Google Chrome now makes it easier to sync keys across devices

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

Google Chrome gets cross-device key support

The tech giant announced in a blog post that Google Password Manager now supports cross-operating systems. Previously, the feature was only available on Android devices, allowing users to easily log in to their Google accounts using a PIN or setting a screen lock pattern.

Google Chrome adds password support for different devices
Image source: Google

While users still need to use an Android device to set a screen lock pattern, they will now be able to set a PIN and use the code and pattern to log in to their account on different devices. It is worth noting that this feature is being rolled out to Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The feature is also available in the ChromeOS beta. Google also emphasized that support for iOS will be launched soon.

Google added that the keys can be created and accessed using a password manager. Furthermore, these PINs are end-to-end encrypted and not even accessible to Google. Adding an account on a new device also requires the user to enter a PIN or screen lock (if using an Android device).

It is worth noting that the key is an alternative login authentication method that provides better security than traditional methods such as SMS codes. It was designed by the FIDO Alliance and is supported by tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. The technology uses public key cryptography and creates two sets of keys, one of which is stored in the cloud and the other is kept by the user. When the two keys match, authentication occurs.