According to Google every year, 40% of US smartphone users reset or replace their handsets, which makes personal connections difficult to sustain. When login credentials are restored, churn, app abandonment, and dissatisfaction may result. Android has responded to this by implementing Restore Credentials, a new Credential Manager API function. Recovering applications and data from a user’s old device enables apps to smoothly enrol users on their accounts on a new device, encouraging sustained connections and loyalty.
Google via a blog post said that because the restoration key is integrated with the backup and restore system of the Android system, it transfers between devices without any development work. After the restoration, you may utilise BackupAgent and add logic to the onRestore callback to log users in a stealthy manner. This guarantees that users may access content and log in as usual without having to launch the app on the new device.
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A smooth user experience, instant interaction, silent login with backup agent integration, and restore key checks without backup agent integration are all provided by the Restore Credentials functionality. When the app is first launched, it may look for a restoration key and instantly log the user in. Users can even switch to a new Android device with prompts or alerts. Additionally, it makes use of the same server-side functionality that passkeys employ.
The Restore Credentials functionality allows users to automatically recover their account on a new device during the setup process. This method recovers app credentials, allowing the app to sign the user back in without further intervention. The restore key is a public key that works with passkey/FIDO2 backends.
Google says an old device allows for the generation of a restore key after authenticating the user, which is stored locally and backed up to the cloud. On a new device, users can choose to restore data from a cloud backup or locally transfer the data. The restore key is transferred locally if the user transfers the data locally, or downloaded along with the app data from the cloud backup. Once the restore key is available on the new device, the app can use it to log in the user silently in the background. Apps can opt out of cloud backup.
Google advises developers to delete the restore key when a user signs out to prevent a cycle of intentional sign-outs and automatic logins.
