How To Import Passwords to Chrome [Step-by-Step Guide]

No one has the time to manually enter their login credentials into Google Password Manager. But that doesn't have to stop you from switching password managers. Luckily, password managers contain an easy way to transfer login information with minimal hassle.

Let's discuss how to import passwords to Chrome and the potential risks of using a built-in password manager. The article also covers using a dedicated password manager, a more secure method of safeguarding your login credentials.

How to import your passwords to Chrome from another browser

Your passwords are stored in a different browser, but you want to switch to Chrome. You can do this by importing your passwords.

1. Download your passwords in a .CSV file

Exact instructions will vary depending on the browser that currency stores your passwords. Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera browsers all have options to export passwords into a .CSV file. Generally, you can go to the settings of the password manager to find the option to export passwords.

2. Import passwords to Chrome

1. Go to passwords.google.com.
2. To download the .CSV file: Go to Settings, navigate to Import, and choose Select File.
3. Locate the .CSV file and then click Import.

3. Delete the .CSV file

It's extremely important to delete the .CSV file as soon as possible. It's not an encrypted document, which means anyone could open the file and learn your login credentials. You may also want to delete the passwords on your non-Chrome browser for full protection.

If you have issues importing the .CSV file, check the column names. For Chrome, it needs these column names (in no particular order): URL, username, and password.

For example, the .CSV file for Safari contains website titles, website addresses, usernames, and passwords. You'll need to change the names to match Chrome's criteria and possibly delete the website titles column.

How to import your passwords to Chrome from a password manager

Importing your passwords to Chrome from a password manager is a simple process. Password manager apps make it easy to export your data so that you’re in control of your private information.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Export passwords from your dedicated password manager. The exact process will depend on the manager, but generally, you need to go to Settings, navigate to an Export section, and select and download a CSV file containing your login credentials. The password manager may offer you the option to download an encrypted or unencrypted file. Whenever possible, opt for the encrypted file.

   

2. Go to passwords.google.com.
3. Select Settings, choose Import, and then click on Select File.
4. Choose the .CSV file and then select Import.
5. Be sure to delete the .CSV file after passwords are successfully imported to Chrome. If the .CSV file isn't encrypted, anyone could gain access to the file and learn your passwords. Either way, deleting the .CSV file after the import process is completed is extremely important.

Is Google Password Manager safe?

Built-in password managers like Google Password Manager are generally considered unsafe. The issue is that Google Password Manager is linked to your Google account. If someone gains unauthorized access to your email account (like a hacker), they have access to all your login credentials. Plus, built-in password managers can lack additional security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Using Google Password Manager is better than not using a password manager at all. It has the basics, like a random password generator that helps you create strong passwords. But there are other ways to safeguard your login credentials that aren't tied to your email account security.

Dedicated password managers require a master password. Without this master password, no one can access your account and sensitive data. Dedicated password managers usually have additional security features to keep your data safe.

NordPass uses encryption to safely store your passwords, files, notes, credit card numbers, and other personal information. It also lets you secure your account with biometrics for additional security.

NordPass Premium also includes emergency access and email masking to protect your accounts. Google Password Manager and other built-in password managers don’t have these tools. Using a dedicated password manager means you can turn off Google Password Manager.

For example, let's compare Google Password Manager and NordPass side by side.

Google Password Manager pros and cons

NordPass pros and cons

The best password managers for Chrome

Dedicated password managers for Chrome offer advanced security features and encryption. While NordPass and Keeper offer free password managers, you should consider upgrading to the full security suite. 1Password is also a great choice, with its extensive tools, like Travel Mode, to keep your passwords safe while you're not home.

FAQs

Bottom line

Google Password Manager is a convenient built-in tool to store your passwords. But it lacks key features like multi-factor authentication, emergency access, and the ability to work outside of Chrome. Plus, all your Google accounts are at risk if a bad actor gets a hold of your password manager.

You can enhance your digital security by creating strong passwords and storing them in a secure, dedicated password manager. It provides extra password protection and keeps your accounts safe from hackers. Many of the best password managers contain advanced security tools to safeguard online passwords and prevent identity theft.