Google Password Manager has long operated as a background utility—saving credentials, syncing them across devices, and autofilling logins in Chrome and Android. But until recently, accessing and managing those credentials required navigating through nested settings or browser menus. That’s changed with the release of a standalone Google Password Manager app for Android, which brings direct access and a cleaner interface.
Google Password Manager: Now with a Proper App
The app isn’t just a shortcut to passwords.google.com. It’s a full Material You implementation with filters for passwords, passkeys, and Wi-Fi credentials. Users can now launch it from the home screen, bypassing the usual Settings > Google > Manage Account path. Credential management—viewing, editing, deleting—is more intuitive, and biometric authentication is supported for autofill.
Functionally, Google Password Manager remains tightly integrated with Chrome and Android. When users log into a site or app, Google prompts to save the credentials. These are encrypted and synced to the user’s account. Autofill works across devices, and Google can generate strong passwords during sign-up. Passkeys, where supported, are also stored and surfaced here.
How to Use Google Password Manager
Setup is frictionless if you’re already signed into a Google account. On Android, the app can be launched directly or added to the home screen via the “Passwords” shortcut in the Google settings menu. Once open, users get a searchable list of saved credentials, with options to view, edit, or delete entries. Autofill and password generation are handled automatically during login or sign-up flows in Chrome and supported apps.
For desktop access, Chrome users can navigate to Settings > Autofill > Passwords or visit passwords.google.com. The web interface mirrors the app’s functionality, including password health checks, reuse alerts, and breach notifications. Biometric unlock is available on supported devices, adding a layer of local security before credentials are revealed.
Limitations and Fit
Google Password Manager doesn’t offer shared vaults, secure notes, or granular access controls found in third-party tools like Bitwarden or 1Password. It’s not designed for team use or cross-platform credential sharing. But for users embedded in the Google ecosystem, it covers the basics with minimal friction. The new app doesn’t change the underlying service—it simply makes it more accessible.
