safari password keychain mac

How to import your passwords to Apple’s iCloud Keychain via Safari

If you’re leaving lastpass and are a safari user, this may be the simplest option.

By Barbara Krasnoff , a reviews editor who manages how-tos. She’s worked as an editor and writer for almost 40 years. Previously, she was a senior reviews editor for Computerworld.

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If you’re moving from LastPass (or another password manager you’re dissatisfied with), you may be tempted to simply go with the password manager that comes with your browser or operating system. It’s certainly an easy solution, and a reasonable one, depending on your point of view. Until recently, third-party password managers were known to be more secure, but Apple and Google have been working to make their built-in password managers more secure , while Microsoft is adding one to its authenticator app . So it could be a viable choice.

One way, however, that these built-in password managers don’t stand up to their independent competitors is how tricky it can be to get preexisting passwords into their systems.

• How to import your passwords to Chrome and the Google Password Manager

If you tend to hang out in the Apple ecosystem, that means using Safari for your passwords and passing them to your other devices using Apple’s iCloud Keychain. Here’s how to move your password data into iCloud Keychain.

Make sure you have Keychain

iCloud Keychain is how Apple syncs your information across devices — not just passwords, but also credit card info, Wi-Fi passwords, etc. If you haven’t used it, you may want to check to make sure it’s been set up and turned on. (If you plan to use your passwords on your mobile iOS device as well, you might want to check it there, too.)

Using a macOS device:

• Go to your System Preferences app by clicking on the Apple icon in the upper-left corner
• If you have macOS Mojave or earlier, click iCloud. Otherwise, select Apple ID > iCloud.
• Go down the list of apps, and make sure that Keychain is checked

Using an iOS device:

• Go to Settings and tap on your name
• Tap on iCloud and scroll down to Keychain
• If Keychain is Off, tap on the entry and then toggle it on

Import your password data

In order to get your data into Keychain, you need to import it into Safari on your Mac. Simple, right? Well, not really.

Unfortunately, unlike most password managers, you can’t import passwords from a CSV file into Safari. You can, however, import passwords from either Firefox or Chrome . So if you’ve got a CSV file from another password manager and you don’t have either of those browsers on your machine, you’ll have to install one of them first and upload your passwords into it. (You can find instructions for importing passwords into Chrome here and Firefox here .)

Once your passwords have been imported into one of the other browsers:

• Close the other browser
• Open Safari, go to File > Import From, and choose Chrome or Firefox. You can import Bookmarks, History, Passwords, or any combination thereof by checking the appropriate boxes.

One note: I had a series of mishaps trying to import from Firefox into Safari. Safari would invariably crash, even after I made a series of tweaks to Firefox. I finally gave up and tried it with Chrome, and the import worked immediately. Your mileage may vary.

You can check to see if the import worked by going to Safari’s top menu and selecting Safari > Preferences > Passwords. (You’ll have to enter your user password to access the password list.) You should see your passwords listed there.

Once you’ve imported your passwords into Safari, they should be automatically picked up by iCloud Keychain and useable across all your approved devices. You can check by typing and clicking on “Keychain Access” using Spotlight Search. That should bring up your Keychain app; you can click on iCloud in the top-left column and “Passwords” in the bottom left to see your imported passwords.

• Six free alternatives to the LastPass password manager
• How to leave LastPass and move to another password manager

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Safari Password Manager: How to save, view and manage passwords in Apple's browser

Thanks to iCloud Keychain, you can save browser username and password combinations.

• Quick steps

Tools and Requirements

Step by step guide to using the safari password manager, final thoughts.

You probably already know about iCloud if you're using at least one Apple device. The cloud storage and synchronization service allows it to store and access content across multiple devices, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and more.  These include files and information like documents, photos, music, video, and contacts.

Apple's iCloud service is also at the heart of the iCloud Keychain , where you can store website usernames/passwords, among other items. In this how-to, we're concentrating on how to add, edit, and delete Safari password content. Similar tools are available on other browsers like Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox . 

• You should also consider the best browsers and best secure browsers .  

Steps for saving, viewing and managing passwords

• Before you can save any username/password combinations, you must first be sure to have an Apple ID or iCloud account.
• From there, you can begin adding usernames and passwords for websites you frequent. 
• You can also take advantage of Apple's new passkey feature. 
• Safari is only available on Apple devices such as Mac, iPhone, and iPad. 

1. Go into the manager

To get started, you must first create an Apple ID . The username/password combinate is usable across all Apple devices to log into iCloud.com. You can proceed once you have an Apple ID and are logged into your device. 

