Password autofill is a convenient feature that allows you to sign in to your apps and websites with a single tap, without having to remember or type your passwords. However, sometimes password autofill may not work properly on your Android device, causing frustration and inconvenience. In this blog post, I will show you the best ways to fix password autofill not working on Android, based on various factors that may cause the problem.
What Causes Password Autofill Not Working on Android?
Password autofill on Android relies on several components, such as your internet connection, your date and time settings, your Google Play Services, your Google account settings, your Android updates, and your device settings. If any of these components are faulty, outdated, or incompatible, you may experience password autofill not working on Android. Here are some of the common causes and symptoms of the problem:
- Your internet connection is slow, weak, or interrupted, preventing your device from communicating with Google servers and verifying your account credentials.
- Your date and time settings are incorrect, causing a mismatch between your device’s timestamps and Google’s timestamps, which are used to authenticate your identity and prevent unauthorized access to your account.
- Your Google Play Services are corrupted or outdated, affecting the functionality and compatibility of your Google account and its services on your device.
- Your Google account settings are changed or conflicted, such as enabling two-step verification, less secure app access, or account recovery options, which may interfere with the sign-in process.
- Your Android device is running an older or unsupported Android version, which may not be compatible with the latest updates or patches for Google services that require a certain Android version to work properly.
- Your device settings are altered or conflicted, such as disabling autofill, using beta apps, or using third-party apps, which may prevent password autofill from working as expected.
Ways to Fix Password Autofill Not Working on Android
Here are some of the best ways to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:
1. ENABLE GOOGLE PASSWORD MANAGER
Before we explore advanced tricks, make sure to enable Google Password Manager on Android. It’s the default service to save and sync your login details across your devices. Here’s how to enable Google Password Manager in Android Settings.
Step 1: Open Settings on Android and scroll to Passwords and Accounts.
Step 2: Enable the toggle below Additional Providers.
The option enables Google Password Manager, Google Pay, and Google Wallet services on your phone. From now on, Android should save login entries to Google Password Manager and offer an option to autofill your credentials in compatible apps.
2. SELECT YOUR PREFERRED PASSWORD MANAGER
Google Password Manager is basic at best. Some Android users prefer a third-party option like 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, or Enpass. If you are among them, make sure to set it as default in Android Settings.
Step 1: Head to Passwords and Accounts in Android Settings.
Step 2: Open Passwords, passkeys, and data services.
Step 3: Tap the radio button beside your go-to password manager.
Confirm your decision from a pop-up, and you are good to go.
3. MAKE SURE TO CREATE ENTRIES
Password autofilling only works when you have created an entry in the password manager in the first place. When you add a new entry manually, make sure to add the correct app or service name. You should avoid using aliases as your entry title in a password manager.
4. THE DEVELOPER HAS DISABLED AUTOFILL
While most Android apps support password auto-filling, some developers skip the function due to privacy reasons. If a specific Android app doesn’t show an option to autofill login details, open your password manager, search for an entry, and copy relevant details.
5. GET OUT OF BETA APPS
Are you using a beta version of an app? Developers may disable password auto-filling on beta apps. To check for the same, you should head to the Play Store and go to the app info menu.
You can exit the beta program from the same menu and wait for the stable build to become available. Password autofill should work as expected once you revert to the stable version.
6. ENABLE AUTOFILL IN THIRD-PARTY APPS
If you use a third-party password manager on Android, enable the autofill option in Settings.
Note: The steps to enable autofill in third-party apps differ from one app to another. We will use 1Password as an example here.
Apps like 1Password don’t allow taking screenshots on Android. You will have to rely on instructions to make changes.
Step 1: Open 1Password on Android. Tap on your profile picture at the top and open Settings.
Step 2: Select Autofill. Enable the option from the following menu.
7. FORCE STOP AND CLEAR THE CACHE ON THE PASSWORD MANAGER
You can force-stop a password manager app and even clear the cache to enjoy a smooth autofill process.
Step 1: Long-tap on a password manager app and open the info menu. Tap Force stop.
Step 2: Head to Storage and Cache and select Clear Cache.
8. UPDATE YOUR PREFERRED PASSWORD MANAGER
An outdated password manager app can be the main reason why your passwords are not auto-filling. You should head to the Play Store and install the latest app update.
9. UPDATE ANDROID
You can update your Android phone to the latest version and try auto-filling passwords without any issues.
Step 1: Open Settings on Android and scroll to System.
Step 2: Tap System update and install the latest build.
Conclusion:
Encountering issues with password autofill not working on Android can be frustrating, but it’s not insurmountable. By following the steps outlined above and being proactive in troubleshooting the issue, you can regain seamless access to your passwords and streamline your digital workflow once again. Remember to stay vigilant about security practices and keep your passwords safe and secure at all times. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll have your password autofill feature up and running smoothly in no time!