How to Switch from Google Password Manager to Bitwarden

Why Switch from Google Password Manager to Bitwarden?

While Google Password Manager offers convenience, especially for Chrome users, it often leaves users wanting more in terms of privacy, security, and cross-platform capabilities. Google’s primary business model revolves around data collection, which can be a concern for those seeking maximum privacy for their most sensitive information. Bitwarden, an open-source password manager, offers an alternative built from the ground up with strong encryption and user privacy as its core tenets.

Bitwarden provides end-to-end encryption, meaning your data is encrypted on your device before it ever leaves and can only be decrypted with your Master Password. Its open-source nature allows for independent security audits, fostering a higher level of trust and transparency. Beyond security, Bitwarden offers extensive cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and all major browsers), robust features like secure notes, custom fields, two-factor authentication (TOTP) generation, and secure file attachments, which go beyond the basic password management offered by Google. Migrating to Bitwarden centralizes your digital security in a dedicated, privacy-focused solution.

Before You Begin

Before embarking on your migration journey, a little preparation can ensure a smoother experience:

• Gather Your Tools: You’ll need access to a computer (desktop or laptop is highly recommended for export/import), a stable internet connection, and your Google account credentials.
• Choose Your Master Password: Before creating your Bitwarden account, take some time to come up with a truly strong, unique Master Password. This is the single most important password you will ever create. Consider using a passphrase (a series of unrelated words) or a randomly generated string of at least 16 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Securely Record Your Master Password: Once you’ve chosen it, write your Master Password down offline and store it in a very secure, physical location, such as a locked safe or a fireproof box. Bitwarden cannot recover your Master Password if you forget it.
• Allocate Time: While the process isn’t overly complex, setting aside 45-60 minutes without distractions will help you focus and avoid mistakes.

Step-by-Step Migration

This section will guide you through the process of moving your passwords from Google Password Manager to Bitwarden.

1. Create Your Bitwarden Account

Content: Navigate to the Bitwarden website and click on “Get Started” or “Create Free Account”. Follow the prompts to set up your account:

1. Enter your email address.
2. Create your Master Password. As discussed, this must be strong and unique.
3. Enter a Master Password hint (optional but recommended). Make it something that only you would understand, not a direct clue.
4. Click “Submit” to create your account.
5. Verify your email address if prompted, by clicking the link in the email Bitwarden sends you.

Once your account is created, you can log in to your web vault at vault.bitwarden.com. It’s also highly recommended to download and install the Bitwarden desktop application (for Windows, macOS, or Linux) and browser extension (for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) for seamless access and autofill.

2. Export Your Passwords from Google Password Manager

Content: This is a critical step, as it involves handling your passwords in an unencrypted format. Proceed with caution.

1. Open Chrome or go directly to Google Passwords:
   • Option A (Chrome Settings): Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner, go to Settings > Autofill > Password Manager.
   • Option B (Direct Link): Go to passwords.google.com in your browser.
2. Locate the “Export passwords” option:
   • On the Password Manager page, look for the Settings icon (⚙️) or a three-dot menu next to “Saved Passwords”.
   • Click on “Export passwords”.
3. Confirm your identity: Google will likely ask you to confirm your identity by entering your computer’s password or your Google account password.
4. Download the CSV file: After confirmation, click “Export passwords” again. Your browser will download a file named something like Google Passwords.csv.
5. Secure the CSV: Move this Google Passwords.csv file to your desktop or another easily accessible but temporary location. Remember to delete it immediately after successful import into Bitwarden.

3. Import Your Passwords into Bitwarden

Content: Now you’ll bring your exported data into your new secure Bitwarden vault.

1. Log in to your Bitwarden web vault: Go to vault.bitwarden.com and log in with your new Master Password.
2. Navigate to the Import tool: In the top navigation bar, click on “Tools”, then select “Import Data” from the left-hand menu.
3. Configure the import:
   • Under “Import your data now”, for “File Format”, select Google Chrome (CSV) from the dropdown list. If Google Chrome (CSV) doesn’t work perfectly, you can try Generic CSV.
   • Click the “Choose File” button and select the Google Passwords.csv file you exported earlier.
4. Review and confirm: Bitwarden will display a preview or an import mapping screen. Review that the columns (URL, Username, Password) are correctly matched. If something looks off, you might need to try Generic CSV and manually map the columns.
5. Click “Import”: Bitwarden will process the file and import your passwords into your vault. This may take a few moments depending on the number of entries.