On Mac, the Safari password manager is located by choosing Safari on the menu bar at the top left of your Mac. From there, click Settings from the pull-down menu. 

Next, click on the Passwords option at the top. Input your password as needed. 

2. Adjust existing password settings

You can adjust password information in the iCloud Keychain directly from Safari. To get started, go into the Passwords section of Mac Settings (see above) and log in as necessary. Then, use the search box on the left side of the display to find the password information you wish to change. Click Edit . 

You can change the username and password for a website and add notes when applicable. After making a change, click Save . 

Click Delete Password to delete the password information. 

Thanks to iCloud, any changes you make here will also be reflected in other Apple devices that use your Apple ID. 

4. Using Autofill in Safari

With AutoFill, you can fill in your previously saved usernames and website passwords. The tool is also a great way to add a new username/password combination for the first time and to create a strong password. 

You will see AutoFill pop up when a website asks you to create a password.

You will see an Autofill prompt In Safari when it's time to use or create a password. 

Click the AutoFill Key button, then choose Suggest New Password . For optimal security, you should use the suggested strong password. However, if you choose not to use the suggested password, you can easily select the password field, click “ Don’t Use ,” and enter your preferred password.

From there, enter the rest of the required information to create the website account.

Why use a separate password manager instead of a browser?

While most web browsers have their own password management feature, except for Safari which incorporates it into iCloud Keychain, in-browser password managers have limitations. They can only be used with one specific browser and cannot be accessed from other browsers. On the other hand, standalone password managers are compatible with any browser on your device, making them a more versatile option. Moreover, it is important to consider security when choosing a password manager. Browsers are not updated as frequently as standalone password managers, which can pose a security risk in case of a breach.

Does Safari have a built-in VPN?

Like many other browsers, Safari does not come with a pre-installed VPN. However, several reliable third-party VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and SurfShark can easily be integrated with Safari. With a VPN, you can significantly boost the security and privacy of your online activities.

Are browser password managers safe?

To guarantee the safety of your passwords, using browser password managers like Safari with encryption is a great first step. However, there are additional measures you can take to further enhance your protection. It is highly recommended to create a strong and secure master password. The newest optional feature in Microsoft Edge mandates that you input your master password before making any changes to the password manager, thereby adding an extra layer of security. Regularly backing up your password manager is also a wise precaution in case of loss or theft. Another crucial step is creating a Firefox profile, allowing content synchronization across devices. This ensures that any changes made on your computer are reflected on your mobile device and vice versa.

What is iCloud Keychain?

iCloud Keychain is a highly reliable password manager that securely stores sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details in an online vault as part of Apple’s iCloud suite of services. Users can easily access their stored data by simply logging in to the same iCloud account on any Apple device. Thanks to the end-to-end encryption feature, user data is protected and can only be accessed by the user, even in the unlikely event of an iCloud account breach. Furthermore, the two-factor authentication feature provides an extra layer of security to user accounts, ensuring that they remain safe and secure at all times.

What are Apple Passkeys?

Apple Passkeys hope to eliminate the need for passwords eventually. This authentication method adheres to industry standards and guarantees improved security features while streamlining the login experience.

Passkeys create a unique cryptographic key pair for every website or application you use. The website or app stores the public key while the private one remains on your device. When you log in, your device produces a cryptographic signature using the private key. The website or application can then authenticate your identity by verifying this signature. With Passkeys, you can rest assured that your online security is in good hands.

Like passwords, passkeys are kept in Apple's iCloud Keychain. 

The built-in Safari password manager, part of the iCloud Keychain, makes tracking website usernames and passwords easier. Better still, those items carry over to other Apple devices, including iPhone and iPad. In the coming years, Apple hopes to eliminate the need for passwords and replace them with more secure passkeys. However, username and password combinations remain the most popular choice for website authentication. 

You might also be interested in Google Chrome now supports passkey for everyone and the best free password managers . 

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Bryan M. Wolfe is a staff writer at TechRadar, iMore, and wherever Future can use him. Though his passion is Apple-based products, he doesn't have a problem using Windows and Android. Bryan's a single father of a 15-year-old daughter and a puppy, Isabelle. Thanks for reading!

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How-To Geek

How to manage all your mac's saved passwords with keychain access.

Your Mac stores all kinds of passwords.

Quick Links

The interface, browsing passwords on your mac, icloud syncs your passwords, other things stored by keychain access.

