Password Autofill in Flutter for Enhanced User Experience

We’ve all seen that little prompt in our apps asking if we want to save our passwords with Google for quicker access next time. It’s a small feature, but it makes a huge difference in user experience. When I first thought about adding password autofill to my Flutter app, I figured it would be complicated. But, as it turns out, it’s actually quite simple!
In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to enable password autofill in your Flutter app, making logins seamless and secure for your users. Let’s dive in and see just how simple it can be to add a touch of convenience that users will love!

What is the Role of Password Auto-Fill Service?

A password auto-fill service streamlines the login experience by automatically filling in stored credentials like usernames and passwords when accessing apps or websites. It eliminates the need for users to repeatedly type in their login details, saving time and effort.

This feature securely stores login information on the device or in the cloud and retrieves it whenever needed. Mobile platforms like iOS and Android provide built-in support for autofill, while some apps include custom implementations. Users must enable and grant permissions for these services to ensure secure access to their credentials.

Please note: Multiple credentials may be stored for a specific domain or app. When the user taps on the username field, the password manager displays a list of saved credentials to choose from. Once the user selects a credential, the corresponding fields are automatically filled.

Step 1: Wrap Your Fields in an AutofillGroup

Wrap your email and password fields in an AutofillGroup. This enables autofill functionality for both fields together, which makes it easier for users to autofill their credentials with a single action.

AutofillGroup(
  child: Column(
    children: [
      // Email and password fields go here
    ],
  ),
);

Step 2: Configure the Email and Password Fields

Add two TextField widgets—one for the email (or username) and one for the password. Use autofillHints to let the system know what each field represents.

TextField(
  autofillHints: [AutofillHints.newUsername, AutofillHints.username],
  keyboardType: TextInputType.emailAddress,
  decoration: InputDecoration(
    labelText: 'Email',
    border: OutlineInputBorder(),
  ),
),
SizedBox(height: 16),
TextField(
  autofillHints: [AutofillHints.password],
  obscureText: true,
  keyboardType: TextInputType.visiblePassword,
  decoration: InputDecoration(
    labelText: 'Password',
    border: OutlineInputBorder(),
  ),
),

Step 3: Complete the Autofill Context

After the user submits the form (e.g., by pressing a “Login” button), notify the system that autofill is complete using TextInput.finishAutofillContext(). This is important for ensuring the autofill process is handled correctly and avoids leaving it in an incomplete state.

ElevatedButton(
  onPressed: () {
    // Your login logic here
    TextInput.finishAutofillContext();
  },
  child: Text('Login'),
),

With just a few steps, you can make your Flutter app’s login experience seamless and efficient. This feature not only improves user satisfaction but also enhances security by encouraging users to rely on password managers.

Happy coding! 🎉