devices, and using 1Password on iOS feels like a far better experience in Chrome even though it still doesn’t match the superior integration into Safari.

Addressing Current Issues with Chrome on Android

Google admits its current Chrome on Android offering results in “janky page scrolling” and potential duplicate suggestions from Google and a third-party password manager. “With this coming change, Chrome on Android will allow third-party autofill services to natively autofill forms giving users a smoother and simpler user experience,” says Eiji Kitamuram, a developer advocate on the Google Chrome team. “Third-party autofill services can autofill passwords, passkeys and other information like addresses and payment data, as they would in other Android apps.”

Testing and Implementation of the New Autofill Functionality

You can start testing this new functionality in Chrome 131 and later. After setting up a third-party password manager as your preferred autofill service you’ll need to toggle a Chrome flag to get the new autofill experience. All Chrome on Android users will get this new experience on November 12th when Chrome 131 is scheduled to enter the stable channel.

FAQs

Q: When will the new autofill functionality be available for Chrome on Android users?

A: The new autofill functionality will be available for all Chrome on Android users starting November 12th with the release of Chrome 131.

Q: Can third-party password managers autofill forms on websites in Chrome on Android?

A: Yes, the upcoming update will allow third-party password managers to natively autofill forms on websites, providing users with a smoother and simpler experience.

Credit: www.theverge.com