Fix: Google Chrome Not Saving Passwords

Home users have been reporting that Google Chrome doesn’t remember Google Account sessions and so it fails to save passwords and other auto-fill items. This issue is not specific to a certain Windows version since it’s reported to occur on Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

Google doesn’t save passwords

Update: As it turns out, the issue is not even OS-specific since the same issue is also reported to occur on MAC computers.

What is causing the password saving issue on Google Chrome?

We investigated this particular issue by looking at various user reports and the repair strategies that are commonly being used to fix this particular problem. Based on what we gathered, there are several common culprits that will trigger this particular error message:

  • Google Chrome bug – This particular issue is also known to be caused by a bug that has been since patched by Google. If you have an outdated client, simply updating the browser might resolve the issue automatically.
  • Chrome is prohibited from saving local data – There’s one setting that, in case it’s enabled, might prevent your browser from remembering any of the passwords you end up saving. If this scenario is applicable, you can disable this setting from Content Settings.
  • Save password is disabled in Chrome – Chrome will not save any passwords (the prompt won’t appear) if you’ve previously configured if one option in the Autofill tab is disabled. In this case, you can resolve the issue by enabling the box associated with Offer to save passwords.
  • Corrupted Chrome profile – File corruption inside your Chrome profile folder can also trigger this issue. In this case, forcing the browser to create a new profile will resolve the issue promptly.
  • Corrupted cache folder (MAC only) – There are several reports on Macs where the issue ends up being caused by a series of cache folders. Deleting them manually will resolve the issue in this case.

If you’re currently struggling to resolve this particular issue, this article will provide you with several troubleshooting steps that other users in a similar situation have successfully to get to the bottom of this issue and resolve the problem.

For the best results,  follow the methods below in the order that they are presented since they are ordered by efficiency and severity. One of them is bound to resolve the issue in your particular case. \

Method 1: Updating Chrome to the latest version

Several affected users have reported that the issue was no longer occurring after they updated their Chrome version to the latest build available. This suggests that the issue can indeed be caused by a bug/glitch that was already addressed in one of the latest Chrome releases.

By default, Chrome is configured to update automatically, but a custom power plan, a 3rd party optimization application or manual user interaction might have stopped the browser from updating itself.

In any case, here’s a short guide on how to do this yourself:

  1. Open Google Chrome and click the action button (top right corner). Then, access the Help option and click on About Google Chrome.
    Accessing the About Google Chrome menu
  2. Once you reach the next menu, wait for the initial scan to complete. If a new version is found, the wizard will automatically prepare for installation. If this happens, simply follow the steps outlined.
    Chrome is downloading the updates.
  3. When prompted to install, do so and see if the password saving issue is fixed at the next startup.

Method 2: Modify Chrome’s Settings to allow it to keep local data

As a couple of users have reported, the issue can also occur in those situations where Google Chrome is prevented from saving anything locally when the browser is closed. This option isn’t normally enabled by default, but some affected users are certain that they haven’t modified this default behavior themselves.

In any case, here’s how to make sure that Chrome’s settings aren’t configured to prohibit the storing of any data when the browser is closed:

  1. Open Google Chrome and access the action button (top-right corner). Then, click on Settings.
  2. Inside the Settings menu, scroll all the way down to the bottom of the screen, then click on the Advanced drop-down menu to make the rest of the settings visible.
  3. Scroll down to the Privacy & Security tab and click on Content Settings.
  4. Inside Content settings, click on Cookies.
  5. From the Cookies menu, make sure that the toggle associated with Keep local data only until you quit your browser is unchecked.
  6. If you’ve modified the setting, restart your browser to force the changes to take effect.
  7. Once the browser restarts, try to save a password again and see if you’re successful this time.
Forcing Chrome to save passwords

If you’re still encountering the same issue, move down to the next method below.

Method 3: Enabling the Save password box

Some users that have been having this problem for a long while have reported that they were finally able to resolve the issue after discovering that Chrome was configured to avoid offering to save the web passwords.

If the same is happening to you and you’re looking for a way to change this behavior, this method will resolve the problem for you. Here’s a quick guide on how to ensure that Chrome is configured to save your passwords:

  1. Open Google Chrome and click the action button in the top-right corner of the screen. Then, click on Settings from the newly appeared menu.
  2. Inside the Settings screen, go to the Autofill tab and click on Passwords.
  3. Inside the Passwords tab, make sure that the toggle associated with Offer to save passwords is checked.
  4. Restart your browser and see if the issue is now resolved.
Enabling Password saving on Chrome

Method 4: Using a new Chrome profile

Several affected users have reported that the issue was no longer occurring after they forced Google Chrome into creating a new user profile. This solidifies the idea that this particular issue can be caused by a corrupted Chrome profile.

This procedure is not ideal, given the fact that you will lose any previously established user preferences and save the password.

But in case you decide to go this route, here’s how to create a new Chrome profile:

  1. Open Chrome and click on your account icon (top-right corner).
  2. From the account menu, click on Manage People.
  3. From the next menu, click on Add person.
  4. Add a name and an avatar for the new profile, then click on Add.
  5. Restart your computer and see if the if Chrome is now saving profiles on your new profile.
Creating a new profile on Google Chrome

Method 5: Using a password manager

If you have been unable to force Chrome into saving your passwords, you should also consider using a password manager capable of integrating seamlessly with your browser.

LastPass, Dashlane and Sticky Password are all good solutions that have plugins that you can install on your Chrome browser. All of these 3rd party solutions have a Free version that you can install for no additional cost.

Example of LastPass

If you’re encountering the issue on a MAC computer, follow the method down below.

Method 6: Deleting the Cache folder (Mac Only)

If you’re encountering the issue on a Mac computer, there’s one solution that is known to resolve the issue on Apple computer. This essentially forces the browser to create a new profile from scratch, which should resolve the issue in case it’s caused by file corruption.

Here’s a quick guide on how to do this:

  1. Navigate to the ~/<username>/Library folder.
    Note: <UserName> is just a placeholder for your own user name.
  2. Delete the main Google folder from ~/Library/Application Support.
  3. Delete all associated folders from ~/Library/Caches.

    Deleting the Chrome cache folder on MAC
  4. Once you’ve performed this procedure, restart your computer and see if the issue has been resolved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.