Chrome 78 and the Case of the Missing Password Import: A User's Guide

Losing your passwords can be a digital nightmare. Imagine reinstalling Chrome, ready to import your saved credentials, only to find the "Password Import" option vanished into thin air! This is exactly what happened to some users after updating to Chrome 78, sparking frustration and confusion within the Chrome community.

This article delves into the issue of the missing "Password Import" flag in Chrome 78, exploring the reasons behind its disappearance and, more importantly, providing solutions to restore this crucial functionality.

The Problem: Where Did the Password Import Flag Go?

Users reported that after updating to Chrome 78, the chrome://flags setting for "Password Import" was no longer available. This meant they couldn't directly import password data from a CSV file, a feature many relied upon for backup and restoration purposes, especially after reinstalling the browser or switching devices. The only import option available seemed to be from other browsers.

Why Was the Password Import Flag Removed?

While Google didn't officially announce the removal with a detailed explanation, it's speculated that it might have been related to security concerns or a planned shift in how Chrome handles password management. Flags are experimental features, and Google often removes or modifies them based on usage, stability, or security considerations.

Restoring the Password Import Functionality: Possible Solutions

Although the flag was removed, resourceful users in the Chrome community discovered workarounds to bring back the password import feature.

• Enable via Command Line: One method involved launching Chrome with a specific command-line flag. This forces the browser to re-enable the password import functionality.
  • Close all Chrome instances.
  • Open the command prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
  • Run Chrome with the following flag: chrome.exe --enable-features=PasswordImport (Windows) or /Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --enable-features=PasswordImport (macOS).
  • This method might not work permanently, as future updates could override it.
• Using older versions of Chrome: Downgrading to an older version of Chrome could bring the functionality back. However, this is not recommended because older versions are vulnerable to security threats.
• Consider Password Managers: Although not a direct solution to the import issue, consider using dedicated password managers like LastPass or 1Password. These tools offer robust password management features, including secure storage, syncing across devices, and easy import/export options.

Best Practices for Password Management in Chrome

Even if the "Password Import" flag returns, it's crucial to adopt secure password management habits:

• Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple websites.
• Enable Chrome's Password Sync: If you trust Google's security, enabling password sync ensures your passwords are backed up and available across all your signed-in devices.
• Regularly review saved passwords: Chrome's password manager allows you to check for weak or compromised passwords.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible.
• Export your Passwords regularly: Regularly export your passwords as a CSV file as a backup measure. To do this in Chrome:
  • Go to chrome://settings/passwords
  • Click the three dots next to "Saved Passwords"
  • Select "Export Passwords"

Conclusion: Staying Ahead of Chrome's Evolution

The disappearing "Password Import" flag in Chrome 78 highlights the ever-evolving nature of software. While frustrating, the Chrome community's quick response in finding solutions demonstrates the power of collaborative problem-solving. By understanding the potential causes, exploring workarounds, and adopting proactive password management strategies, users can navigate these changes and maintain control over their digital security.