Google is set to enhance the user experience for Android developers with the introduction of a new feature that promises to simplify the sign-in process across devices. The latest addition to Android’s Credential Manager API, known as the Restore Credentials feature, aims to keep users logged in to their favorite apps when they transition to a new device.
Seamless Transition for Users
This innovative feature allows apps to effortlessly onboard users to their accounts after restoring apps and data from a previous device. As stated by Google, “apps can seamlessly onboard users to their accounts on a new device after they restore their apps and data from their previous device.” This means that users will maintain their signed-in status, enabling them to receive notifications and access content without needing to open the app on their new device—provided developers take the necessary steps to implement this functionality.
When a user signs in to an app on an existing device, a restore key is generated and securely stored within the Credential Manager. This key is encrypted and can be kept locally or in cloud backups, depending on user preferences.
- If users opt for a local transfer, the restore key is directly moved from the old device to the new one.
- Alternatively, if cloud backup is utilized, the restore key is downloaded alongside the app data during the restoration process.
Importantly, Google emphasizes that no additional developer effort is required for the transfer of the restore key, as this process is integrated with the Android system’s backup and restore mechanism.
For those developers looking to enhance the user experience even further, the option to implement a “backup agent” is available. This allows users to be logged back in silently before they even launch the app on their new device, creating a truly seamless transition.
The Restore Credentials API is currently in developer preview and is accessible for devices running Android 9 and above, paving the way for a more user-friendly approach to app sign-ins in the future.
