Google Makes Password Manager Switching Easier on Android

Switching to a new password manager on Android is about to become much simpler. Google has introduced a new password manager migration experience that allows users to move their saved credentials between apps without first exporting them into a CSV file.

The new system is designed to make the process more direct while also supporting passkeys, meaning users can move both passwords and passkeys when changing password manager apps.

A simpler way to move passwords

Under the new system, users start the migration from their new password manager. After selecting the option to import or copy passwords from another manager, Android automatically identifies compatible password manager apps installed on the device.

Android then helps coordinate the transfer between the two apps. Before anything is moved, users can review the information included in the transfer and approve the process with just a few taps.

This removes several steps that have traditionally been involved in switching password managers, particularly the need to create and handle a CSV file containing saved passwords.

Passkeys can move too

One of the notable parts of Google’s new experience is support for passkey transfers.

Passkeys are increasingly being used as an alternative to traditional passwords, allowing users to sign in without entering a password. Previously, switching password manager apps could mean having to set up passkeys again.

With Google’s new approach, users can transfer passkeys along with their passwords, potentially making the move to another password manager much less disruptive.

The change also addresses a security concern associated with CSV-based transfers. Password exports stored in CSV files can contain sensitive login information, creating a potential exposure risk if the file is mishandled or left unprotected. By allowing the transfer to happen directly between password managers, Google says users can avoid exposing their data through a CSV file.

Support is already rolling out

Google said the new password manager switching experience is already available through select partners and is also supported by Google’s own password manager.

At launch, 1Password, Bitwarden and Dashlane are supported. Google said additional password manager apps will be supported in the future.

The feature is not limited to newer Android phones. Google says the password manager switching experience will be available on all devices running Android 8 or later.

For Android users who have been considering a move from one password manager to another, the update could make the process faster and easier while eliminating the need to manually handle an exported password file.

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