In our fast-paced world, passwords are essential components of our digital lives. Gone are the days when you could only have one or two passwords for everything. Now, we have to remember dozens of passwords, and it’s often too much to ask. That’s why most people use a password manager or have their passwords saved on their web browser. However, sometimes you may need to access those passwords to log in from another device or help someone with their account. In this blog, we will talk about how to look at passwords saved on Chrome.
Video Tutorial:
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we start, you need to make sure that you’re using an updated version of the Chrome browser. Additionally, you should have access to the computer or device where the passwords were saved. Finally, you need to have the correct login credentials for the Google account you use to log in to Chrome.
Method 1: Using the Chrome Settings
The first method to view passwords saved on Chrome is through the browser settings. Here is how:
1. Open the Chrome browser and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
2. Select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down to the "Autofill" section and click on "Passwords."
4. You may need to verify your identity with your device password or biometrics.
5. Once you’re through, you’ll see a list of all your saved passwords sorted by website.
6. Click on the "eye" icon to reveal the password.
Pros:
– This method is easy and straightforward, as it’s built into the Chrome browser.
– You can see a list of all the passwords you’ve saved that you may have forgotten.
Cons:
– If someone has access to your computer, they can access your passwords in plain sight.
– This method may not work if you have multiple Google accounts signed in.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Tool
If you’re wary of using Chrome’s built-in password manager, you can opt for a third-party tool. We recommend using LastPass, a popular and reliable password manager.
1. Download the LastPass Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Install the extension and log in to your LastPass account. (If you don’t have one, create a new one.)
3. Once you’re logged in, click on the LastPass icon in the top right corner of Chrome.
4. Select "Open My Vault."
5. Click on the "Passwords" tab to see a list of all your saved passwords.
Pros:
– You can rest easy knowing that your passwords are safely stored in a dedicated password manager.
– LastPass also has additional security features to ensure that your passwords are uncompromised.
Cons:
– You’ll need to remember to input your usernames and passwords manually if you don’t use the autofill feature.
– You may have to remember to log out of LastPass if you’re frequently using a public or shared computer.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt
If you’re comfortable using Command Prompt, you can use a command line to reveal your saved passwords. Here’s how:
1. Open the Command Prompt on your Windows device.
2. Type "certutil -decode %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Login Data" and hit enter.
3. Wait for the command to process. This may take a couple of minutes.
4. Scroll through the list to find the website with the password you want.
5. Look for the "password_value" column to reveal the password.
Pros:
– This method is particularly useful if you’re trying to troubleshoot a problem with your saved passwords.
– You can do it quickly and easily, without having to go through any menus or settings.
Cons:
– Using Command Prompt can be intimidating for novice users and may cause additional problems if done incorrectly.
– This method may not work or is complicated on a Mac or Linux operating system.
Why Can’t I Look at Passwords Saved on Chrome?
Sometimes, you may encounter issues with accessing your saved passwords on Chrome. Here are some reasons why this may happen and how to fix them.
Q1: Why can’t I find a specific website’s password?
A1: It’s possible that you did not save the password in Chrome or that you saved it using another application.
Q2: Why can’t I use autofill to enter my password?
A2: Check your settings and make sure that Chrome’s autofill feature is turned on. Additionally, make sure that you’re using the correct login credentials for the website.
Q3: Why aren’t my passwords syncing across devices?
A3: Make sure that you’re logged in to your Google account on both devices and that Sync is enabled in your Chrome settings.
Q4: Why can’t I see my passwords on a shared computer?
A4: Check with the device owner if they have set any restrictions on password viewing or using Command Prompt.
Q5: Why can’t I add new passwords to Chrome?
A5: Check if the website is not on the never-save list, and make sure that your browser extensions or plugins aren’t blocking the feature.
Additional Tips
– Consider using a dedicated password manager like LastPass or Bitwarden for maximum security and convenience.
– Create unique and strong passwords for each website or service you use to prevent any unauthorized access.
– Always use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
5 FAQs about Looking at Passwords Saved on Chrome
Q1: Is it possible to see saved passwords on Chrome mobile?
A1: Yes, you can use the same method on your Android or iOS device by opening Chrome’s settings and navigating to autofill and passwords.
Q2: Can I export passwords saved on Chrome?
A2: Yes, you can export them as a CSV file from Chrome’s settings, but it’s not recommended.
Q3: Is it safe to use Google Chrome’s password manager?
A3: Yes, Chrome has an excellent security record and uses encryption methods to ensure the privacy and safety of your passwords.
Q4: Can I view previous versions of my saved passwords on Chrome?
A4: No, Chrome doesn’t keep a history of passwords, so you can’t view previous versions.
Q5: Can I save all of my passwords on Chrome?
A5: Yes, you can save passwords for virtually any website or service on Chrome, but it’s not recommended to save too many or turn the feature off entirely for sensitive accounts.
In Conclusion
Passwords are an essential part of our digital lives, and it’s critical to know how to access them when necessary. In this blog, we’ve shown you three methods to view passwords saved on Chrome, along with reasons why you might not be able to access them and additional tips to keep your passwords secure. By following these guidelines, you can keep your accounts safe and secure without sacrificing convenience.