Google has introduced a new way to switch password managers on Android without the hassle of downloading CSV files. The feature, announced on Thursday, September 10, 2026, lets users move all of their passwords — and even passkeys — between apps seamlessly.
If you have ever switch password managers before, you know the old process involved exporting your credentials to a file, then importing them into the new app. That method left your sensitive data exposed in a CSV file if you weren’t careful. Google’s new experience aims to fix that.
What the New Switching Experience Does
With this update, users can move their entire password vault from one app to another directly on their device. Android detects the password manager apps installed on your phone and coordinates the transfer between them. You don’t need to touch a CSV file at all.
The feature also supports passkey transfer. That means when you switch password managers, your passkeys come along with you. You won’t need to set them up again from scratch in the new app.
How to Switch Password Managers on Android
The process is built to be simple. Here is how it works:
Open your new password manager app.
Choose the option to import or copy passwords from your old manager app.
Android will detect the manager apps on your device and coordinate the transfer.
Review the information being transferred.
Approve the transfer in a few taps.
That’s it. No file exports, no manual imports, and no leaving your credentials sitting in a downloadable file.
Why This Is More Secure
The old CSV method had a clear weakness. When you export passwords to a CSV file, that file exists on your device or in your downloads folder. If it isn’t deleted properly, anyone who gets access to your phone or storage could read your passwords in plain text.
Google said the new experience averts the risk of exposing data from a CSV file. Because the transfer happens directly between the two apps, your credentials aren’t written to a separate file that could be left behind.
This matters even more when you switch password managers and need to move passkeys. Passkeys are tied to your accounts and are meant to replace passwords entirely for some services. Recreating them manually in a new app would be tedious and could introduce errors. The new Android feature handles that for you.
Which Apps Are Supported
Google said the new experience is already available on select partners as well as in Google’s own password manager app. The currently supported apps include:
Bitwarden
1Password
Dashlane
More apps are expected to be added in the future. If your preferred password manager isn’t on the list yet, it may be supported later as Google expands the feature.
Device Requirements
The password manager switching feature will be available on all devices running Android 8 or above. That covers a wide range of phones and tablets, so most Android users should be able to take advantage of it once their password manager app supports the experience.
Why You Might Want to Switch Password Managers
There are several reasons someone might want to switch password managers. Maybe you want an app with better family sharing features. Maybe you prefer a manager that offers a free tier with unlimited passwords. Or maybe you are moving to a manager that integrates better with your browser or operating system.
Whatever the reason, the friction of switching has always been a barrier. Exporting and importing CSV files felt risky and technical. Now that Android handles the transfer, the process is much more approachable.
What to Check Before You Switch
Before you switch password managers, a few quick checks can save you trouble:
Make sure your new app is installed and set up.
Confirm both apps are running on Android 8 or above.
Have your old manager app installed and accessible.
Be ready to review the transfer details before approving.
Once those boxes are checked, the transfer itself takes only a few taps.
Google’s new feature makes it easier than ever to switch password managers on Android. By removing the need for CSV files and supporting passkey transfer, the company is addressing both convenience and security. If you have been putting off a switch because of the hassle, this update removes one of the biggest obstacles.
The feature is available now on supported apps and devices running Android 8 or above, with more partners expected to join in the future.
