Google has introduced a Password Manager PIN feature, allowing Chrome web users to seamlessly sync their passwords across various devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and Android.
According to Chrome product manager Chirag Desai, “This PIN adds an additional layer of security to ensure your passwords are end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to anyone, not even Google.”
The default PIN is a six-digit code, but users also have the option to create a longer alpha-numeric PIN by selecting “PIN options.”
This update represents a departure from the previous process where users could only save passwords to Google Password Manager on Android and required scanning a QR code on other platforms.
The new update eliminates this step, making it simpler for users to access online services using passwords by scanning their biometrics. Google has announced that iOS support is on its way.
However, users must know either the Password Manager PIN or the screen lock for their Android devices before using passwords on a new device.
Desai added, “These recovery factors will allow you to securely access your saved passwords and sync new ones across your computers and Android devices.”
Google revealed that over 400 million accounts are using passwords as of May 2024 and later made the phishing-resistant feature available to high-risk users through its Advanced Protection Program (APP).