While password managers have long existed as third-party apps on iOS and macOS, Apple has doubled down on its own efforts. iCloud Keychain is a feature on macOS and iOS that stores passwords, credit card information, and more.
iCloud Keychain has been around for several years, but it continues to get more powerful and capable with each new release of iOS and macOS. For instance, iOS 12 and macOS Mojave added new features that automatically create strong and unique passwords for each website and app you use.
This password is automatically stored in iCloud Keychain and easily accessible from all of your devices. Here’s how to fully optimize the feature.
First thing’s first
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you’ve set up two-factor authentication. This makes iCloud Keychain much easier to use across all of your devices.
Once you’ve done that, on your Mac you’ll want to open the System Preferences app and go to the iCloud app. In that list, you should see “Keychain,” where you can tick the checkbox to enable it.
On iOS, open the Settings app, tap your name at the top, then tap “iCloud.” Scroll through the list of apps using iCloud and look for “Keychain.” Tap it and ensure that it is toggled toward “On.”
Just a click away
As with any password manager, one thing you’ll want to ensure is that you always know how to access the passwords and data stored in iCloud Keychain. Whether it be to import chrome passwords to LastPass or sharing passwords with others, iCloud Keychain enables you to do it all.
Just simply export with iCloud Keychain. You can also copy and paste usernames and passwords, and AirDrop them to other devices.
Only for you
Once you’ve followed the steps mentioned above, you’ll see a clear list of passwords and login information for every website. Apple will also warn you if you’ve reused the same password on multiple websites, and provide a quick link to change your password on a service’s website.
