As per reports, Google Chrome for Android will soon support third-party password managers. Currently, the browser only works with Google Password Manager, which happens to be its service. This means Android users who use other password managers can’t access their saved data on the browser.
However, it seems Google is fixing this by letting users pick any third-party service they want. Additionally, the desktop version of Google Chrome recently updated its Safe Browsing feature with real-time protection.
@Leopeva64 noticed this change in Chrome’s Stable version on the Android platform. This feature allows users to autofill passwords from their preferred manager.
According to the tipster, selecting the option “Use other providers” prevents Chrome from suggesting passwords from its manager. This feature was first mentioned by the tipster in November 2023, when it was still in development.
The feature is now accessible on Chrome Beta, Stable, and Canary builds. Users who have access to these builds are free to use this feature. However, they will need to enable an experimental flag first.
According to reports from Android Authority, users can enable it at chrome://flags/#enable-autofill-virtual-view-structure. Once enabled, users will be able to see the settings. Users can then navigate to Chrome’s settings section and choose the Autofill option, followed by “Use other providers.” This change will prevent Google from suggesting passwords to users when logging in.
Activating this setting should prompt Google Chrome to use the default password manager set on the user’s Android smartphone. Users can change the default password manager from the Android settings. All they have to do is go to Passwords & Accounts and choose the option Passwords, data services, and passkeys. Afterward, they can pick their preferred password manager.
New password manager options will be available on Google Chromehttps://t.co/TKn9KpaMLg
— Android Central (@androidcentral) March 19, 2024
It’s worth mentioning that although the feature is operational, a bug was discovered in the report. It was observed that despite activating the flag, there was no prompt to save a new password. This could be worrisome for users looking to switch their password manager right away. It seems Google is still refining the feature before making it available to the public.
Google is reportedly working on a revamped UI for its password manager, which will feature three distinct categories – Settings, Passwords, and Checkup.
The tech giant recently launched its new Credential Manager for Android, facilitating the use of login credentials, including passkeys. This tool is designed to integrate smoothly with existing password managers on users’ devices, without displacing them.
