How to Export Passwords from Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari

This guide shows you how to export saved passwords from the four major browsers—Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari—so you can back them up, move them to a password manager, or transfer them to another device. You’ll need access to your computer’s user account and, in most cases, your operating system login password or a browser master password.

What You’ll Need

• Your computer’s login password (for Windows or macOS)
• Admin rights to your user account (to see saved passwords)
• A destination for the exported file (e.g., a password manager, a spreadsheet, or a secure folder)
• For Firefox: a master password if you have set one

Step-by-Step

Google Chrome (Windows, macOS, Linux)

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
2. Select Settings from the dropdown.
3. In the left sidebar, click Autofill, then Password Manager (or simply “Passwords� on some versions).
4. Next to “Saved Passwords,� click the three-dot icon and choose Export passwords.
5. A warning will appear. Read it and click Export.
6. Enter your computer’s login password (Windows) or your macOS password when prompted.
7. Choose a location to save the file and click Save. The file is a CSV (comma-separated values) file containing your site URLs, usernames, and passwords.

Microsoft Edge (Windows, macOS)

1. Open Edge and click the three-dot menu (top-right).
2. Go to Settings > Profiles > Passwords.
3. Click the three-dot icon next to “Saved passwords.�
4. Select Export passwords.
5. Click Export in the confirmation dialog.
6. Verify your identity with your Windows login PIN or password (or macOS password).
7. Save the CSV file to your chosen location.

Mozilla Firefox (Windows, macOS, Linux)

1. Open Firefox and click the hamburger menu (three lines) in the top-right.
2. Select Logins and Passwords (or go to about:logins in the address bar).
3. Click the three-dot menu at the bottom of the left sidebar.
4. Choose Export Logins.
5. A pop-up will warn that the file will be unencrypted. Click Export.
6. If you have a master password, enter it now.
7. Name the file and save it as a CSV. Firefox will append a “.csv� extension automatically.

Safari (macOS only)

Safari does not have a built-in “export passwords� button. Instead, you export via the Passwords settings in System Settings (macOS Ventura or later) or System Preferences (older macOS).

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences).
2. Click Passwords (or “Passwords & Accounts� on older versions).
3. Authenticate with your Touch ID or macOS password.
4. Click the three-dot menu at the top of the password list.
5. Select Export Passwords.
6. Confirm that you understand the file is unencrypted, then click Export.
7. Choose a location and save the CSV file.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to enter your OS password: The export will cancel if you don’t verify your identity.
• Saving the file in a shared or public folder: The CSV is plain text; anyone with access can read it.
• Using an outdated browser version: Older versions may not have the export option in the same place. Update your browser first.
• Not checking the file before deleting anything: Always verify the export contains all your logins before using it to replace a password manager.

Tips

• After exporting, store the CSV in an encrypted folder or a password-protected archive (e.g., using 7-Zip or macOS’s Disk Utility).
• If you’re moving to a password manager, import the CSV directly—most managers accept the standard format.
• Delete the CSV file after you’ve imported it into your new manager to reduce risk.
• Export regularly as a backup, especially before switching browsers or devices.

Troubleshooting

• “Exportâ€� button is grayed out: This usually means you haven’t verified your identity. Close the settings and reopen, then authenticate when prompted.
• File saves but is empty: You may have no saved passwords, or the export failed silently. Check that you have passwords saved in the browser’s manager, then try again.
• Cannot find the export option: Browser versions change. Search the browser’s help menu for “export passwordsâ€� or check the official support page for your version.
• Firefox asks for a master password you don’t remember: You cannot export without it. You may have to reset your Firefox master password, which will remove all saved logins—do this only as a last resort.
• Import into another browser fails: Some browsers expect a specific CSV format. Use a password manager that accepts the standard format, or edit the CSV to match the target’s required columns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the exported file encrypted?

No. The CSV file is plain text. Anyone who gets the file can see your passwords, so treat it like a sensitive document.

Can I export passwords from Safari on Windows?

No. Safari for Windows is no longer supported, and the export feature is only available on macOS.

Will exporting passwords remove them from my browser?

No. Exporting creates a copy; your passwords remain in the browser until you delete them manually.

What if I use a profile or work account?

If you’re signed into a work or school profile, the export option may be disabled by your administrator. You’ll need to ask your IT department for help.

Can I import the CSV into another browser directly?

Yes, most browsers allow importing passwords from a CSV file, but the format must match. Check the target browser’s import settings.

Why does Firefox ask for a master password when exporting?

Firefox uses a master password to encrypt your saved logins. You must enter it to decrypt them for export.

Related

• Test Geolocation in Chrome DevTools
• How to Test Spreadsheet Calculations and Editing Behavior
• How to Use ChatGPT in Windows Terminal