Your Mac stores all kinds of passwords. It's saved the passwords for your Wi-Fi networks, the ones used by your applications, and even the ones you save in Safari. You might be wondering where those passwords are stored, and whether you can look at them.

As it turns out, you can! Your Mac uses a program called Keychain Access to securely store these passwords, along with various digital certificates and keys used for verification and encryption. Keychain Access can be found in Applications > Utilities, or by opening Spotlight and searching for "Keychain."

This application isn't terribly user friendly, so we recommend using a password manager if you're serious about creating custom passwords for every website you use. But Apple's default tools offer various advantages, including iCloud syncing with iPhones and iPads. And some things, like Wi-Fi passwords, are stored by Keychain Access no matter what. So it's useful to know what Keychain Access is, and how to use it.

Launch Keychain Access and you'll see the main interface, which can be a little confusing to start with.

It's not at all clear what you're looking at, is it? Well, in the top of the left panel are the various keychains on your system. Think of these as folders where your passwords and certificates are stored.

Below that, you'll find categories of things that Keychain Access can store. These basically act as a filter: click "Passwords," for example, and you'll only see Passwords stored within the Keychain you're looking at right now.

Finally, in the right panel, you'll find the things you're actually looking for. Double-click them to see more details.

Related: How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password

Most users opening Keychain Access are looking for a specific password they saved earlier, such as a saved Wi-Fi password or a password used by a specific website. Browsing your passwords is simplest if you click the "Passwords" category, then sort by "Kind."

You can also search if there's a specific thing you're looking for, but remember to check multiple keychains if you don't find what you want right away. When you find what you want simply double-click it to open a new window.

From here you can see the password by checking the "Show Password" box at the bottom, though you'll need to provide your system password to do so (or, if it's a keychain you made manually, the custom password you applied to it).

Click the "Access Control" tab and you can change which applications on your computer can use these passwords.

Most users will never need to configure this, but it can be useful if there are passwords you'd rather applications not have access to.

If you're an iCloud user, you can sync your passwords between your Mac and your iOS devices. This means a password saved on your Mac will show up on your iPhone, and vice versa. To make sure this is enabled, head to System Preferences > iCloud.

If the option is checked, your passwords should sync to your iPhone and iPad .

Passwords aren't all that's stored in Keychain Access: your system uses this space to store a few other security-related items. Here's a quick rundown.

• Certificates are used by Safari and other programs to verify that sites and applications are genuine. HTTPS uses these certificates to encrypt websites, for example.
• Secure Notes are something you can leave here yourself. The idea is that you can leave secure notes for yourself, but most people probably won't use this.
• Keys are used by various programs for encryption. Browsing this you'll probably see a lot of keys used by Messenger and iCloud.

Most users won't ever need to think about these tools, and on iOS passwords are managed in their own interface . It might be smart for Apple to build a dedicated password manager for macOS at some point, but until then Keychain Access combines all kinds of things in one cluttered interface. Still, it's better than nothing, and it's good to know where it is.

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The macOS Monterey user's guide to Keychain Access password management

Keychain Access logo

Hidden inside the Utilities folder in the Applications section of Finder, Keychain Access doesn't immediately announce its presence. Safari stores usernames and passwords but that interface is more of a different way into Keychain Access. Before shopping around online for a third-party password manager, consider the Mac's built-in utility.

Keychain Access contains the various keys, passwords, and certificates created by the system with options for editing and deleting. In addition, it includes two features not found in iCloud Keychain: secure notes and a password generator.

Apple's macOS shows a dialog box in various places such as Safari to save login information. Keychain Access stores this information and optionally propagates it to other devices through iCloud Keychain .

Getting started

On the Mac , syncing is available in System Preferences > Apple ID. A box next to Keychain Access may be checked or unchecked to sync login information. Keychain Access stores other data types, including certificates, secure notes, and Wi-Fi passwords.

Keychain Access is found by typing the name into Spotlight and inside the Utilities folder within the Applications section of Finder. The app manages multiple keychains, such as iCloud , login, System, and System Roots.

The app lists various keychains in the left menu, and clicking one displays the items within that keychain. Each list includes the item name, its kind, its location, and the modified date.

Wi-Fi passwords are listed as "AirPort network passwords" in the Kind section, while app passwords are listed as "application passwords." "Web form passwords" are usernames and passwords created through Safari .

The system automatically stores most items in Keychain Access, and includes a Password Assistant that creates strong, unique passwords according to different rules.

