The Convenience of the Built-In Password Manager
Modern internet security requires you to use a complex, unique password for every single website you visit. Because it is impossible for a human being to memorize fifty different combinations of random letters, numbers, and symbols, almost everyone relies on password managers.
Google Chrome has a highly capable password manager built directly into the browser. Every time you log into a new website, Chrome offers to save your credentials. The next time you visit that site, Chrome automatically fills in the boxes for you, allowing you to log in instantly without typing a thing.
However, this convenience creates a new problem: you eventually forget what your actual passwords are. If you need to log into your Netflix account on a smart TV in a hotel room, or if you need to share a Wi-Fi password with a guest, autofill cannot help you. You need to physically see the hidden password.
Fortunately, Chrome stores all your passwords in a secure vault that you can easily access, provided you know the master password to your computer.
How to View Saved Passwords on a Computer (Windows or Mac)
This process is identical whether you are using Google Chrome on a Windows PC, a Mac, or a Chromebook.
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Look at the very top right corner of the window. Click the three vertical dots (⋮) to open the main menu.
- From the dropdown menu, select Passwords and Autofill, and then click Google Password Manager. (Alternatively, you can just click Settings, and look for Autofill and Passwords in the left sidebar).
- A new tab will open displaying the Password Manager. You will see a long alphabetical list of every single website where Chrome has saved your login credentials.
- Scroll through the list (or use the search bar at the top) to find the specific website you need.
- Click on the name of the website.
The Security Verification Step
Before Chrome reveals the password, it will force you to prove your identity. This prevents a malicious coworker or roommate from simply walking up to your unlocked computer and copying down all your bank passwords.
- On Windows: A pop-up box will appear asking for your Windows PIN, password, or fingerprint (the exact same method you use to unlock your computer from the lock screen).
- On Mac: A prompt will appear asking for your Mac login password or asking you to use Touch ID.
Enter your computer’s password to pass the security check.
Once verified, you will see your username and a line of black dots representing your password. Click the icon that looks like an Eye with a slash through it next to the dots. The dots will instantly change into plain text, allowing you to read your password.
Pro Tip: Next to the eye icon is a “Copy” icon (two overlapping squares). Clicking this will instantly copy the complex password to your clipboard, allowing you to paste it into another application without trying to manually type out a string of random characters.
How to View Saved Passwords on the Chrome Mobile App
If you use Chrome on your smartphone and sync your Google account, all your desktop passwords are also available in your pocket.
- Open the Google Chrome app on your iPhone or Android device.
- Tap the three dots (located in the top right corner on Android, or the bottom right corner on iPhone).
- Tap Settings (the gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap Password Manager.
- You will see the familiar list of saved websites. Tap the one you want to view.
- Your phone will immediately ask you to verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your phone’s lock screen PIN.
- Once authenticated, tap the Eye icon next to the hidden password to reveal it.
A Warning About Chrome Sync
If you log into Google Chrome on a shared computer (like a library computer, a school lab, or a family desktop) and accidentally leave sync turned on, your passwords will automatically download to that machine.
Always ensure you are using a separate, password-protected User Profile on shared computers, or browse using Guest Mode, to ensure your Google Password Manager vault remains private and secure.
