You want to turn off browser autofill, here’s how!
Autofill is a feature many people use every day. It remembers login details and fills them in for you. On the surface, it looks like a time saver.
But, that convenience comes with risks. Autofill stores your passwords inside the browser. While this may seem secure, it often is not. Cybercriminals can exploit weak browser storage and steal saved login details. Even a lost laptop or phone can give someone full access to your accounts.
This article explains how to turn off autofill in both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. It also explores the risks of using browser autofill. And it shows how switching to a password manager offers a safer, smarter choice.
Why you should consider turning off autofill
Many users keep autofill on without thinking about the weaknesses. But once you understand the risks, disabling this feature becomes an easy choice.
Security risks: Exposure to cyber threats
Hackers are always looking for ways into your accounts. If your browser stores passwords, attackers can use malware to access them. Some malware targets browser storage specifically because it is an easy path to sensitive data.
Even browser updates and patches can’t guarantee perfect safety. With autofill active, your browser becomes a vault with a fragile lock.
Privacy concerns: Autofill passwords can expose sensitive data
Browsers store more than just passwords. They can also remember addresses, phone numbers, and payment info. If someone else gets access to your computer or browser profile, they can see more than just your logins.
In data breaches, browser stored information is often included. Once exposed, this data can be used to impersonate you or access your accounts elsewhere.
Convenience vs safety: At what cost?
Yes, autofill is fast. But that speed comes with risk. You may save a few seconds each day, but you might lose control of your accounts later. Choosing security over convenience helps you protect your identity in the long run.
How to deactivate autofill passwords in Google Chrome
Turning off autofill in Chrome is simple. Follow these steps to turn off autofill in Google Chrome.
Desktop:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the three dot menu in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Select “Autofill and passwords” from the column on the left.
- Choose the “Google Password Manager” option.
- Toggle off the “Offer to save passwords and passkeys” and “Sign in automatically” options.
Mobile (iOS):
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the Account Settings menu in the top right corner.
- Select “Password Manager” from the menu.
- Tap “Settings” in the bottom left corner of the Password Manager.
- Toggle off “Offer to save passwords.”
Mobile (Android):
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the Account Settings menu in the top right corner.
- Select “Google Password Manager” from the menu.
- Tap “Settings” in the bottom right corner of the Password Manager.
- Toggle off the “Offer to save passwords” and “Auto sign-in” options
How to deactivate autofill passwords in Mozilla Firefox
Turning off autofill in Firefox is simple. Follow these steps to turn off autofill in Mozilla Firefox.
Desktop:
- Open Mozilla Firefox.
- Click the menu icon (three lines) in the top-right corner.
- Select “Passwords” from the menu.
- Click the 3 dots in the upper right corner of the Passwords menu and select “Options” from the menu.
- Uncheck the “Ask to save passwords” and “Fill username and passwords automatically” options.
Mobile (iOS):
- Open the Firefox app.
- Tap the 3 dots in the lower right.
- Select the “Settings” option.
- Select “Autofills & passwords” from the Settings menu.
- Tap the “Passwords” option.
- Toggle off the “Save Passwords” option.
Mobile (Android):
- Open the Firefox app.
- Tap the 3 dots in the upper right corner.
- Select the “Settings” option.
- Select “Passwords” from the Settings menu.
- Put the “Save Passwords” option on “Never save.” Toggle off both the “Autofill in Firefox” and “Autofill in other apps” options.
What happens after you turn off autofill?
Once autofill is off, your browser will stop filling in login details. You will need to type them each time you sign in. Any passwords saved before you disabled autofill will stay unless you remove them manually.
Some websites may still keep you signed in for a while. That’s because of cookies, not autofill. But, once those sessions expire, you will need to enter your login details again.
You may find this shift inconvenient at first. But luckily, password managers like RoboForm can make your life more convenient without decreasing your security.
How password managers fill the gap after deactivating autofill
Turning off browser autofill doesn’t mean you have to type every password forever. A password manager offers a better solution. It stores your login details securely and fills them in automatically. Just like your browser did, but with better protection.
With a tool like RoboForm, your passwords are encrypted and stored in a password vault. Unlike browser storage, RoboForm uses strong password security standards. That includes zero knowledge infrastructure, so only you can access your data.
RoboForm has its own autofill feature. It works across devices and browsers without the risks of browser autofill.
Common mistakes to avoid after deactivating autofill
Some users turn off autofill but fail to prepare for what comes next. Without a backup system, they can run into problems quickly.
Without autofill or a password manager, passwords are easily forgotten. Even if you practice good password creation habits, relying on your own memory can be problematic. You might have trouble recalling the passwords you’ve created.
Another common mistake is writing down passwords. While it may seem like a good fallback, written passwords can be lost or seen by others. Another issue is reusing simple, easy to remember passwords. This creates weak points that hackers can exploit.
Using a password manager like RoboForm helps you to increase password security. Password managers make it easier to avoid weak patterns and stop reusing the same passwords across different sites.
Conclusion
Autofill may seem like a simple tool to make your life easier. But, it opens the door to privacy risks and cyber threats. Hackers know how to exploit browser storage. Once they gain access, your data is no longer safe.
By following the steps in this guide, you can turn off autofill in Chrome and Firefox. Doing so removes a major vulnerability from your digital life.
Now that autofill is off, you need a better solution. A password manager like RoboForm offers both security and convenience. It stores passwords securely and fills them in when needed, without the risks of browser storage.
If you’re ready to make the switch, explore RoboForm Premium and take the next step toward smarter, safer browsing.
