A safer way to change password managers on Android
Google announced on 10 September 2026 that Android now includes a native hand‑off for moving your saved credentials from one password manager to another. The change targets two pain points that have long frustrated users: the need to export passwords as a plain‑text file and the inability to migrate the newer passkeys that replace traditional passwords for many online services.
The new workflow is built into the operating system itself, meaning the hand‑off is handled by Android rather than by a third‑party app. In practice, you open the destination manager, select an “import from another provider” option and Android takes over, presenting a list of installed password managers, prompting you to authorise the transfer, and then moving the data securely in seconds.
Why this matters for UK Android owners
For anyone buying a new handset on a contract – whether through EE, Vodafone or Three – the ability to switch security tools without a risky export step is a genuine convenience. Many users stick with the default Google Password Manager simply because it’s pre‑installed, even if they prefer the feature set of a competitor such as 1Password or Bitwarden. With the new OS‑level transfer, the barrier to trying a different manager drops dramatically.
The feature also aligns with the UK’s growing emphasis on digital security. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has repeatedly urged consumers to adopt password‑less authentication where possible, and passkeys are the cornerstone of that push. By allowing passkeys to be moved between managers, Android removes a practical obstacle to wider adoption.
How the transfer works – step by step
- Launch the new manager – Open the password manager you want to switch to and tap the import option.
- Android takes the reins – The OS detects any other password managers on the device and displays them as possible sources.
- Choose the source – Select the manager you currently use (e.g., Google Password Manager, Bitwarden, Dashlane, or 1Password).
- Review and approve – Android redirects you back to the source app where you confirm which credentials to move. The data never leaves the device in an unencrypted form.
- Transfer completes – Within a few seconds the selected passwords and passkeys appear in the new manager, ready for use.
The entire process is designed to keep the data encrypted at rest and in transit, leveraging Android’s built‑in security sandbox. No temporary files are written to the storage that could be accessed by other apps.
Supported managers and future roll‑out
At launch the feature works with:
- Google Password Manager – the default service on Pixel phones and most Android devices.
- 1Password – popular for its cross‑platform sync and family sharing.
- Bitwarden – an open‑source option that many privacy‑conscious users favour.
- Dashlane – known for its dark‑web monitoring and VPN add‑on.
Google says additional partners will be added over the coming months, so the ecosystem is likely to broaden. Developers of other managers have already been invited to integrate the Android API, which suggests a fairly rapid expansion.
What this does not replace
The new flow does not eliminate the need for a good backup strategy. While the transfer is encrypted, users should still keep a secure backup of their master password or recovery key for the destination manager. Moreover, the feature only moves data that is already stored locally; any credentials saved only in the cloud (e.g., Safari passwords synced via iCloud) will still need to be imported manually.
How to get started today
If you have a device running Android 14 or later, the option should already be visible in the supported managers. Google provides a detailed walkthrough in its Help Centre, which covers both password and passkey migration. For those on older versions, the feature will appear after the next OS update, typically rolled out over a few weeks by carriers.
Bottom line for contract shoppers
When you’re comparing handset deals, the ability to switch password managers without a security‑risk is a subtle but valuable perk. It means you can pick a phone on a cheap 12‑month contract, test a premium manager like 1Password, and if you later decide another service fits better, the move will be painless. In a market where data protection is increasingly a selling point, Android’s new transfer tool adds a layer of confidence for UK consumers.
The information above is based on Google’s official blog post and corroborated by coverage from Android Central, Android Authority and Android Headlines. All technical details reflect the state of the feature as of September 2026.
