What happened
Google has introduced a new feature that allows users to export their passkeys from Google Password Manager to other password management solutions. This move aims to improve the convenience of passkeys, which offer better account protection than traditional login credentials but are often locked to the platform where they are created.
Users can now transfer their passkeys to Bitwarden Password Manager and Dashlane with a few easy steps, and support for 1Password is expected soon. This feature enables passkey cross-compatibility, making it easier for users to access their passkeys across different operating systems and devices.
To export passkeys, users need an Android phone running Android 8 or later and must download the desired password management app from the Google Play Store. The process involves finding the import option in the app's settings and following the prompts to transfer the data.
Google's new transfer tool allows passkey transfers to take place on-device without manual file handling, making the process secure and hassle-free. Alternatively, users can export passkeys to a CSV file, but this method is less secure and not recommended.
This new feature comes after Google Password Manager faced criticism for a malware issue called Pass-ta-key, which targeted passkeys stored in Google's platform. The ability to transfer passkeys to another platform may be beneficial for users who are concerned about the security of their data.
