Google Chrome’s built-in password manager is better than nothing, but it’s not the most secure. If you’re planning to switch to a dedicated password manager, here’s how to securely export and delete your saved Chrome passwords.
We recommend that you use a dedicated password manager to save and synchronize all of your usernames and passwords on your devices. It is not only more secure, but also convenient because you can generate strong passwords for all your accounts. Once configured, all you have to do is remember the master password for the password manager of your choice.
RELATED: Why you shouldn’t use your web browser’s password manager
All popular password managers like LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane and Bitwarden allow you to import passwords from Chrome. All you have to do is import the CSV file generated in Chrome.
Export saved passwords from Chrome
First, let’s export all of your saved passwords from Chrome. To get started, open the Chrome browser on your computer. Here, click on your profile icon on the toolbar and select the Passwords button. Alternatively, you can enter the path “chrome: // settings / passwords” in the URL bar and press the Enter or Return key.
Here, go to the “Saved passwords” section and click the three-point menu button on the right.
Now, select the option “Export passwords”.
In the pop-up, click on the “Export passwords” button.
Your computer may ask you to authenticate your identity using the password associated with your Windows 10 or Mac user account. Enter the password and click the “OK” button.
Choose the destination of the CSV file and click on the “Save” button.
After the file is downloaded, you will find it in your computer’s file system (Windows Explorer or Finder). You can now easily import the CSV file into a password manager like Bitwarden.
Warning: The CSV file you download from Chrome will contain all of your usernames and passwords in a clear, clear text format. Be sure to complete this export process on a trusted computer.
Delete saved Chrome passwords
Now that you’ve exported your saved passwords, it’s time to delete them from Chrome. There is a one-click method to delete all passwords that are saved in Chrome and synced across all of your devices using your Google account.
To do this, click on the three-point menu button on the Chrome toolbar and choose the “Settings” option.
In the “Privacy and security” section, choose the “Clear browsing data” option.
Go to the “Advanced” tab and, in the “Time interval” drop-down menu, choose the “All time” option.
Scroll down and check the option “Passwords and other login data”. Click the “Clear data” button.
Instantly, all passwords saved locally in Chrome and in your Google account will be deleted.
Want to learn more about password managers and why you should use one? We are protecting you.
RELATED: Why you should use a password manager and how to get started