Autofill
Also called: Auto-fill
When the browser, phone or a password manager fills form fields with saved data in one tap.
Definition
Autofill uses hints on each field (autocomplete on the web, textContentType on iOS, autofillHints on Android) to know what to put where: name, email, address, password, one-time code. Wrong or missing hints put values in the wrong fields or offer nothing. Autofilled values must also pass validation.
In practice
Tapping a saved contact above the keyboard fills name, email and address, but the city ends up in the postcode field because that field has the wrong autocomplete token.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
Related terms
- Password managerA tool that stores credentials and fills them into login forms, like Apple Passwords, Google Password Manager or 1Password.
- AutocompleteSuggestions shown under a field while typing, which the user can pick to finish the input.
- Text fieldAn input where the user types text, like a name, email, password or search query.