At times, we experience technical difficulties logging in to our favorite websites and social networks because we forget our login credentials. Also, some sites may require us to use different usernames and passwords for security purposes. To avoid these login challenges, many browsers have an autofill option. Google Chrome, for instance, remembers your login information and can autofill when you visit the sites multiple times, making logging in seamless and efficient. However, at times you may want to delete this saved login information. This article will guide you on how to delete passwords in Google Chrome.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Delete Passwords in Google Chrome
Google Chrome saves login credentials to make logging in quick and stress-free for users. However, as you continue surfing the internet, you may find that you have saved multiple login credentials for the same website or may have made an error in saving the password. Moreover, if you are not using a private computer, other people may have access to your saved login details, which can compromise the security of your online accounts. Clearing saved passwords in Google Chrome is, therefore, essential to maintain security and privacy and prevent login challenges.
Method 1: Using the Chrome Settings Menu
If you want to delete passwords in Google Chrome, follow these simple steps:
1. Launch Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three vertical dots located at the top-right corner of the browser window.
3. Navigate to "Settings" and click on it.
4. Scroll down and click on "Passwords."
5. Once prompted to enter your device’s password, enter it, and click on the "Enter" button.
6. Locate the website or login credentials you wish to remove and click on the arrow that corresponds to it.
7. Click on "Remove." For multiple passwords, you can do it at once by clicking on the checkmark icon to select and remove the login credentials you want to delete.
Pros:
– This method is straightforward and can be done within a few clicks
– It is an in-built feature in Google Chrome.
Cons:
– You need to enter your device’s password, which may be inconvenient if you have security features such as facial recognition.
Method 2: Via Chrome’s Developer Tools
You can also use Chrome’s developer tools to delete saved passwords from Google Chrome. Here is how:
1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Press F12 to open Chrome’s developer tools.
3. Click on the three dots located on the top-right of the developer tools window.
4. Click on "Settings."
5. Scroll down and click on "Advanced."
6. Click on "Privacy and Security."
7. Click on "Clear browsing data."
8. Select the "Passwords" option and ensure other options are unchecked.
9. Click on "Clear data."
Pros:
– Using the developer tools to clear passwords is quick and easy.
– It doesn’t require a lot of steps.
Cons:
– It may be confusing for users who are not familiar with Chrome’s developer tools.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Password Manager
Consider using a third-party password manager if you have several login credentials across various websites. Third-party password managers such as LastPass, Dashlane, and RoboForm help generate secure passwords, store login credentials, and provide autofill functionality.
1. Download and install a third-party password manager of your choice.
2. Set up the password manager by creating an account and setting up autofill.
3. Import all your browser’s saved passwords into the password manager.
4. In Chrome, navigate to "Settings," then "Passwords."
5. Click on the three dots located at the top-right of the browser screen and click on "Export passwords."
6. Save the passwords to a plain text/CSV file.
7. Import the saved passwords into the third-party password manager.
Pros:
– Third-party password managers provide an extra layer of security and can generate complex passwords that are difficult to crack.
– They provide autofill functionality that is more advanced than Chrome’s autofill.
Cons:
– It may take more time to set up and import all saved passwords into the third-party password manager.
What to Do If You Can’t Delete Passwords in Google Chrome
If you are unable to delete saved passwords on Google Chrome, here are some tips that may help:
– Ensure you are using the correct password: At times, you may not be able to delete saved passwords on Google Chrome because you are not using the correct password. Confirm that you are using the right password to log in to the account.
– Clear browser cache: Clearing your browser cache may help resolve the problem. To clear cache, navigate to "Settings," then "Privacy and Security," and click on "Clear browsing data."
– Disable Chrome’s password manager: If you are using a third-party password manager, ensure that Chrome’s password manager is disabled.
Bonus Tip: Using Google Password Manager
Google Password Manager is a free, in-built password manager that securely stores your login credentials and provides autofill functionality. Here is how to use Google Password Manager:
1. Launch Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three vertical dots at the top-right corner of the browser window.
3. Select "Settings."
4. Scroll down and select "Passwords."
5. Toggle "Offer to save passwords" on.
6. Next time you log in to a site, Chrome will prompt you to save the login details in Google Password Manager.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I recover deleted passwords from Chrome?
A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to recover deleted passwords from Chrome. Once you delete a password from Chrome, it cannot be recovered.
Q2: Can I view my saved passwords in Chrome?
A: Yes, you can view your saved passwords in Chrome. Navigate to "Settings," then "Passwords," and click on the eye icon next to a password.
Q3: Can I clear saved passwords on Chrome at once?
A: Yes, you can clear saved passwords on Chrome at once. Navigate to "Settings," then "Passwords," select the checkmark icon to select all passwords, and click on "Remove."
Q4: How does a third-party password manager differ from Chrome’s password manager?
A: Third-party password managers provide more advanced functionality than Chrome’s password manager. They generate complex passwords, more secure, and provide autofill functionality that is more advanced than Chrome’s autofill.
Q5: Is using a password manager secure?
A: Yes, using a password manager is secure if you use a reputable and reliable password manager such as LastPass, Dashlane, and RoboForm.
Final Thoughts
Clearing saved passwords may seem a daunting task for users who are not tech-savvy. However, with the methods described above, deleting passwords in Google Chrome is a simple and quick process. Remember, using a password manager is more secure and provides additional functionality than Chrome’s autofill. By following the steps above and taking the necessary security precautions, you will keep your online accounts secure and avoid login challenges in the future.