Google Password Manager on Android is set to gain passkey import and export capabilities, addressing one of the more persistent limitations in the shift away from traditional passwords. For now, passkeys remain tightly bound to the ecosystem where they were first created. Switching phones or moving to a different password manager often forces users to delete existing passkeys and re-register at every site, a tedious process that has slowed broader adoption.
Recent findings from Android Authority reveal a hidden interface within Google Password Manager that extends existing password settings to cover passkeys. The functionality is reportedly operational rather than purely cosmetic, though it has not yet rolled out to general users. When available, the feature should allow a more streamlined transfer process: open a compatible manager, approve the exchange, and move passkeys without individual re-registrations.
The implementation relies on the Credential Exchange Protocol, or CXP, a FIDO Alliance standard designed to keep passkeys secure during transfers between apps. Google has also included a safeguard that blocks exports to applications failing certain security criteria, displaying a warning that reads “Export blocked for your protection.” This cautious approach is sensible given the sensitive nature of authentication credentials, but it also highlights ongoing fragmentation. Users still face ecosystem lock-in until more password managers and platforms fully align on the protocol.
Apple introduced similar passkey portability in iOS 26 and macOS 26, while dedicated tools like Bitwarden and 1Password already support it. Google has promoted passkeys aggressively as a phishing-resistant alternative to passwords, yet Android users have waited longer for practical migration tools. Once live, the feature could benefit other Android-based managers, such as Samsung Pass, creating a more interoperable environment across devices.
That said, the delay is noticeable. Passkeys have been available for years, yet real-world usability hurdles like these continue to limit their appeal for everyday users. The ability to import and export represents meaningful progress toward making passkeys a viable daily standard rather than a niche convenience for those staying within one company’s walled garden. Still, success will depend on how smoothly the process works in practice, how widely other apps adopt CXP, and whether users trust the security prompts enough to actually use the feature.
In a broader sense, this update reflects the gradual maturation of passwordless login. Tech companies have spent years pushing passkeys as the future, but seamless portability is essential if the technology is to move beyond enthusiasts. Google’s move helps close a gap that has frustrated many Android users, particularly those who mix devices or prefer third-party managers. No official launch timeline has been shared, but the groundwork appears nearly complete.
