"Deleting" a password manager often refers to disabling its automatic saving features, removing stored credentials, or uninstalling a dedicated application. This guide will walk you through managing your browser's built-in password manager, specifically focusing on how to stop it from offering to save passwords and how to delete previously saved ones.
Disabling Your Browser's Password Saving Feature
If you want to prevent your browser from automatically offering to save new passwords or auto-filling existing ones, you can disable this functionality. This is particularly useful if you prefer using a standalone password manager or want more manual control.
For Google Chrome
To stop Google Chrome from prompting you to save passwords, follow these steps:
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Open Google Chrome on your computer.
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Click on your profile button (usually your initial or profile picture) in the top right corner of the Chrome toolbar.
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From the dropdown menu, select the password icon (which looks like a key). This will open the Google Password Manager settings.
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In the Password Manager settings, locate the option that says “Offer to save passwords” and toggle the switch off.
- By turning this off, Chrome will no longer ask if you want to save new passwords for websites you visit.
For Other Popular Browsers
Disabling password saving in other browsers follows a similar pattern:
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox and click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings (or Options).
- Select the Privacy & Security panel.
- Under the "Logins and Passwords" section, uncheck the box next to "Ask to save logins and passwords for websites."
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge and click the menu button (three horizontal dots) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Profiles from the left-hand menu, then click Passwords.
- Toggle off "Offer to save passwords."
Apple Safari
- Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen, then select Preferences.
- Go to the AutoFill tab.
- Uncheck the box next to "User names and passwords."
Deleting Saved Passwords
Disabling the auto-save feature prevents new passwords from being stored, but it doesn't remove existing ones. To enhance your security or manage your credentials, you might want to delete individual passwords or clear all saved data.
Deleting Individual Passwords
You can selectively remove passwords you no longer need. This is generally done within the browser's password manager interface.
- In Chrome: Access your passwords through the profile icon > key icon, or by navigating to
chrome://settings/passwords. Here, you'll see a list of saved credentials. Click the three dots next to a password and select "Remove." - In Firefox: Go to Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security > Saved Logins. You can search for specific sites and remove them.
- In Edge: Go to Menu > Settings > Profiles > Passwords. Find the entry you want to remove and click the three dots next to it, then select "Delete."
- In Safari: Go to Safari > Preferences > AutoFill > User names and passwords, then click "Edit." Select the entries you wish to remove and click "Remove."
Deleting All Saved Passwords
For a complete cleanup, you can delete all saved passwords from your browser. Be cautious, as this action is usually irreversible.
| Browser | How to Access Saved Passwords |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | chrome://settings/passwords or Profile icon > Key icon |
| Mozilla Firefox | Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security > Saved Logins |
| Microsoft Edge | Menu > Settings > Profiles > Passwords |
| Apple Safari | Safari > Preferences > AutoFill > User names and passwords > Edit |
To delete all passwords, you typically need to go into your browser's "Clear browsing data" or "Clear history" settings. Ensure you select the option to clear "Passwords" or "Form data" and specify the time range (e.g., "All time").
- Important Note: Deleting all passwords will require you to re-enter your login credentials for all websites you visit in the future. Consider exporting your passwords first if you plan to import them into a different password manager. Learn more about exporting passwords from Chrome.
What About Third-Party Password Managers?
If you're using a dedicated password manager application like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden, "deleting" it means uninstalling the software from your device and potentially closing your account with the service. The process is similar to uninstalling any other software:
- Windows: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- macOS: Drag the application from your Applications folder to the Trash.
- Mobile Apps: Long-press the app icon and select "Uninstall" or "Remove App."
Always consult the official support documentation for your specific third-party password manager for detailed uninstallation and account closure instructions.
