Recovering an Old Password After Accidentally Changing It in Chrome

Accidentally pressing the 'Update Password' button in Chrome can be frustrating. This article guides you through the process of recovering your old password if you have lost access due to a password change. We will explore several methods to regain access to your account and maintain strong password hygiene practices.

Understanding the Issue

If you have changed your password accidently and now need to revert to the previous one, the most straightforward approach is to check if Chrome saved the new password. If it did, you can use these saved credentials to gain access to your account and reset your password. However, if the new password was not saved or you need a different approach, we will also cover additional methods.

How to Recover Your Old Password in Chrome

Step 1: Access Chrome’s Autofill and Password Manager

Open Google's Settings and navigate to Autofill and Passwords or Google Password Manager.

Here, you will see a list of saved passwords for various websites. Locate your specific website. If the old password is saved, use it to log in and reset your account's password.

Step 2: Logging in to the Website

Once you have found the saved password, use it to sign in to the website and proceed with changing your password to the old one or create a new one.

Note: Ensure that your device is set up correctly to recognize your login credentials.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

If Chrome Did Not Save the New Password

If Chrome did not save the new password, you will need to rely on your memory or contact the website's support to reset your password using their 'Forgot Password' feature.

Lost or Forgotten Password

Visit the website’s ‘Forgot Password’ page and follow the instructions to reset your password. This is often the safest and most reliable method as it involves following a structured process designed by the website to ensure your account remains secure.

Using a Password Manager

For users who prefer to manage their passwords through a dedicated password manager, we recommend tools like Bitwarden and KeePassXC. These tools help maintain a secure log of passwords and facilitate easy password management.

Bitwarden and KeePassXC

Users of Bitwarden or KeePassXC should:

Enable regular backups of their password vault. Set up automatic backups using a trusted method like Dropbox or Nextcloud. Create a recovery key to protect against the loss of access.

Best Practices for Password Hygiene

Record Passwords: Always keep a secure log of old and new passwords, especially for critical accounts. Backup Important Data: Regularly back up sensitive files, passwords, and 2FA codes. Auto-Save Passwords: Enable auto-save features in your browser or password manager to ensure you don’t lose access. Secure Backups: Set up your password vault backups to be stored in a secure location.

By following these best practices, you can recover from accidental password changes and ensure your online security remains robust.

Conclusion

Recovering an old password after changing it accidentally can be challenging, but with the right steps and password management tools, you can regain access to your accounts and maintain a secure digital presence. Always be proactive in managing your passwords to avoid such situations in the future.