Basic features of Keychain Access

Keychain Access has many features typical of a password manager, such as a password generator and secure notes, as well as a unique feature available only to a system such as macOS.

Generating a password

Safari can automatically generate a unique password for websites, with an option to edit them in iOS 16 . But Keychain Access acts more like a traditional password manager, with password length and character configuration that includes letters, numbers, and special symbols.

To get started, open Keychain Access and click on the Passwords tab. Next, click on the square icon with a pencil to create a new keychain item. In the window that appears, click on the key icon next to the password field. Another option is to click on File > New Password Item in the menu bar or press Command-N on the keyboard.

The Password Assistant has an option to change the type of password, such as Letters & Numbers, Numbers Only, Random, and FIPS-181 compliant. It also rates the password strength against cracking, depending on how many characters it contains.

The Random option creates passwords that include letters, numbers, and special characters. FIPS-181 is a standard for an automated password generation algorithm that randomly creates pronounceable syllables as passwords. One example of this that the Password Assistant generated is "urnefloucmowshanaejthockimidelv."

Creating secure notes

Keychain Access creates and stores secure notes, just like other apps such as Apple Notes. These are created on their own, as opposed to the password notes that debuted in iOS 15.4 .

Clicking the Secure Notes tab reveals this option. Next, click on the square icon with a pencil to create one. Another option is to press Shift-Command-N on the keyboard.

These are basic, plain text notes that don't offer formatting or customization. Each note is composed of a title and body of text, nothing more. They are not synced to iCloud Keychain and won't appear on other Apple devices.

Import, export, and copy

Some keychain items, such as security keys and certificates, can be imported and exported from one Mac to another. Passwords and secure notes cannot be exported from Keychain Access, however.

To import items:

• Click on File > Import Items in the Mac menu bar, or press Shift-Command-I.
• Find the file of items at its location within Finder.
• Choose the destination keychain and click Open.

To export items:

• Select the keychain items for export.
• Click on File > Export Items in the menu bar or press Shift-Command-E. If the Export Items menu is dimmed, Keychain Access can't export at least one item.
• Choose a location in Finder to save the file, then click the File Format menu to choose a file type.
• Click Save and enter a password, which is required to import keychain items on a different Mac.

Setup Assistant automatically transfers keychains to Keychain Access on a new Mac, and the keychain files in Finder can also be copied and pasted over without Setup Assistant.

To copy keychains:

• Open Finder, press and hold the Option key, and click on Go > Library in the menu bar.
• Inside the Keychains folder, find the appropriate files, typically ending with .keychain-db. Don't transfer encrypted folders with file names containing a bunch of numbers.
• Press Command-C and Command-V to copy and paste the files onto an external storage device.

Advanced features of Keychain Access

Creating passwords and secure notes and importing/exporting items are all essential features of Keychain Access. The app also has an advanced feature called Certificate Assistant.

Certificates

Keychain Access creates self-signed certificates, Certificate Authorities (CA), request a certificate from an existing CA, and view/evaluate certificates.

A Certificate Authority is an entity that manages digital certificates, which is a document that validates cryptographic public keys associated with another entity. These entities can be email addresses, websites, companies, and individuals.

In the menu bar, click on Keychain Access once the app has been opened, then select Certificate Assistant. Each option has onscreen instructions. For example, creating a CA involves choosing a name, selecting the identity type, picking a user certificate, and emailing it from the user's email address.

These features make Keychain Access a strong competitor to third-party password managers. In addition, it's easy to use, and best of all, it's free and already built into macOS.

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Tips & Tricks

Troubleshooting, how to edit saved passwords on mac with keychain access.

Do you use Keychain to store passwords, quickly sign in to websites on Safari, or log in to certain apps that are installed on your Mac? If so, you might want to make sure the information that’s used by Keychain is up to date. And this means occasionally you may need to edit saved passwords and login information within Keychain from MacOS.

Assuming you approve it, Keychain automatically stores your username and password data when you log in to a website or app for the first time. However, if you change the password for your online account later on from a different device, the login information that’s used by Keychain will become outdated therefore will no longer work as autofill information to sign in to the website. In this type of situation, you’ll need to manually type in your login information when you visit the website again and save the updated details in Keychain. Until you update your password with Keychain, anyway.

If you’re interested, read on to learn how you can edit saved passwords and login information on Mac using Keychain Access.

How to Edit Saved Passwords & Logins in Keychain on Mac

Manually updating the username and password details that are stored in Keychain is a pretty simple and straightforward procedure on macOS systems. Just follow the steps below to get started.

