Learn to use Google password manager on mobile and PC

Did you know that Google have your own password manager? In addition to the automatic filling of passwords that already exist in Google Chrome and in other browsers, there is an integrated solution to the browser that offers web and mobile support, full integration with devices Android and, best of all, an automatic strong password generator! 

In this article we will detail how this functionality works to manage, store and control your passwords with great security.

How to access Google password manager

The passwords you save when using the services of the Google No. Chrome or on your device Android can be accessed in the following ways:

• Google Chrome (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS and Linux): The password manager syncs with your Chrome browser so you can access your passwords from any desktop or laptop.
• Google Chrome (Android, iPhone or iPad): Mobile versions of Google Chrome are also able to sync your passwords so you can access them from an Android device, iPhone or iPad. Unfortunately, Safari doesn't offer iOS integration, so you'll have to use Google Chrome if you want to save and sync your passwords.

• Website: Google offers a Web interface for your passwords. You can access the site from any machine with your Google account to access it.
• Mobile: If you prefer, you can also access the web version of the password manager of Google via your mobile browsing app, and you can even place the site as an app on your home screen for quick access!
• On Android apps: o Google recently added a “Smart Lock for Passwords” feature to almost all Android devices as part of the latest update of the Google Play Services. This function integrates Google's password manager to automatically log in to compatible apps. For example, let's say you enter the Netflix via Chrome on your desktop and save your service password in Google's password manager. You can then open the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet Android and the system will provide your data to the app, logging in automatically.

Using Google's Password Manager on desktop

To start using the password manager of Google just use the Chrome on your desktop, smartphone or tablet. Log into Chrome with your Google account. Then access the chrome settings and make sure Chrome is enabled to sync your passwords.

Also, you must ensure that the option to allow Chrome to save your passwords is enabled. There are two ways to access Google's password manager from Chrome. You can click "Automatic filling" in the side menu and then in “Passwords”.

Another more practical option is, from the Chrome settings page, type “passwords” in the search and make sure that the option “Offer to save your passwords on the web” is enabled.

You can also enable the option “Auto Sign In”. This option provides you with auto-fill functionality similar to other password managers, as well as even filling in credit card details and your address information as well.

If you are in doubt about any password you have saved and need to access it, just access the password manager from Google through Chrome to check your saved passwords. 

To save a password, just go to the web page and login normally. If all settings are correct in Chrome, the browser will ask you if you want to save your username and password for use on this site. The next time you visit this site, Chrome will automatically fill in the username and password fields.

Using the password manager in the Chrome app (Android/iOS)

Google password manager works side by side with another service on smartphones/tablets Android e iOS: Google SmartLock. This application works as a bridge between Google's password manager and all services and applications that need personal data to be accessed. It is a mobile-only security service from Google that ensures your information is protected and gives you instant access to your apps.

the icon of Google SmartLock always appears when your login details have been saved to access some application, allowing you to enter your login information with just one click.

Also, you can check your passwords in the mobile version of Google Chrome accessing the browser application, clicking on the three vertical dots on the upper right side, accessing "Settings" .

then select “Passwords”.

From there, you can follow the same steps available in the web version.

Automatically generate strong passwords

This is one of the most interesting features that Google Chrome has and it will be very helpful if you need to generate new or random passwords to save in your password vault. Some popular password managers like LastPass, 1Password e Dashlane already offer this feature.

However, in Chrome's password manager this option is not enabled by default. When accessing the browser configuration flags you need to activate the field “View filler signatures”. 

The next time you create a password on a website, Google Chrome will detect that you are on an account creation page and will automatically fill in and save a random password for you.

It is also possible to modify other Chrome configuration flags to make the password manager more powerful, for example website developers sometimes mark certain password fields with the option “don't remember password”, which makes Chrome not offer the user the option to remember the password. Fortunately, there is a flag option in Chrome called “Allow saving passwords mandatory” which makes Chrome ignore this option and always save passwords.

Despite having all the basic features and being practical to use for those who already use Google services, the Google password manager does not have as many features as other dedicated password manager applications. At least, in terms of security, you can have peace of mind, since the manager is associated with your Google account, which has encryption and high security features.

Source: Google