To enhance the security of your sensitive information synced across devices, including passwords, you can enable a custom sync passphrase in Google Chrome. This encrypts your synced data using a password known only to you.
Here's how to set up a sync passphrase to encrypt your Chrome data, based on the provided reference:
Follow these steps within your Chrome browser:
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Open Google Chrome on your computer.
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Click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner to open the menu.
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Go to Settings.
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In the left-hand menu, click on You and Google.
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Click on Sync and Google services.
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Under "Encryption", click on Encryption options.
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Select the option "Encrypt synced data with your own sync passphrase."
- Note: When you select this option, you will need to enter this passphrase whenever you sign into Chrome on a new device to decrypt your synced data. If you forget this passphrase, Google cannot help you recover it, and you will need to reset sync, which deletes all synced data from your Google account.
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Create a secure passphrase. Enter your chosen passphrase twice to confirm.
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Click Save or Activate (the button name might vary slightly).
Once activated, your synced data, including passwords, history, bookmarks, settings, and other information, will be encrypted on Google's servers and require this passphrase to be decrypted on any device you sign into Chrome with.
This method ensures that even if someone gains access to your Google account credentials, they cannot access your synced Chrome data without your specific sync passphrase.
Summary of Steps
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Chrome Settings | Click ⋮ > Settings |
| 2 | Navigate to Sync Settings | You and Google > Sync and Google services |
| 3 | Select Encryption Options | Click 'Encryption options' |
| 4 | Choose Custom Passphrase Encryption | Select "Encrypt synced data with your own sync passphrase." |
| 5 | Create and Confirm Passphrase | Enter a secure passphrase and confirm it. |
| 6 | Save Changes | Click Save/Activate |
Enabling this sync passphrase is a crucial step for adding an extra layer of security to your synced Chrome data.