As you can see, it’s pretty easy to edit saved passwords and authentication details on Mac with Keychain Access.

Likewise, you’ll also be able to update the username in the same menu using the “Account” field and save the new information in Keychain Access for later use. By the way, this trick works on basically all versions of macOS and Mac OS X, as Keychain has been around for a very long time.

Keychain is an incredibly useful tool, allowing for password and login storage, secure password generation, easily finding a forgotten or lost web site passwords , and much more .

It’s worth noting that the general Keychain password is only the same as the Mac’s user password by default. Therefore, if you changed the password for your default login Keychain , you’ll need to type in the respective password to access and edit the stored password data.

Do you own other Apple devices like the iPhone or iPad? If so, you might be interested in learning how you can use Keychain to securely store your passwords on iOS and iPadOS devices as well. You can  manually add passwords to Keychain  just like a third-party password manager and even  edit saved passwords on your iPhone and iPad . The changes you make to Keychain will be synced across all your other Apple devices with the help of iCloud.

Were you able to find and update the old passwords that were stored in Keychain Access on your Mac? What are your thoughts on Keychain integration on macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices? Share your own tips, thoughts, and relevant experiences in the comments.

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Related articles:

• How to Change Keychain Password on Mac
• How to Import Passwords to iCloud Keychain Using a Mac
• How to Edit Saved Passwords on iPhone & iPad with iCloud Keychain
• How to Delete Old Passwords & Accounts from iPhone & iPad

One Comment

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I have entered passwords in Keychain under both “Login” and “iCloud”. I note that passwords entered into “Login” are not available when logging into sites on my iPad. Passwords available other devices, iPhone or iPad must have been entered into the “iCloud” category on Keychain. Right? Is it possible to relocate, move, saved passwords in Keychain from the “Login” category to “iCloud category?

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How to Sync Passwords between iPhone & Mac with Keychain

iCloud Keychain allows you to store usernames, Wi-Fi passwords, and credit card information. Syncing your passwords is simple, helps you save time, and results in fewer lost passwords, and you can use Keychain with confidence knowing that your information is encrypted and secure. We'll show you how to sync passwords with Keychain on iPhone and Mac.

Related:   What Is iCloud & How Does It Work?

Why You'll Love this Tip

• Remember and manage your login information for online accounts and apps on all your devices.
• Store credit cards for making easy online payments.
• Autofill commonly asked information in web forms, like your name and address.

How to Sync Passwords with iCloud Keychain

Resetting your password can be time consuming and frustrating. Fortunately, iCloud Keychain stores your login information and lets you access it across all your devices. The first step to sync Safari passwords on iPhone and Mac is enabling Keychain on each device. Follow the steps below to turn on Keychain on iPhone, and then move on to the next section to learn how to use Keychain passwords on Mac . Once you've successfully synced your passwords, find out how you can securely share your passwords with others.

• Enter your passcode or Apple ID password if prompted.

Next, you'll need to enable iCloud Keychain on your computer to sync iPhone passwords to Mac. The great thing about iCloud Keychain is that it can create strong passwords to create your data !

How to Enable Password Syncing on Mac with Keychain

Once Keychain is set up on your iPhone, the next step is to enable it on your Mac. Here's how to sync iPhone passwords to Mac with iCloud Keychain:

Now that you have Keychain activated on both iPhone and Mac, your passwords will automatically sync and become available when you use Safari. Once all this is set up, make sure to learn how to change your email password on your iPhone  and how to use Safari extensions on Mac . For outdated login information, you can also learn  how to delete saved passwords on your iPhone . 

Author Details

Emma Chase is a freelance writer for iPhone Life. She has her Bachelors degree in Communication from the University of Northern Iowa. Emma has worked in many sectors in her professional career, including the higher education, finance, and nonprofit. Emma lives in small-town Iowa with her husband and two children. When she’s not geeking out over the newest Apple product or wrangling her kids, Emma enjoys a good book, crocheting, and trying new foods.

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How to Easily Save Passwords on All Your Devices With Apple's iCloud Keychain

Want your passwords to follow you from phone to tablet to laptop apple's icloud keychain can help you create and manage all your credentials across the web, even on windows pcs..

Many security experts recommend using a password manager to create and keep track of logins. One option for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users is Apple’s built-in and free iCloud Keychain, which lets you devise, store, and use secure passwords. By default, iCloud Keychain works only with Safari, but it’s also available on Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on a Mac or Windows PC through iCloud for Windows and the iCloud Passwords extension.

