Google is rolling out a handy update to Google Password Manager, which allows users to sync passwords across their devices. Until now, people could only save passwords on their device. Google Password Manager on Androidso the utility across devices was limited. It was possible to use the passcodes on other devices, but users needed to scan a QR code.
The update makes it possible to save your password via Google Password Manager on Windows, macOS, Linux, and of course Android. ChromeOS is currently in beta testing, so this feature should be available sooner rather than later. Google also says that iOS support is “coming soon.”
Once saved, the passcode is automatically synced across other devices using Google Password Manager. The company says this data is end-to-end encrypted, making it very difficult for anyone to break in and steal your credentials.
For the uninitiated, an access key is slightly different than a password. An access key is a digital credential that allows users to log into an account without using a password. The company has been using access keys across its software suite since last year.
Today's update also brings another layer of security to passwords in Google Password Manager. The company has introduced a six-digit PIN that will be required when using passwords on a new device. This would likely prevent malicious actors from logging into an account even if they've somehow gotten their hands on the digital credentials. Just don't leave the PIN number on a piece of paper directly next to the computer.
Google Passwords can already be used with the company's productivity software, of course, but also with amazon, PayPal and WhatsApp. Google Password Manager is built into Chrome and Android devices.