4. Verify Your Imported Data

Content: It’s crucial to confirm that your migration was successful before moving on.

1. Browse your Bitwarden vault: After the import, navigate to “My Vault” in the Bitwarden web interface (or desktop app).
2. Check key entries: Scroll through your items and verify that a representative sample of your passwords (e.g., email, banking, social media) has been imported correctly.
3. Test a few logins: If possible, try logging into one or two non-critical accounts using the Bitwarden browser extension’s autofill feature. This will confirm that the credentials are not only present but also functional.

5. Disable Google Password Manager and Cleanup

Content: Once you’re confident that all your passwords are safe and sound in Bitwarden, it’s time to disable Google’s password management to avoid conflicts and ensure you’re using your new system exclusively.

1. Disable Chrome’s password saving:
   • Open Google Chrome.
   • Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner, then go to Settings > Autofill > Password Manager.
   • Toggle off “Offer to save passwords” and “Auto Sign-in”.
2. Consider deleting passwords from Google (Optional but Recommended):
   • Go back to passwords.google.com.
   • You can individually delete passwords by clicking on them and selecting the trash can icon, or select multiple for deletion.
   • Caution: Only do this once you are absolutely certain that all your passwords are secure in Bitwarden and you have a reliable backup plan.
3. Delete the CSV file: Locate the Google Passwords.csv file you created and permanently delete it from your computer. Empty your Recycle Bin/Trash afterward. This file contained plain-text sensitive data and should not be stored.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Master Your Master Password: Practice typing your Bitwarden Master Password a few times to commit it to memory. Use the securely stored offline copy as a reference.
• Install All Bitwarden Apps: Download the desktop app, browser extensions, and mobile apps. This ensures a consistent and seamless experience across all your devices.
• Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Bitwarden: For maximum security, enable 2FA on your Bitwarden account itself. Bitwarden supports various 2FA methods, including authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy), YubiKey, and email (as a fallback).
• Explore Bitwarden Features: Bitwarden offers more than just password storage. Take time to explore secure notes, custom fields, identities, credit card storage, and its built-in password generator.
• Start Using Autofill: Get accustomed to using Bitwarden’s autofill feature via the browser extension. This is where the real convenience lies.
• Update Passwords Gradually: While not strictly necessary for migration, it’s a good practice to update some of your older, weaker passwords to new, strong ones generated by Bitwarden.

What You Might Miss (And Alternatives)

Switching services often means adjusting to new workflows. Here are a few things you might notice are different from Google Password Manager:

• Deep Chrome Integration: Google Password Manager is seamlessly integrated into Chrome. Bitwarden’s browser extension works very well, but the initial feel might be slightly different. You might need to click the Bitwarden icon or use a hotkey for autofill more often.
  • Alternative: Customize Bitwarden’s autofill settings and hotkeys to match your preferences for quick access.
• No Automatic Password Sync to Google Account: Your passwords are no longer tied to your Google account and Google Sync.
  • Alternative: Bitwarden handles all syncing across your devices independently. As long as you’re logged into Bitwarden on your devices, your vault will be synchronized.
• Family Sharing Differences: If you used Google’s family sharing features for passwords, Bitwarden has an equivalent with its “Families” or “Organizations” plans, which offer robust sharing options with more granular control.
  • Alternative: Explore Bitwarden Families (paid plan) for secure password sharing with family members.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully migrated your passwords from Google Password Manager to Bitwarden, taking a significant step towards enhancing your digital privacy and security. By centralizing your credentials in an open-source, end-to-end encrypted vault, you’ve gained greater control and peace of mind. Remember to keep your Bitwarden Master Password safe, explore all the powerful features Bitwarden offers, and enjoy a more secure online experience.