Apple's iCloud Keychain can also be used to store passkeys , credit card information, security codes, and Wi-Fi passwords. To secure sensitive information, the tool employs 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption for storing and transmitting data. You must also enable two-factor authentication to verify access through your device’s passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID.

To manage your passwords and most other information, you must be running iOS 7 or later, iPadOS 13 or later, and OS X 10.9 or later. To work with passkeys, you’ll need iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 or later and macOS Ventura or later. Now, let’s see how this all works.

How to Enable iCloud Keychain

First, you’ll need to enable iCloud Keychain. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Passwords and Keychain . Turn on the switch next to Sync this iPhone or Sync this iPad .

To enable iCloud Keychain on a Mac with macOS Ventura or later, open System Settings . Click your name and choose iCloud , then select Passwords and Keychain , and turn on the Sync this Mac switch. If you have a Mac with macOS Monterey or earlier, click the Apple icon and select System Preferences . Click the Apple ID icon and check the Keychain box.

Confirm Your Password Options

Make sure that iCloud Keychain is set up as your default password option. On an iPhone or iPad, head to Settings > Passwords . Authenticate access, then select Password Options . Ensure that the switch is turned on next to AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys and that iCloud Passwords & Keychain is checked.

On a Mac with macOS Ventura or higher, go to System Settings > Passwords > Password Options . Turn on the switches next to AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys and Keychain .

How to Save Account Passwords

Launch Safari on your iPhone or iPad and browse to a website for which you already have an account. Enter your username and password, and a prompt should pop up asking if you want to save this password in your iCloud Keychain. Tap Save Password . The password is saved, and you’re signed into the website.

The process works similarly on a Mac. To save a password for an existing account, launch the website in Safari. Type your username and password in the appropriate fields and sign in. A prompt asks if you’d like to save this password. Click Save Password .

How to Create Account Passwords

If you need to create a new account, many sites will allow iCloud Keychain to automatically create and display a suggested password. If you like the password, and it meets the requirements of the website, tap Use Strong Password . Otherwise, tap Other Options .

You can then choose your own password, copy a password from another source, edit the suggested password, exclude special characters, or select a password that’s easy to type. When you’re done, tap Use Strong Password . You’re signed into the website, and the account credentials are stored in iCloud Keychain.

At some websites, a suggested password may not automatically appear. In that case, you have to manually trigger it. Tap the Password field and then tap the word Passwords just above the keyboard. At the AutoFill Password screen, tap Create New Password ; iCloud Keychain then creates a password for you.

Confirm the website’s URL and username and tap Done . The generated password is inserted into the password field, allowing you to sign in.

To create credentials for a new account from a Mac, launch the website in Safari. Choose the option to create a new account and enter your username and password. Click the Keychain icon in the password field and select the Suggest New Password option.

Click on the new password. If you like it, click Use Strong Password . If you don't, click the Other Options button, then choose one of the listed options. Select the password you want to use and continue with the account setup.

How to Autofill a Password

Now, when you return to a website where you have an account, select the sign-in options and you should receive a prompt at the bottom of the screen asking if you want to sign into the site with your saved password. Tap the button that displays the username or account name, then authenticate via passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID, and you’re then signed into the site.

To autofill a password on a Mac, browse to a site for which your credentials have been saved. Click in the username field. A prompt appears in the field with the name of the account. Click the name and enter your Mac’s password or use Touch ID. Your credentials are automatically inserted, allowing you to log into the site.

How to Use iCloud Keychain in Chrome and Edge

With the right software, you can use iCloud Keychain in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on a Windows PC or Mac. Launch Chrome or Edge, then add the iCloud Passwords extension from its Chrome Web Store page or Edge Add-ons page .

Windows users can install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store. Launch the app and sign in with your Apple account. During the setup process, a screen for Sync your Passwords will appear. Click the Sync Passwords button, then finish the setup. iCloud for Windows can also be used to add iPhone photos to your PC .

To save a password for an existing account, launch the website in either Chrome or Edge. Click in the email address field. The first time you do this, a notice asks if you want to allow iCloud Passwords to autofill your passwords. Click the notice, and you’re prompted to type a verification code that appears on the screen.

Enter your username and password in the appropriate fields and sign in. A prompt asks if you’d like to save this password in iCloud Keychain. Click Save Password .

