Getting all your devices logged in on a new Wi-Fi network can be a hassle: entering the same password again and again, hoping you don't make any mistakes. Google started experimenting with ways to simplify this process last year when Chrome OS Canary began syncing Wi-Fi passwords with other devices. That feature never rolled out widely, leaving us to wonder if its development had stalled. Thankfully that wasn't the case, and now Google is working on a new and improved Wi-Fi syncing solution for Chrome OS that's actually starting to roll out to the first few people.

There are some key differences between this new implementation and the old one. The method we looked at last year used the bookmark syncing process to exchange Wi-Fi information, which meant that you needed to be connected to the internet for it to work. Thankfully, things are different this time around. Now, Chrome OS will utilize the Connected Devices service, which is soon to become the Phone Hub.

Left: With Wi-Fi sync. Right: Without Wi-Fi sync.

All this means that Wi-Fi configuration data will be exchanged over Bluetooth, with no internet connection required. If you go to a new office or a friend's house, you can enter the Wi-Fi information on your phone or Chromebook, and the other device will receive everything it needs via Bluetooth, allowing it to connect. That's right — this feature works both ways, from Chromebook to Android and vice-versa.

Digging through the comments made by the Chrome devs, they initially mentioned Chrome 92 as a release target. That could be their goal for a full stable release, or when the feature is supposed to be available to everyone.

For now, it's only available for a few people as part of a server-side change on Chrome OS. It's tied to the Phone Hub, which is currently slowly rolling out itself. If you connected your Chromebook and your phone via Phone Hub, be sure to head to the system settings on your Android device and search for "Chromebook." If you're in on the test, you should find a toggle that allows you to turn on Wi-Fi sync — see the screenshot above. You can activate it in your Chrome OS settings alternatively.

UPDATE: 2021/02/19 3:00am PST BY MANUEL VONAU

Slowly rolling out

Wi-Fi sync is starting to roll out. We've updated our coverage accordingly.

Source: Google

Via: 9to5 Google