Out of the box, your Android phone uses Google’s autofill service to fill in your saved usernames and passwords when you log into an app or service. But if you use a password manager other than Google’s, you’ll find getting it to fill in those blanks rather challenging.
I don’t use Google’s password manager because I find it to be one of the less secure options on the market. Instead, I opt for the open-source and highly secure Bitwarden app. To use it, I have to change the autofill service on my phone.
Also: Bitwarden vs. 1Password: Which password manager is best?
But here’s the thing: Autofill isn’t something you configure within your password manager, nor is it set from within the default applications page in Settings. This is because autofill is a service, not an app, that runs in the background, waiting for you to tap a credentials field (either username or password). Once it detects the action, it will then offer to fill in the blanks — so long as you have a matching entry in your password manager.
If you use a password manager other than Google’s, let me show you how to configure it for autofill.
How to enable your password manager for autofill
What you’ll need: To make this work, you’ll need an Android device and a third-party password manager installed and ready to go. For your password manager, you’ll want to make sure you have it set up for biometric unlock.
If your password manager is configured to only unlock via password, the autofill process will take more time and effort. With Bitwarden, you can enable biometric login through Settings. If you haven’t set up a biometric login for your password manager, do that first.
On your Android device, pull the Notification Shade down twice and then tap the gear icon to access the Settings app. You can also reach the Settings app by opening the App Drawer, scrolling down until you see Settings, and tapping that entry.
The easiest way to locate the autofill option is to type “Autofill” in the search field at the top of the Settings app. When the entries appear, you should see one labeled “Preferred service.” Tap that.
Make sure you find the “Preferred service” entry.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
At the top of the resulting page, you should see Google listed as the autofill service. Tap Change, and then, on the resulting page, tap the entry for the password manager you wish to use for autofill.
Also: How to add PGP support on Android for added security and privacy
You will then be prompted to verify the change by tapping Change in the pop-up.
Any app you have that includes a password manager will appear here.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Tap the back arrow (or use Gesture navigation) to go back to the “Passwords, passkeys & accounts” page, where you should now see your password manager listed as the preferred service for autofill.
Although you can add additional services, I recommend you stick with one; otherwise, it could become confusing when you need autofill to help you log into an app or service securely and swiftly.
Also: 3 ways to stop Android apps running in the background – and why I always do
That’s all there is to it. Now you can enjoy a bit more security and efficiency when logging into apps and services from your phone.
