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Google Chrome - Set or Change a Sync Passphrase

With a sync passphrase, you can add an extra layer of encryption so Google can't read your data.

A sync passphrase encrypts all your synced data. If you set a passphrase, you can use Google's cloud to store and sync your data without letting Google read it.

Whether or not you use a passphrase, your synced data is protected by encryption when it's in transit.

Before you create a sync passphrase

Before you create your passphrase, it's important to know that:
  • You need to enter your new sync passphrase in Chrome on all devices to continue syncing. 
  • You need to enter your new sync passphrase when you sign in to Chrome on a new device. 

After you create a sync passphrase

After you create a sync passphrase:
  • Your feed won't show suggestions based on sites you browse in Chrome. 
  • You can't view your saved passwords on passwords.google.com or use Smart Lock Passwords.
  • Your history won't sync across devices. Web addresses that you type in the address bar in Chrome will still sync.

    Note: If you forget your sync passphrase, Google can't help you recover it. You'll need to reset it. 

Create a sync passphrase

Your sync passphrase is stored on your computer and is never sent to Google. Only someone with your passphrase can sync your encrypted data to a new device. 

Computer
  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Sign in to Chrome, if you haven't already:
    1. In the top right, click the button with your name or People People icon.
    2. Click Sign in to Chrome.
    3. Sign in with your Google Account.
  3. At the top right, click More More icon and then Settings.
  4. Under "Sign in," click Advanced sync settings.
  5. Under "Encryption options," choose Encrypt all synced data with your own sync passphrase.
  6. Create and confirm a sync passphrase.
  7. Click OK.
Chromebook
  1. Sign in to your Chromebook, if you haven't already.
  2. Click the status area in the bottom right corner of the screen where your account photo appears.
  3. Choose Settings and find the "People" section.
  4. Click Advanced sync settings.
  5. Choose Encrypt all synced data with your own sync passphrase.
  6. Create and confirm a sync passphrase.
  7. Click OK.
Reset or delete your sync passphrase

You should reset sync if:
  • Sync asks for your old Google password and you can't remember it
  • You forgot your passphrase
  • You want to change your passphrase
  • You want to stop using a passphrase
Resetting or deleting your sync passphrases deletes all synced data from Google's servers and disconnects all synced computers and devices. Data that's on your computers or devices isn't deleted.

Don't worry: your current bookmarks, history, passwords, and other settings will still be available in Chrome. You'll be able to start syncing again by signing back into Chrome on your devices. 
  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Go to the Google Dashboard.
  3. Click Reset Sync. 
  4. Confirm by clicking OK.
  5. Sign in to Chrome:
    a. In the top right, click the button with your name or People People icon.
     b. Click Sign into Chrome.
     c. Sign in with your Google Account. 
  6. Sync will start again, and you'll no longer have a sync passphrase. If you still want to use a sync passphrase, create a new one: 
    a. At the top right, click      More icon and then Settings.
    b. Under "Sign in", click Advanced sync settings. 
    c. Under "Encryption options," choose to Encrypt all synced data with your own sync passphrase. 
    d. Create and confirm a sync passphrase. 
    e. Click OK. 
  7. Sign in to Chrome on all other devices where you use Chrome. 

For more information, please visit the Google Support website.
*This article's content was directly sourced from the Google Support website.

If you have any questions, come by the Help Desk at Hardman & Jacobs Undergraduate Learning Center Room 105, call 646-1840, or email us at help@nmsu.edu.



Keywords:google chrome set change a sync passphrase google sync chrome   Doc ID:72656
Owner:John B.Group:New Mexico State University
Created:2017-04-17 12:57 MDTUpdated:2019-04-16 10:50 MDT
Sites:New Mexico State University
Feedback:  31   22