Google Chrome now makes it easier to sync access codes across devices

Google Chrome is getting a new update that will make it easier for users to sign in to their Google accounts across devices. On Thursday, the Mountain View-based tech giant rolled out an update that will allow users to add Google Password Manager’s PIN across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS and Android. This means that users can now sync their access codes across their desktops and Android devices. The tech giant also highlighted that support for iOS will be coming soon.

Google Chrome gains passcode support on all devices

In a blog afterThe tech giant announced that Google Password Manager will support all operating systems. Previously, the feature was only available on Android devices and allowed users to use a PIN or set a screen lock pattern to easily log in to their Google account.

Google Chrome adds password support for different devices
Photo credit: Google

While users will still need their Android devices to set the screen lock pattern, users can now set a PIN code and use both the code and the pattern to log into their accounts across devices. Notably, this feature is rolling out to Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The feature is also available on ChromeOS in beta. Google also highlighted that support for iOS is rolling out soon.

Google adds that passkeys can be created and opened using the Password Manager. Furthermore, these PINs are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be opened even by Google. Adding the account on a new device also requires users to enter the PIN or screen lock (if they are using Android devices).

Notably, a passkey is an alternative login authentication method that offers better security compared to traditional methods such as SMS codes. It was developed by the FIDO Alliance and is supported by tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. This technology uses public key cryptography and creates two sets of keys, one of which is stored in the cloud and the other remains with the user. Authentication takes place when both keys match.