Introduction
Google Chrome makes it incredibly easy to save your username and password information associated with websites so you can quickly enter that information going forward. However, if there’s a site you no longer use anymore, or if you just don’t like the idea of all of your passwords being stored in Google Chrome Password Manager, Google makes it easy to delete saved passwords. The only caveat is that you have to delete each saved password individually and there’s no way to do it in bulk. And finally, this process is the same whether you do it through a web browser on a mobile device, or a laptop or desktop computer. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in both the YouTube video above and the image collection located beneath the steps.
Steps to Delete Saved Passwords on Chrome
- Open a web browser and navigate to passwords.google.com. You’ll land on the Google Chrome Passwords Manager screen. A list of the accounts you’ve saved login information to Google Chrome for is displayed under Sites and Apps.
- Navigate to the site you want to delete the saved password for, and then click that site. A screen appears prompting you to enter the password for your Google account. Enter your password and then click “Next.” You’ll land on the screen displaying the username and password saved to Google Chrome for that specific site.
- If you need to see the password before you delete it, click the “Show Password” icon to the right of the password. Click “Delete” if you want to delete this saved password from your Google Chrome saved passwords. A Delete Password dialog box is displayed asking if you’re sure you want to delete this password. Click “Delete” again. You’ll return to the Password Manager home screen where the account you removed will no longer be displayed in the list of sites, confirming that your password for that site has been removed from Google Chrome. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.
5 Reasons to Delete Saved Passwords in Google Chrome
1. Security Concerns
Stored passwords in browsers like Chrome are vulnerable to security breaches. If a device gets infected with malware, saved passwords can be extracted by cybercriminals. This is especially risky on shared or public computers. Regularly clearing saved passwords reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Users may also choose to delete them after learning of a security breach. It’s a precaution to prevent misuse of their credentials. Furthermore, Chrome’s password manager may not always encrypt passwords with robust security standards, making them an easier target for theft.
2. Privacy Issues
On shared computers, privacy can be compromised if passwords are easily accessible through the browser. Anyone with access to the computer can potentially log into personal accounts of the original user. Deleting saved passwords ensures that personal information remains confidential. This is particularly important in environments like workplaces or libraries. It stops others from viewing or modifying private data. In scenarios where a user is preparing to sell or dispose of their computer, removing passwords protects against future privacy invasions.
3. Browser Performance
Over time, accumulating a large number of saved passwords can slow down Chrome’s performance. The browser needs to manage a growing database of encrypted passwords, which can take up considerable resources. This can lead to longer loading times for web pages and a sluggish browser experience. Deleting unused or old passwords can help streamline Chrome’s operations. It makes the browser faster and more responsive. This is beneficial for enhancing the user’s browsing experience.
4. Troubleshooting Issues
Sometimes, saved passwords can become corrupted. This might prevent users from logging into their accounts properly. Deleting these passwords can solve login problems. Users can then reset their passwords and save the new ones, ensuring smoother access. This method also helps in cases where Chrome might not be updating saved passwords automatically. By clearing out old or incorrect passwords, users can avoid confusion and errors during the authentication process.
5. Updating Security Practices
As users become more security-conscious, they might opt for more secure password management tools than Chrome’s built-in manager. Password managers offer advanced features like stronger encryption and cross-platform synchronization. After transitioning to a dedicated password manager, it’s prudent to delete passwords from Chrome. This minimizes vulnerability and ensures that there’s only one source storing sensitive login information. It simplifies security management and enhances overall digital security hygiene.
