Android adds system-level tool to transfer passkeys between managers
Google is removing vendor lock-in by allowing users to move credentials between managers like Bitwarden and 1Password.
Google has introduced a new system-level feature for Android that enables users to securely transfer passwords and passkeys between different credential managers. The move aims to eliminate the friction associated with switching security providers on mobile devices.
The new system works by detecting installed manager apps on the device and coordinating the data migration. According to TechCrunch, Android provides a dedicated interface where users can review and approve the specific data being moved to ensure transparency and security. The feature supports both traditional alphanumeric passwords and the newer, phishing-resistant passkeys. At launch, Google has partnered with several major providers, including Google Password Manager, 1Password, Bitwarden, and Dashlane.
The battle against vendor lock-in
Passkeys were developed to replace passwords with a more secure authentication method, but their widespread adoption has been slowed by "vendor lock-in." Because passkeys are often tied to a specific ecosystem—such as Google or Apple—moving them to a third-party manager was historically difficult or impossible. This created a barrier for users who wanted to consolidate their digital identity across multiple platforms or switch to a manager with better feature sets. Apple had previously implemented similar capabilities for its iOS and macOS users to address these portability concerns.
Why mobility matters for security
By standardizing the transfer process at the operating system level, Google is removing a primary deterrent to passkey adoption. When users feel locked into a single provider, they are less likely to migrate away from traditional passwords, which remain vulnerable to phishing and credential stuffing. Increasing user mobility encourages a broader industry shift toward passwordless authentication by ensuring that the choice of a security tool is based on preference and utility rather than technical entrapment.
What to watch
While the initial rollout includes four major partners, the long-term success of the feature depends on wider industry adoption. It remains to be seen how quickly other credential managers will integrate with the Android system-level API. Users should monitor for app updates from their respective managers to see when the transfer capability becomes active on their specific devices.