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How to Register the Vauz Autofill Browser Extension

How to Register the Vauz Autofill Browser Extension

This article is about Vauz 1.x and its Vauz Autofill extension. Using the Vauz 2 beta? See Autofill in the Vauz 2 beta

Overview

The Vauz Autofill browser extension works by establishing a secure connection with the main Vauz desktop application. This connection allows the extension to securely access your password vault and autofill credentials on websites. The registration process involves cryptographic key exchange and user approval to ensure security

Prerequisites

Before registering the extension, ensure you have:

  1. Vauz Desktop Application: The main Vauz password manager app must be installed and running on your computer
  2. Browser Extension: The Vauz Autofill extension installed from your browser's extension store
  3. Active Vauz Account: You should be logged into your Vauz account in the desktop application

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Install the Extension

Step 2: Initiate Registration

  1. Click the Vauz extension icon in your browser toolbar
  2. You'll see a welcome screen with a Begin binding button
  3. Click Begin binding to start the registration process

Extension registration screen

Step 3: Approve the Connection

When you click Begin binding, the following happens automatically:

  1. The extension attempts to connect to the Vauz desktop application using native messaging
  2. The extension sends a registration request to the desktop app containing:
    • A unique extension identifier
    • The extension's public keys
    • Metadata (extension name and origin)

Step 4: User Approval

  1. A window titled Allow Extension? will appear from your Vauz desktop application
  2. It says the extension wants to connect to Vauz and read your saved logins
  3. Click Yes, Allow to approve the connection, or No, Deny to refuse it

Desktop approval popup

Step 5: Registration Complete

Once you approve the connection:

  1. The desktop app sends back its public key to the extension
  2. Both applications now have each other's public keys for secure communication
  3. You'll see a success notification and be redirected to a "Thank You" page
  4. The extension is now registered and ready to use

Registration success notification

What Happens During Registration

The registration process establishes a secure communication channel between the browser extension and desktop application using industry-standard cryptography:

  • RSA Key Exchange: Both applications exchange public keys for authentication and encryption
  • Native Messaging: Uses your browser's native messaging API to communicate between browser and desktop app
  • Secure Storage: Keys are stored securely in the browser's local storage
  • Unique Identification: Each extension installation gets a unique identifier

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Registration popup doesn't appear

Symptoms: Clicking Begin binding doesn't show the approval popup

Solutions by Browser:

Issue: Registration rejected

Symptoms: Notification says "Extension registration rejected by user"

  • Make sure you click Yes, Allow in the Vauz desktop popup
  • Try the registration process again
  • Check if another extension instance is already registered

Issue: Extension stops working after computer restart

Symptoms: Extension shows as registered but can't autofill passwords

  1. There is no need to register again: your browser starts the autofill helper when it needs it, whether or not the Vauz app is open
  2. Quit and reopen your browser, then try again

See troubleshooting steps if the issue persists

Security Information

The Vauz extension uses multiple layers of security:

  • End-to-end Encryption: All communication between extension and desktop app is encrypted
  • Challenge-Response Authentication: Each credential request requires cryptographic proof
  • Domain Verification: Credentials are only filled on verified domains
  • User Approval: All connections require explicit user consent

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I register multiple browsers with the same Vauz account?
A: Yes, each browser extension registers independently and can coexist

Q: What happens if I reinstall the extension?
A: You'll need to re-register it with the main Vauz desktop application

Q: Is the registration process secure?
A: Yes, it uses RSA key exchange and native messaging to establish a secure connection

Q: What if I deny the registration?
A: The extension will remain unregistered and cannot access your password vault

Need More Help?

If you're still having issues:

Contact Vauz support with your specific error messages and system information

After Updating or Reinstalling Vauz

Autofill runs through a small helper process that your browser starts when it first needs it, and keeps for as long as your browser stays open. A helper started before an update carries on afterwards, still running the version it began with

Updating Vauz does not replace a helper that is already running. After you update or reinstall Vauz, quit and reopen your browser once: the next autofill then starts a fresh helper from the new version

Created on January 21, 2026
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