Google Chrome offers an in-built password manager for storing all your website login usernames and passwords. Normally, you can access this within Chrome browser to manage password entries. However, do you know that you can install Google Password Manager as an independent app and access it without opening Chrome browser. In this article, I will explain how you can do that and also uninstall the app if you want to delete it.
Install Google Password Manager from Chrome
This process works both in Windows and Mac Chrome versions 115 or later. So, make sure to update the browser to latest version, otherwise, you will not see the menu items in older versions.
- Open Google Chrome browser and click the three vertical dots icon showing on the top right corner of the app.
- Select “Google Password Manager” option from the menu.
- This will open chrome://password-manager/passwords settings page where you can manage your passwords.
- Sometimes Chrome will show a top notification mentioning “Get here quicker – Add a shortcut to Google Password Manager”. Click on the “Add shortcut” button showing as part of the notification. Alternatively, again click on the three vertical dots icon and select “Install Google Password Manager…” option. Remember, this menu will only appear when you are in password manager settings page.
- You can also go to “Settings” menu from the left sidebar and click “Add Shortcut” option.
- You will see a small pop-up from Chrome address bar asking you to confirm the action. Click on “Install” button to create a shortcut for password manager.
- The app will be installed and open the location in Finder on Mac. It will add a shortcut on your desktop in Windows version.
- Both in Windows and Mac, you can access the app by going to chrome://apps command URL.
What You Can Do with Google Password Manager App?
After installation, Google Password Manager app will open automatically showing all options similar to Chrome browser. You can navigate using the left sidebar menu to Passwords, Checkup and Settings section within the app.
You can add, delete, view, import and export passwords like the way you do in Chrome.
Opening Google Password Manager App
Chrome password manager section will show an additional menu “Open in Google Password Manager” and click on it to open the app anytime.
Follow the below steps if you want to frequently access the app:
- On Mac – right-click on the app icon showing in Dock and select “Options > Keep in Dock” to always keep the app icon in Dock.
- On Windows – right-click the desktop shortcut and select “Pin to Start” option. Otherwise, select “Show more options” from right-click context menu and then select ““Pin to taskbar” to add the icon to your taskbar.
Uninstalling Google Password Manager App
If you do not want to use the password manager as an app, there are few ways to delete it from your computer.
- Go to chrome://apps section, right-click on the “Google Password Manager” app and select “Uninstall” option.
- When you are in the app, click the three vertical dots showing on top right corner and select “Uninstall Google Password Manager…” menu.
When uninstalling, you will be prompted to confirm the action. Make sure NOT to check “Also clear data from Chrome (chrome://password-manager)” option and click “Remove” button. This will only delete the Google Password Manager app and all your passwords will be still available in Chrome password manager section.
If you select the checkbox and click “Remove” button, all your passwords will be deleted from the browser and there are no ways to get them back.
Important When Using Google Password Manager App
Remember the followings before installing Google Password Manager app.
- It needs only the computer’s administrator password to view, edit or delete password. You can also use Touch ID or fingerprint or facial recognition if your computer supports one of these setups for logging in.
- The password manager is a duplication of Chrome password manager section. This means passwords will be synchronized with Chrome and you should not delete the browser app.
If you are a single person handling your computer and mobile devices, then installing Google Password Manager from Chrome is an ideal option instead of going for any other password manager app.
