Chrome for Android Tests Biometric Check Before Password Autofill

The development was first highlighted by browser sleuth Leopeva64 on X. Android Authority reported that Google has been experimenting with the feature since at least September 2024. It reached Dev and Canary Chrome versions in August last year but was removed before going stable. The latest Chrome Canary build, version 157.0.8083.0, includes the new flag after an update through the Play Store.

The behavior is not appearing consistently. After enabling the flag on a Pixel 8, Android Authority said the biometric prompt did not trigger even after the app was force-closed multiple times. The source cited by Android Authority saw different results: tapping a saved password under the “Use saved password?” prompt immediately started authentication, and Chrome proceeded with autofill only after the biometric check was completed. That source was on an older Canary build, version 157.0.8079.0. Android Authority rolled back to the older build but still could not get the prompt to appear, suggesting the feature may not be tied solely to a specific Canary version.

Users who want to check the feature can update Chrome Canary, open chrome://flags, search for “Biometric reauth for password filling,” and set it to Enabled. After relaunching the browser, they can visit a website where a password is saved.

The flag’s return suggests Google has not entirely abandoned the idea of requiring authentication before autofill, Android Authority reported. If it becomes a stable feature, it could give security-focused users more peace of mind, especially when they hand an unlocked phone to someone else. Because Google has tested and pulled the feature before, however, it could do so again.