Unlock the Power of Apple's Hidden Password Manager: Tips and Tricks for iOS, Mac, Windows

To manage your passwords on Apple devices, simply access the "Password" option in the settings menu. This feature allows you to add, view, and edit password entries, as well as generate two-factor authentication codes and check for compromised passwords. If you're using iCloud for Windows, you can also launch the iCloud Passwords app. The best part? You don't need to pay for a separate password manager as Apple's tool is available for free. Although it would be more convenient if it were a standalone app, there are ways to speed up access to this powerful tool tucked away in your device's settings.

Find Passwords in Your Settings App

To access your list of saved passwords on your iPhone or iPad, simply navigate to Settings and select Passwords. Alternatively, use the Spotlight search by pulling down on the Home screen and searching for "Passwords". Please note that you will need to authenticate in order to view your saved passwords.

On a Mac, access your saved passwords by heading to System Settings and selecting Passwords. To access this preference panel more quickly, you can use the Command+Spacebar shortcut and search for "Passwords" using Spotlight. Again, authentication will be required to view your saved passwords.

Easily search for and manage your passwords with our convenient controls. Add new entries manually with the plus “+” button, or export and import your entire password database with the ellipsis “…” button. To ensure your passwords stay in sync across all your devices, simply enable this feature in your device settings. On an iPhone or iPad, navigate to Settings, tap on your name, select iCloud > Passwords and Keychain, and make sure it’s enabled.

To access Apple's password manager on a Mac, simply go to System Settings, click on your name, select iCloud, and ensure that "Passwords & Keychain" has the "Sync this Mac" option enabled. With this native password manager, you can easily manage your login credentials within Safari and third-party apps, including creating, accessing, modifying, and removing passwords.

Easily fill in your login information with pop-ups that appear in login forms, or access your passwords on iOS by tapping the “Passwords” (key) icon or any suggestions in the QuickType box above your keyboard. For new accounts, iCloud Passwords will automatically save your login credentials when you choose the option to “Create Strong Password.” Apple can generate and save a password for you, or you can edit it to make it more complex or choose your own.

Passwords saved to iCloud will be automatically filled and saved when using Safari and many third-party apps, but not all third-party browsers allow for this (especially on macOS). To copy and paste login credentials, you'll need to manually access your passwords in these instances.

To enable autofill from third-party password apps and browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and more, navigate to "Password Options" under the Passwords menu in your device's settings.

Quickly Access Your Passwords with Siri or Shortcuts

Accessing your passwords has never been easier with the use of Shortcuts or Siri. By utilizing these features, you can access your passwords directly from the menu bar on your Mac, from an iPhone widget, or by simply asking Siri to fetch a password for you.

For a seamless experience across all your Apple devices, try downloading the Shortcuts created by Reddit users u/ruinthemagic and u/labratros. This feature syncs between devices and works on both iOS and macOS platforms. To get started, be sure to enable Shortcuts on your Mac menu bar and learn how to place Shortcuts triggers on your iPhone or iPad Home and widget screens.

The Shortcuts feature takes you directly to the Passwords app, making it especially convenient on macOS where it only takes two clicks to access. If you prefer using Siri, simply ask the assistant to "run the Passwords shortcut" for a quick and easy way to retrieve your passwords.

Simply ask Siri for your password, such as “what’s my Netflix password?” and Siri will immediately direct you to the Passwords section in your settings app and search for “netflix” to provide you with a list of relevant results. This is the quickest method for accessing your passwords without using autofill across iOS and macOS in Safari.

Share Passwords over AirDrop

To share a password securely, access it on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and click the “Share” button to view a list of nearby devices. Choose the device you wish to share the password with, and the recipient will be prompted to accept the password, which will then be added to their own iCloud Passwords database.

Access Passwords on Windows with iCloud

Sharing passwords between Apple devices has never been easier thanks to iCloud. With passwords stored in iCloud, you can effortlessly sync them across all your devices, including Windows devices. Simply download iCloud for Windows and log in with your email address, password, and two-factor authentication code from your Apple device. No need to limit yourself to AirDrop or worry about security risks of sharing passwords on their own.

Enable all the necessary items, including "Passwords," by logging in to your account. You will notice options for downloading a browser extension for either Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome next to the "Passwords" option. By installing this extension, you will be able to access your saved login credentials while browsing the internet. After the extension has been successfully installed, you will be prompted to sign in to sync your data on your browser.

Confirm your choices in iCloud for Windows by hitting the “Apply” button. Your synced passwords and other selected options will now be available. To launch the “iCloud Passwords” app, simply click on it in your Start menu.

If you haven’t set up Windows Hello yet, you can do so by creating a PIN, setting up fingerprint recognition, or facial recognition. Once set up, click “Sign in” and use Windows Hello to unlock iCloud Passwords. Access a complete list of synced passwords with ease.

Easily manage all your passwords with this app. Whether you need to access, add, change, or delete passwords, it's all possible with just a few clicks. With iCloud syncing, any changes you make will automatically be pushed to all your other devices. Plus, in Edge or Chrome, you can take advantage of the iCloud Passwords extension to autofill passwords and add new accounts with ease. And with the "Manage Passwords" option, you can even keep track of all your passwords in one convenient location.

Use Passwords for Two Factor Authentication Too

Apple's password manager doubles as an authenticator app, simplifying two-factor authentication for websites that require it. This feature is more secure than relying on an SMS code. To set it up, open Passwords on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, select a password entry and then tap or click the "Set Up Verification Code..." button.

To use iCloud for two-factor authentication, you'll need a QR code or set-up key. If the option to set up a code is not visible, ensure that your device has the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS installed.

Keep Your Accounts Safe with Passwords' Security Recommendations

Passwords offer a convenient solution for keeping your accounts secure. With this feature, available on both iOS (or iPadOS) and macOS, you can easily monitor your account's security. However, note that this feature is not available on the iCloud Passwords app for Windows.

On your mobile device or Mac, you'll receive an alert for "Security Recommendations" at the top of your screen. Simply tap or click on this alert to view a list of passwords that have been compromised in data leaks, passwords that are easily guessable, or passwords that you have reused across multiple accounts. Additionally, you'll find a "Change Password on Website" link that takes you directly to the website so you can update your password effortlessly.