Google Chrome on Android is set to enhance its security measures by introducing a biometric verification requirement for autofilling passwords. This update aims to bolster user safety by ensuring that passwords are only filled in after proper authentication, a feature that has been long awaited by many users.
What you need to know
- Google Chrome on Android will soon require biometric verification to autofill passwords.
- The feature will enhance security by preventing auto-fill without user authentication.
- The update is appearing in Google Password Manager and should roll out more widely soon.
Despite the myriad of browser options available on Android, Google Chrome continues to stand out as a preferred choice for many. Its pre-installed status on most devices, coupled with a user-friendly interface and built-in protective features, solidifies its reputation. However, until now, Chrome has lacked a fundamental layer of security, a gap that Google is finally addressing.
As reported by Android expert Mishaal Rahman via Android Authority, Google is preparing to implement a crucial feature that mandates users to authenticate their identity through biometrics before passwords can be autofilled on websites. Currently, Chrome does offer an option labeled Authenticate with biometrics before filling passwords in its Autofill settings. Users may have noticed that Google Password Manager prompts for fingerprint or facial recognition when autofilling passwords, but this security measure has only been applicable within apps.
In a significant shift, Google is now extending this biometric verification requirement to all apps, including Chrome, thereby closing a security loophole. The setting will soon be renamed to Verify it’s you to autofill passwords and will be conveniently located at the bottom of the main settings page within Google Password Manager. While the core functionality remains unchanged, the updated description indicates that this feature is “coming soon to Chrome.”
You’ll soon need biometrics to autofill passwords in Chrome
This forthcoming change signifies that Chrome will soon require users to authenticate their identity through fingerprint, facial recognition, or screen lock before allowing the autofill of saved passwords. This is a notable enhancement compared to the current system, where passwords can be filled in without any identity confirmation—a considerable risk if a device falls into the wrong hands.
While an official release date for this feature has yet to be announced, the fact that it has begun to appear for some users within Google Password Manager suggests that a wider rollout may be imminent. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