You can also create and save the credentials for a new account, though this process is clumsier with Chrome and Edge than with Safari. To try this, browse to a site for which you don’t yet have an account. Enter your username and password, click in the password field, and select the Manage Passwords option. Authenticate through your PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint scan.

Click the plus icon at the top of the left pane in the iCloud Passwords window, then type the site’s address and your username. Click Generate Strong Password to create a password. You can keep clicking that button to generate different passwords. When satisfied, click Add Password .

Return to the account setup process for the site. Click in the username field and select the entry you just created. You can then finish setting up your new account. To autofill a password, browse to a site with saved credentials. Click in the username field, select your saved account, then sign in.

Manage Your iCloud Keychain Passwords

Need to change something? You can manage all the accounts and passwords you’ve stored in iCloud Keychain. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Passwords . To remove an account you no longer need, swipe left and tap Delete . To edit the account settings, tap the account name, then Edit , and you can change the username, password, and other options. When finished, tap Done .

On a Mac, go to System Settings > Passwords . Double-click an entry or click the Info icon for an account you want to manage. Click Delete Password to remove the account. Click Edit to change the username, password, and other items. When finished, click Save .

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About Lance Whitney

My experience.

I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, PC World, Time, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons— Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn .

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How to manage your passwords on Mac

• Setting up iCloud Keychain on Mac

Manage password information on Mac with System Preferences

Manage password information on mac in safari.

If you have an Apple ID and iCloud, you can save passwords synced across various devices, including Mac, iPhone, and iPad. For the former with macOS Monterey , you can easily manage your password using System Preferences or directly from Safari. It works on all of the best Macs .

Password management on Apple devices is handled through the iCloud Keychain , an Apple feature that makes it possible to save account names and passwords you use online securely. In turn, you can safely access that information at any time from the supported devices.

Settings up iCloud Keychain on Mac

Before using it, you must enable the iCloud Keychain on each device. You must allow it separately for use through Safari.

Thanks to iCloud Keychain, all of your account information is saved and synced across your supported devices. To make changes to existing information via Mac:

• Click on System Preferences on the Mac Dock.
• Choose Passwords .

• Log into iCloud Keychain .
• Choose the login information you wish to change on the left side of the Passwords screen.

• Choose the Edit icon at the top right.

You can edit your User Name, Password, and Website information from this screen. Additionally, you can add a Setup Key when needed. You can also delete the record as needed. All changes made on your Mac will sync to your other supported devices.

As an alternative, you can make iCloud Keychain changes from the Safari app on your Mac. The only reason to do so is convenience since most of the steps are the same.

To make changes through Safari on your Mac:

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• Open **Safari **on your Mac.
• Click Safari on the Mac menu bar.
• Select Preferences from the pull-down menu.

• Choose Passwords from the Safari Preferences menu.

Helpful tool

Storing username and password through iCloud Keychain saves a lot of time across all of your Apple devices. Better still, it's safe and secure. To make adjustments on Mac, you can use System Preferences or head over to the Safari app.

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.

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How to find passwords on a Mac, MacBook, and Mac Mini

If you opt to use iCloud Keychain over one of the popular password managers , then you already know its major benefit: Your passwords sync across your Apple devices. For example, you can save a password on your iPhone and then access it on your Mac.

Getting started finding passwords on Mac

How to find passwords on mac with system preferences, how to find passwords on mac with safari, how to see saved passwords on mac, copy, edit, or delete a password.

With the MacOS Monterey upgrade, Apple made it even easier to see saved passwords using System Preferences. For those who’ve decided not to upgrade to Monterey, though, you can still find your passwords with Safari. Let’s take a look at how to do both.

Reading the above, you probably realized one thing: To see passwords on your Mac, you’ll need to know your Mac’s keychain password. In other words, you need a password to find your passwords! So, be sure to know or locate your Mac’s keychain password before getting started.

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Totally stumped? You’ll have to reset your keychain password to access the others on your machine.

If you’re using MacOS Monterey or later, you have a dedicated spot in System Preferences for your passwords.

Step 1 : Click the Apple icon in your menu bar and pick System Preferences .

Step 2 : Select Passwords — it’s the key icon.

Step 3 : Enter the password for your Mac, or use your Apple Watch to unlock the section.

You’ll then see your list of passwords with an option to search for one in particular.

With earlier versions of MacOS, you can view saved passwords using Safari. If you do decide to upgrade to MacOS Monterey , you can find your passwords in either System Preferences or with Safari.

Step 1 : Open Safari.

