In today’s digital age, we rely heavily on passwords to secure our online information. It is common for us to save passwords in our web browsers for easy access. However, what happens if we need to change a saved password? In this blog post, we will discuss the challenge of changing a saved password on Chrome, things you should prepare for before changing it, and three methods to help you change your saved password. We will also provide additional tips and answer five frequently asked questions related to this topic.
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The Challenge of Changing a Saved Password on Chrome
Chrome has a feature that allows you to save your passwords for different websites. This feature saves you time by automatically inputting your password when you visit the website again. However, if you need to change your saved password, it can be challenging as Chrome doesn’t provide a straightforward option for changing a saved password. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to update your password due to security concerns or because your password has been compromised.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you change your saved password on Chrome, there are a few things you should prepare for.
1. Have a new password in mind: You should create a new, strong password that meets the website’s requirements.
2. Check if the website stores your password: Some websites store your password on their server, even if you changed it in your web browser. If this is the case, changing your saved password in Chrome may not be effective.
3. Have access to all devices: If you have multiple devices where you saved the password, you’ll need to change the saved password on each device.
Method 1: Using Google Password Manager
Google Password Manager is a feature in Chrome that allows you to manage and change your saved passwords. Here are the detailed steps on how to change a saved password using Google Password Manager:
1. Open Google Chrome and go to Settings from the three-dot menu.
2. Select "Passwords" under "Autofill."
3. Scroll down to the website name where you want to change the saved password, and click on the three-dot menu beside it.
4. Click on "Edit" to change the saved password.
5. In the edit field, delete the old password and enter the new password.
6. Click "Save" to save the new password.
Pros:
– Easy to change the saved password
– Only takes a few clicks to update the password
Cons:
– Not all websites are supported by Password Manager
– If you have multiple saved passwords for the same website, it can be confusing to identify which password you want to change.
Method 2: Using the Website’s Password Change Feature
Another way to change a saved password is by using the website’s password change feature. Here are the detailed steps:
1. Go to the website where you want to change the saved password.
2. Locate the "Change Password" or "Forgot Password" link and click on it.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
4. After resetting your password, Chrome should prompt you to save the new password. Click "Save" to update the saved password in Chrome.
Pros:
– Most websites have a password change feature.
– More secure as the password change happens on the website’s server.
Cons:
– Takes longer to change the saved password as you need to go through the website’s password change process.
– If you forget to save the new password in Chrome, you’ll have to go through the password change process again.
Method 3: Using Chrome’s Clear Browsing Data Feature
If you want to change all your saved passwords in one go, you can use Chrome’s Clear Browsing Data feature. Here are the detailed steps:
1. Open Chrome and go to Settings from the three-dot menu.
2. Select "Clear Browsing Data" under "Privacy and Security."
3. Choose the "Advanced" tab and select "Passwords" and "Autofill Form Data."
4. Select the time range for which you want to clear the saved passwords.
5. Click "Clear Data."
Pros:
– Allows you to change all your saved passwords in one go.
– Good for when you want to start fresh with all new passwords.
Cons:
– Deletes all your saved passwords, so you’ll have to enter them again.
– If you only want to change one saved password, this method is not recommended as it will delete all saved passwords.
Why Can’t I Change a Saved Password on Chrome?
There could be several reasons why you can’t change a saved password on Chrome:
1. The password is stored on the website’s server: If the website stores your password on their server, even if you change the saved password in Chrome, it won’t affect your login credentials.
Fix: You’ll need to change your password on the website.
2. You don’t have the permission to change the password: Some websites don’t allow users to change their passwords from the web browser.
Fix: You’ll need to change your password from the website.
3. The saved password is encrypted: If your saved password is encrypted, Chrome won’t allow you to change it.
Fix: You’ll need to delete the saved password and re-enter the new password.
Additional Tips
– Regularly update your passwords to prevent security breaches.
– Use a password manager to securely store all your passwords.
– Don’t use the same password for multiple websites.
– Use two-factor authentication for extra security.
5 FAQs about Changing a Saved Password on Chrome
Q1: Can I change the saved password on my mobile device?
A: Yes, you can change the saved password on your mobile device. The steps are the same as changing the saved password on your desktop.
Q2: Can I change a saved password on Chrome without deleting my browsing history?
A: Yes, you can change a saved password on Chrome without deleting your browsing history. When using Google Password Manager, clear only the saved password for that particular website.
Q3: Can I change multiple saved passwords at the same time?
A: Yes, you can change multiple saved passwords at the same time using Chrome’s clear browsing data feature. However, this method will delete all your saved passwords.
Q4: How often should I update my saved passwords?
A: It is recommended to update your saved passwords every few months or when prompted for security reasons.
Q5: Can Chrome generate a strong password for me?
A: Yes, Chrome can generate a strong password for you when creating a new account or changing an existing password. Click on the key icon beside the password field to generate a strong password.
In Conclusion
Changing a saved password on Chrome can be challenging, but with the right preparation and methods, it can be done effectively. Use Google Password Manager, the website’s password change feature, or Chrome’s clear browsing data feature to change your saved password. Remember to regularly update your passwords and use a password manager for extra security.