Google Password Manager’s Key Limitation May Soon Be Resolved

Google is reportedly developing a passkey import/export feature for Google Password Manager, as indicated by an APK teardown of Google Play Services. This highly anticipated functionality promises to facilitate smoother transitions between platforms, allowing users to switch services such as iCloud Keychain and create backups to safeguard against account loss.

Security is a priority in this development, and Google is likely to restrict exports to password managers that do not adhere to stringent security standards, aiming to thwart potential misuse. While passkeys are intended to replace traditional passwords and enhance security, critics have highlighted the absence of import or export capabilities as a significant barrier to fully adopting a passwordless approach.

Nonetheless, Google appears to be addressing one of the main shortcomings of passkeys. The insights from an APK teardown of Google Play Services 25.13.31 beta conducted by Android Authority indicate Google’s commitment to implementing these import/export tools.

This move aligns with industry standards set by FIDO, which introduced passkey import/export specifications last year. For users of Google Password Manager, this feature signifies a major advancement.

Initially, passkeys were considered device-bound, leading many to believe importing or exporting them was impossible. However, the introduction of export capabilities could mitigate various limitations.

Users will no longer have to endure the restrictive nature of passkeys and can more easily switch platforms, thereby reducing the risk of lost access to accounts in case of device theft. Moreover, the code analysis suggests Google is aware of potential security risks associated with export functions and plans to implement warnings for exports to unsecure applications.

Although specific timelines for the feature’s rollout have not been disclosed, Google’s move into this space indicates its desire to innovate in password management. Whether Google will lead the market with this feature remains to be seen.