Google has officially expanded Android’s native support for digital credentials by integrating OpenID standards. This will simplify how users access and manage essential IDs like digital driver’s licenses, student IDs, health cards, and more, all while restoring privacy and control to users.
The update, which enhances the Android Credential Manager API, incorporates two major protocols: OpenID4VP (Verifiable Presentations) for sharing credentials securely, and OpenID4VCI (Verifiable Credential Issuance) for issuing new ones. This marks a significant step forward in Android’s effort to standardize digital identity management using interoperable, open-source frameworks that avoid platform lock-ins.
What Does This Mean for Android Users?
With this upgrade, Android devices will now support a broader, safer, and more flexible way to issue, store, and present digital credentials. Rather than being confined to one “wallet” app like Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet, any compatible app can store or access credentials, empowering users with real choice and transparency.
When a third-party app or website (known as the “verifier”) requests a credential—say, a digital passport or vaccine certificate—Android’s Credential Manager scans across all compatible apps on your phone. He presents you with a simple list of relevant credentials. You choose what to share and with whom, not the app that holds it.
“Users remain in control, deciding what to share and when. The Credential Manager ensures a seamless process while enhancing privacy and reducing app lock-in,” said Rohey Livne, Group Product Manager at Android.
More Than Just Digital IDs: Expanding Use Cases
While digital driving licenses and national IDs are top of mind, the potential applications go far beyond government-issued IDs. OpenID-compatible credentials can be used for:
- Education certificates
- Employment or work access badges
- Event tickets and passes
- Insurance documentation
- Loyalty and membership programs
- Travel credentials, such as airline miles or visa details
Imagine an airline app storing your frequent flyer number as a credential that can be presented at airport lounges or other travel services, without the need for passwords or manual entry.
Issuing New Credentials Just Got Easier
The new OpenID4VCI protocol enables secure, standardized issuance of credentials directly to your phone. For instance:
- A university can issue a digital degree certificate
- An employer can generate digital work access cards
- A healthcare provider can share test results or medical access credentials
Users can then select which wallet app should store this new credential, allowing them to organize different credentials across multiple trusted apps.
Some apps might even issue credentials automatically and silently, improving onboarding and reducing manual steps for the user.
The system supports cross-device credential sharing through the same secure, end-to-end encrypted infrastructure used in Android’s passkey authentication. Whether sharing from phone to tablet or even to another user, privacy is protected at every stage.
Availability and Roll Out
Google has already started rolling out the feature in collaboration with major companies and services. According to Livne:
- Amazon will let users recover accounts using digital credentials
- CVS and MyChart by Epic will allow secure access to healthcare services
- Uber and Bumble will verify user identity using these credentials
- Samsung Wallet and 1Password are confirmed partners, joining Google Wallet in supporting OpenID digital credentials via Android’s Credential Manager
This shows broad industry support and ensures users aren’t tied to one company’s ecosystem.
Google’s move to integrate OpenID standards into Android isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a philosophical shift toward decentralizing digital identity. By embracing open protocols and multi-app support, Android is reducing friction for users, developers, and institutions alike.
With enhanced privacy, flexible app compatibility, and a wide range of supported credentials, Android is positioning itself as a leader in user-centric, standards-based digital identity in a future where physical documents may become optional.
