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What Is the Apple Passwords App?

The Apple Passwords app is Apple’s modern, encrypted password manager built on the foundation of iCloud Keychain. It securely stores your login credentials, supports passkeys, integrates two-factor authentication (2FA), and provides an intuitive interface for managing your digital security. All your data syncs seamlessly across your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and visionOS devices through iCloud Keychain.

Why You Should Use the Apple Passwords App

Managing passwords manually can be risky and time-consuming. With the Apple Passwords app:

• You no longer need to memorize or write down your passwords.
• It suggests strong passwords when you create new accounts and saves them automatically.
• On future logins, it auto-fills your username and password.
• It alerts you to weak, reused, or compromised credentials.
• It lets you generate and store two-factor authentication (2FA) codes for accounts supporting extra verification.

This creates a safer, faster, and more seamless sign-in experience across your devices.

How to Start Using the Apple Passwords App

Step 1: Update Your Device

Ensure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running the latest software

• iOS 18
• iPadOS 18
• macOS Sequoia or later.

Step 2: Enable iCloud Keychain

• On iPhone/iPad:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap [Your Name].
  3. tap iCloud.
  4. Tap See All adjacent to the Saved to iCloud section title
  5. Tap Passwords & Keychain and enable Sync this iPhone/iPad.
  6. Tap <, in the top right corner of the screen, until you get back to the Settings home screen and exit the app.
• On Mac:
  1. Click on Apple logo () in upper left hand corner of your screen.
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Click on [Your Name] at the top of the sidebar.
  4. Click iCloud.
  5. Click the See All button adjacent to the Saved to iCloud section title.
  6. Click Passwords and Keychain, enable Sync this Mac, and click the Back button.
  7. Click the Done button and close System Settings.

Step 3: Open the Passwords App

• On iPhone/iPad: Open and unlock the Passwords app from your Home Screen or App Library.
• On Mac: Open and unlock Passwords from the Applications folder or via Spotlight search.

Step 4: Add Your First Password

Manually add all credentials you have written down or saved elsewhere, including Wi-Fi, website, and app logins.

• On iPhone/iPad:
  1. Tap the “+” button (bottom-right corner).
  2. Enter the Website address or Label (app name), User Name, and Password – or select the strong automatically generated password presented when you tap in the password field.
  3. Tap Save.
  4. Repeat steps 1 – 3 for each account you want to add manually.
  5. When all accounts have been added, exit the Settings app.
• On Mac:
  1. Click the “+” button.
  2. Enter the Website address or Label (app name), User Name, and Password – or select the strong automatically generated password presented when you click in the password field.
  3. Click Save.
  4. Repeat steps 1 – 3 for each account you want to add manually.
  5. When all accounts have been added, exit the Settings app.

Step 6: Enable AutoFill

Autofill is a feature of the Passwords app that automatically fills in your saved usernames, passwords, verification codes, and even credit card details into login fields on websites and apps. It saves time, reduces typing errors, and helps you use strong, unique passwords without needing to memorize them.

Here’s how it works:

• When you visit a login page or open a secured app, Safari or the app will detect the login fields.
• If you’ve saved the credentials in the Passwords app, Autofill will suggest the correct username and password.
• You can approve the Autofill using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.

Follow these steps to enable AutoFill

• On iPhone/iPad:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll to the bottom and tap Apps.
  3. Scroll to find the Passwords entry and tap to open.
  4. Scroll to the bottom and tap View AutoFill Settings.
  5. Toggle on AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys.
  6. Tap <, in the top right corner of the screen, until you get back to the Setting home screen and exit the app.
• On Mac:
  1. Click on Apple logo () in upper left hand corner of your screen.
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Select General.
  4. Select AutoFill and Passwords.
  5. Toggle on AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys.
  6. Close System Settings.

Step 7: Start Logging In Seamlessly

The next time you visit a saved website site or open a secured app, the Passwords app will auto-fill your credentials.

Adding Passwords Automatically When Visiting a Site or App for the First Time

• On iPhone/iPad:
  1. Open the Safari web browser, and navigate to the site, or the secured app, where you want to create an account.
  2. Sign up or log in with your chosen user name.
  3. When prompted, tap the suggested strong password offered by the Passwords app.
     • If you don’t see a suggestion, tap Passwords → Suggest Strong Password.
  4. Complete account creation. The website address or app information, user name, and password are saved automatically to the Passwords app.
  5. Next time you visit the website or open the app, the Passwords app will auto-fill your credentials for you.
• On Mac:
  1. Open the Safari web browser, and navigate to the site, or the secured app, where you want to create an account.
  2. Sign up or log in with your chosen user name.
  3. When creating a new password, Safari will suggest a strong password in a pop-up. Click Use Strong Password.
  4. Complete account creation. The website address or app information, user name, and password are saved automatically to the Passwords app.
  5. Future logins are auto-filled by the Passwords app.

Tips for Maximizing Security with the Apple Passwords App

Here are some helpful tips to stay safe and get the most out of the Passwords app:

• Keep iCloud Keychain synchronized and your devices up to date to ensure optimal security and compatibility.
• Use 2FA or passkeys whenever possible, as they are more secure and easier to manage.
• Regularly review the Security Recommendations section in the Passwords app and address any weak or compromised credentials.

Learn More

You can log into your accounts even faster and more securely if they support two-factor authentication codes (2FA) or passkeys. Learn about these enhanced secure login features by reading these articles:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): What It Is and How to Secure Your Online Accounts
• What Are Passkeys and How They Improve Your Online Security smart tips