New Android feature will automatically log users back into apps when switching devices

Google has announced a new feature Android Which aims to make the process of switching to and setting up new devices a faster and more efficient experience. The feature, called Restore Credentials, can automatically log users into apps on the device by leveraging the restore key after the switchover is complete. It is introduced as part of Android’s Credential Manager API and works with both cloud and local restore options on Android devices.

Restore Credentials Feature on Android

Google detailed its new restore credentials feature in a blog PostThe Mountain View-based technology giant highlighted that this is linked to the backup and restore mechanism of the Android system. Even when signed in on the new device, users will still be able to access all their apps and receive notifications on their old device.

It uses a public key that is compatible with Passkey and the FIDO2 backend and uses the Passkey server-side infrastructure. According to the company, with Backup Agent integration, users will be silently logged in after the data restoration is complete. If there is none, the app will search for the restore key on first launch and then automatically sign the user in.

How Android’s new Restore Credentials feature works
Photo Credit: Android

The developer can create a restore key for the user which is saved locally. It can also be saved in the cloud if the user backs up their device and end-to-end encryption is available. Once the data restore process starts, the app data along with the restore key is also copied to the new device via cloud or local transfer. It then automatically signs the user in on the new device. Google says this entire process requires no user input.

Google advises developers to remove the restore key as soon as the user signs out to avoid the cycle of intentionally signing out and automatically logging back in. They can create, obtain, and clear restore credentials using the Jetpack Credential Manager.