Improve User Experience: Avoid Auto Submit of Autofill Entries on Android Apps

Learn why automatically submitting saved credentials in Android apps can lead to a poor user experience, and explore the recommended approach to handle autofill efficiently
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/77303864/ asked by the user 'notGeek' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/673167/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/77303915/ provided by the user 'Marcin Orlowski' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/1235698/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Understanding the Issue: Auto Submission of Autofill Credentials

In the realm of mobile app development, usability and user experience (UX) are paramount. A common question developers face is how to enhance this experience when dealing with credential input, particularly when utilizing autofill functionalities. One specific concern is whether to automatically submit a login form when a user selects saved credentials from the Google keyboard, such as an email and password combination. Is there a method to effortlessly trigger the login action from the autofill suggestions?

Exploring the Solution: Should We Auto Submit?

While the idea of auto-submitting the login button when a user taps on their saved credentials may seem like a time-saver for the user, it is crucial to consider the potential negative implications. Here are some insights on how to approach this issue more effectively:

1. Understanding User Intent

Auto-submission may not align with the user's actual intentions for several reasons:

User Preference for Editing: A user may wish to edit their credentials before logging in. For instance, they might want to change one part of the login information but not submit it in its current state.

Skepticism Towards Auto Actions: Users might be wary of automatic submissions. They want control over what is sent, especially when it involves sensitive information like login credentials.

2. TextWatcher and Event Handling

If you are considering implementing a functionality to handle input dynamically, one approach could be to attach a TextWatcher to both the email and password fields. Here’s a more detailed look at how this would work:

Steps to Implement TextWatcher:

Attach the TextWatcher: Implement the TextWatcher interface to listen for changes in the text fields.

Logic for Login Action: Add conditions within the onTextChanged method to decide when to trigger the login button based on the entered text. However, this brings us back to our crucial insight:

Note: Proceed with Caution!

While TextWatcher can help manage text changes, relying on it to auto-submit can create an unsatisfactory user experience. Users might find it intrusive if the action is taken without their explicit trigger (like pressing a button). It's best to allow users to control their interactions with the app.

3. Prioritize User Experience (U/X)

Focus on User Choice: Rather than forcing auto submissions, it is better to encourage or guide users to submit the form themselves. You could visually emphasize the login button to prompt the user to take that action consciously.

Feedback Mechanisms: Consider adding animations or small notifications that reinforce the completion of autofill without automatically submitting.

Conclusion: Rethink Your Approach

Auto submitting login forms based on autofill inputs may save time theoretically but can hinder user experience significantly. It is essential to empower users with the ability to edit their credentials and make conscious choices on submission. Redirecting attention to user permission and intent ultimately fosters a much better interaction with your app.

User experience matters greatly, so always consider how a feature will affect your users’ journey through your application.

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