Google Chrome offers to save passwords for all your online accounts. It then stores and syncs them with your Google account as part of the Smart Lock feature. Chrome also has a built-in password generator that automatically creates strong passwords with the click of a button.
How to generate strong passwords
First, make sure password saving is enabled (it should be enabled by default). To verify, click on your profile photo in the top right corner and then click on “Passwords”. You can also type chrome://settings/passwords in the Omnibox and press Enter.
Move the switch labeled “Saving Passwords Offer” to the on position (if it’s not already on).
Next, go to a website where you want to create an account. When you click on the password field, a popup window will suggest a strong one. Click on “Use suggested password”.
If the prompt does not appear, right-click on the password field, and then click “Suggest Password.” This will force the popup below the field with a new strong password hint.
That is! Finish the registration process. After you complete it, Google saves and stores your password so you don’t have to remember anything.
How to change an existing password
If you weren’t aware of this feature when you created an account, you can still use it to change the password on an existing account to make it more secure.
Log in to the account with the password you want to change and go to the section where you can change/reset your password. After clicking on the “New Password” field, a message should appear with a strong password suggestion. Click on “Use suggested password”.
If you don’t see the prompt, right-click on the password field, and then click “Suggest Password.”
Click “Use suggested password” when prompted this time.
Click “Save Changes” to change your password.
One caveat about using this feature to change the password for an existing account is that it may not update it automatically in Chrome, in which case you’ll need to do it manually. However, this is not difficult. After saving the new password, before leaving the website, click the key icon in the omnibox, enter the username for that site, and then click “Update Password.”
Understandably, not everyone is excited about the idea of Google handling their passwords. But Smart Lock for Passwords is a handy free alternative for those who don’t want to pay for a password manager or download additional software.
