Tutorial 14 · macOS

Passwords and passkeys with the Passwords app

Use the Passwords app for passwords, passkeys and verification codes, share them safely, and act on security warnings.

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The Passwords app is Apple's password manager. It syncs through iCloud Keychain to your other Apple devices and fills passwords automatically in Safari and apps.

1Open and unlock

Open Passwords from Applications or with Spotlight and unlock it with Touch ID or your login password. Make sure iCloud Keychain is on so it syncs: look for Passwords under iCloud in your Apple Account settings.

2Save and fill passwords

When you sign up or sign in on a website, Safari offers to save the password and suggests a strong one for new accounts. Accept it: you don't need to remember it. Next time, click the username field and choose the saved login. Other browsers can use Passwords through Apple's extension; see Apple Support.

3Use passkeys

A passkey replaces a password with a key stored on your devices, unlocked with Touch ID or your login password. It can't be phished or leaked in a data breach. When a site offers to create a passkey, accept it; it's saved in Passwords and syncs to your devices. On another device, you can sign in by scanning a QR code with your iPhone.

4Verification codes

Passwords can store two-factor setup keys and generate the six-digit codes, then fill them automatically. Edit an account and use the option to set up a verification code, or click a setup QR code on a website.

5Security, sharing and importing

The Security section lists reused, weak and leaked passwords. Work through them, changing the password on each site. Use shared groups to share selected passwords with family. To move from another password manager, export a CSV from it, use the import option in Passwords' File menu, then delete the CSV securely.

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