Google is expanding its advanced autofill features in Chrome on iOS and Android, with tighter integration into Google Wallet for handling sensitive documents.
The update allows Chrome to automatically fill web forms with information such as passport number, driver’s license details, known passenger number, vehicle identification number, license plate and flight schedules. The rollout begins today via a server-side update.
This mobile update brings Chrome’s expanded autofill capabilities, which were previously only available on desktop, to iOS and Android browsers.
What’s new in Chrome Autofill and how Google Wallet becomes a master directory
Chrome now allows users on mobile to securely remember and automatically fill in more complex data types, including passport numbers and expiration dates, driver’s license details, known traveler numbers for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, vehicle identification numbers and license plate numbers, flight schedules, and other multi-character strings often used in travel and logistics forms.
This information is stored in Google Wallet and retrieved by Chrome when filling out the relevant form. Integration works both ways:
- Chrome can automatically fill out forms using data stored in Google Wallet.
- When users fill out a form for the first time, Chrome may suggest saving the details to Google Wallet for future use.
This integration helps avoid maintaining separate stores of sensitive documents in both the browser and the wallet app.
Security, user controls, and how to use the new AutoFill on iOS and Android
Because the system handles sensitive identity documents, Google has taken security measures:
- Chrome never automatically saves or fills in sensitive information without the user’s explicit consent.
- High-level documents remain strongly encrypted when stored.
- Users can review, delete, or update stored data through Google Wallet settings or Chrome’s “Autofill & Passwords” preferences.
- Private digital passes such as state IDs are protected by independent biometric access controls. If users want to limit what Chrome stores, they can disable specific autofill categories in Chrome settings or delete individual items directly from Google Wallet.
To take full advantage of the expanded AutoFill feature on iOS and Android, start by updating Chrome to the latest version via the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
Sign in to Chrome using the Google Account linked to your Google Wallet. Next, open Google Wallet and make sure the documents you want to make available for autofill are stored.
When visiting a website requesting passport, license, or travel information, Chrome will automatically prompt you to fill out the fields.
You can also review and manage your stored data in the “Autofill and passwords” section of Chrome in Settings. Keep in mind that this feature requires both Chrome and Google Wallet to be installed and signed in with the same Google account.
Privacy considerations, account security, and rollout availability
The expanded Autofill feature in Chrome makes sensitive identifying information more accessible in web forms. This may improve convenience but also increases the amount of data Chrome shares with websites.
Users should consider verifying that any website requesting passport or license details is legitimate before allowing autofill. It is also advisable to regularly review Google Wallet permissions and delete documents that are no longer needed.
Using a device-level biometric lock can help prevent unauthorized AutoFill access if the device is lost or stolen. Keep in mind that Chrome’s autofill depends on your Google account, so the security of your account, including two-factor authentication, directly impacts your data privacy.
The rollout of the advanced Autofill feature is starting today on iOS and Android devices via a server-side update. Users will not need to install the new version to access it, although Google recommends keeping Chrome updated to the latest version.
These extended data types were first available on Chrome desktop and are now available to mobile users with similar capabilities.
Thanks for being a Ghax reader. The post Chrome adds deeper Google Wallet integration for passport, license, and travel document autofill on iOS and Android appeared first on gHacks.