Step 2 : Click Safari > Preferences from the menu bar.

Step 3 : Select the Passwords tab.

Step 4 : Enter the password for your Mac or use your Apple Watch to unlock the section.

When the passwords section is unlocked, you can browse through or use the search to find a specific password.

No matter which above option you use to find your saved passwords on Mac, you take the same action to view one. When you select a location on the left, such as a website, you’ll see your username and password on the right. Each password is masked for added security .

To see a password, place your cursor over the masked password on the right. This removes the mask for you to view the password.

Not what you were looking for? Find your Mac Wi-Fi password elsewhere.

Using iCloud Keychain, you can not only sync your passwords, but you can manage them as well.

To copy the password, click it and choose Copy Password . This places the password on your clipboard for you to paste where needed.

To change a password, click the Edit button. If you changed your password outside of Safari on your Apple device, you can update it here and click Save . To change the password from this Edit tool, click Change Password on Website .

To delete a password, click Edit . Press Delete Password on the bottom left and then confirm in the window that appears.

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Authenicate my browser

I am trying to add a gmail account to my Apple Mail app on my IMac which runs the Catalina OS. I use Google Chrome as my default browser but I can also use Safari. When I try to add the gmail account I am told that I must first "authenticate" my browser. What does this mean and how would I go about doing it?

[Edited by Moderator]

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Apr 29, 2024 6:06 AM

Loading page content

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Apr 29, 2024 6:09 AM in response to Bryan758

First, next time be sure to not include personal info.

second I hope this helps.

Authenticating in Google Chrome:

Enter Gmail Credentials: When prompted for authentication, enter your Gmail address and password in the pop-up window.

Two-Factor Authentication (if applicable): If you have two-factor authentication enabled for your Google account, you'll receive a verification code on your phone or another designated method. Enter that code in the pop-up window to proceed.

Grant Permissions: After successful login, you might see a screen asking you to grant Apple Mail permission to access your Gmail data. Select "Allow" to complete the process.

Authenticating in Safari:

Apple Sign-In (Potentially): Since you're using Apple Mail on a Mac, there's a chance you might be presented with an "Apple Sign-In" option instead of a direct login with your Gmail credentials. Choose "Continue with Apple" if this appears.

iCloud Keychain (if using Apple Sign-In): If you select "Continue with Apple," your iCloud Keychain might automatically fill in your Gmail credentials, bypassing the need to enter them manually. Verify the information and proceed.

Manual Login (if no Apple Sign-In): If you don't see the "Apple Sign-In" option, Safari might take you to a Google login page. Enter your Gmail address and password there.

Two-Factor Authentication (if applicable): Similar to Chrome, if you have two-factor authentication enabled, you'll need to enter the verification code to proceed.

Keychain Access User Guide

• What is Keychain Access?
• View the information stored in a keychain
• Add a password to a keychain
• Store confidential information securely
• Copy keychains
• Create an identity preference
• Import and export keychain items
• Delete a keychain
• Get information about a certificate
• Determine if a certificate is valid
• Change the trust settings of a certificate
• Request a certificate from a certificate authority
• Add certificates to a keychain
• Create your own certificate authority
• Create self-signed certificates
• Issue new certificates
• Create a certificate preference
• Keyboard shortcuts
• If your Mac keeps asking for your keychain password
• If you’re asked for access to your keychain
• If a trusted app asks for keychain access
• If you need to update your keychain password
• If you forget an app or server password
• If you receive an invitation from a certificate authority

What is Keychain Access on Mac?

Keychain Access is a macOS app that stores your passwords and account information, and reduces the number of passwords you have to remember and manage.

When you access a website, email account, network server, or other password-protected item, you may be given the option to remember or save the password. If you choose to save the password, it’s saved in your keychain so you don’t have to remember or type your password every time.

Because Keychain Access securely stores and retrieves your user names, passwords, and other information, you can make individual passwords more complex and difficult to break. This can make your individual accounts more secure.

To quickly open Keychain Access, search for it in Spotlight, then press Return. See how to open apps .

Important: To ensure that passwords and other data stored in your keychain are secure, make sure to set up a login password for your computer. See Change the login password .

You can also use Keychain Access to manage certificates, which are issued by trusted organizations to validate websites, digital documents, and other web-based materials.

Keychain Access works in collaboration with iCloud Keychain, which lets you share keychains with your other Apple devices. To create and manage your iCloud Keychain, sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID. See the Apple Support article Set up iCloud Keychain .