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How to use Apple's built-in and free password manager, iCloud Keychain

 

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With new capabilities in iOS 15, macOS Monterey, and other 2021 software updates, Apple has improved its password management game. Previously, iCloud Keychain was a password manager in the background that would come up from time to time, generally to the user's surprise, to provide a strong password or autofill something. In a separate Settings box, it now searches for password breaches, warns about repeated passwords, and provides two-factor authentication (2FA) keys many business listings.

Many iPhone and Mac users rely on third-party password managers, not aware that Apple's is fully functional and, in some cases, more secure than some of the market's most popular solutions. Here's how to set up and use iCloud Keychain on your devices, as well as how to keep your passwords up to date.

ICloud Password Manager on iPhone

Apple designed the iCloud Keychain to be imperceptible when in use. A prompt will show in place of your keyboard if you're on a website or in an app that employs a properly designed password field.

If you've previously entered a user name or email address, an auto-suggested password will appear on the online form for the password. By default, this is a string of twenty characters that includes two dashes, upper and lower case letters, and a symbol. Accept the option and click "remember login" when prompted on the following box. You'll never have to remember that complicated password again.

This user name and password will be kept and linked to that app or website automatically. The password auto-fill will show instead of the keyboard on subsequent logins, and a Face ID or Touch ID prompt will confirm that you are the one inputting the password.

The new login information will sync over iCloud utilising end-to-end encryption, so you don't have to worry about unwanted users stealing your password in transit. Navigate to the passwords area of the Settings app to examine the passwords you've stored, check for any security warnings, or erase password business listings.

It's also possible to add two-factor authentication codes.

What is the best way to obtain a dedicated Passwords app icon?

Apple's iCloud Keychain doesn't have its own app, but the password manager is found in the Settings app. If you don't want to go to this page every time you need to manage your passwords, you can always make a custom Shortcut and add it to your Home Screen with a direct link.

Step 1 - Open Shortcuts

Step 2 - Tap the "+" in the top right corner

Step 3 - Name the action "Passwords"

Step 4 - Tap "add action" and search "URL" to add that action

Step 5 - Paste in "prefs:root=PASSWORDS" into the URL field

Step 6 - Search for "Open URL," add the action, and select "URL" in variables within the action

Step 7 - Add the Shortcut to the Home Screen using the settings icon in the top right corner

The new Passwords shortcut will display on your Home Screen when you select an icon or custom picture, providing you easy access to your passwords with a single press. You may simply instruct Siri to "display passwords" if you choose.

ICloud Password Manager on Mac

"Keychain Access," vintage software integrated into macOS, serves as a catch-all app for authentication certificates, passwords, and other security prompts. However, starting with macOS Monterey, the System Preferences app has a more user-friendly option.

It's not for the faint of heart to use Keychain Access. It defaults to the "Other" folder in the app launcher and displays password information in a list manner. While users may retrieve their passwords from here, we recommend utilising the "Passwords" option in System Preferences instead free business listings.

The Passwords feature, like its iOS counterpart, is a straightforward list of all stored websites, complete with login details and notifications for duplicate or compromised passwords. During normal use, you won't need to utilise the Passwords feature in System Preferences often. Instead, all websites should automatically fill in the password or provide secure passwords.

Setting up two-factor authentication

The option to auto-fill two-factor authentication codes has been added to Apple's iCloud Keychain. Users may trust on the built-in secure and reliable system rather than using a third-party programmer devoted to 2FA.

While creating a 2FA code might be a nuisance, it is one of the most secure features when done correctly. Some people may be familiar with 2FA because of the text message codes they receive when validating their phone number, however they are insecure.

Many websites and applications now use a method that produces codes using a time signature and a text key. This code refreshes every thirty seconds in the Password tool, which users may view.

If the website is programmed to give a 2FA key to a password manager, this can be done automatically, but otherwise, users will have to manually set up the code.

To use iCloud Keychain for 2FA on iOS and macOS, follow these steps:

Steps 1 - Open the passwords tool

Step 2 - Select the login you're adding 2FA to

Step 3 - Select "Set Up Verification Code"

Step 4 - Select "Enter Setup Key" if you have a string of text

Step 5 - Otherwise scan the QR code on iPhone or right click the code on Mac

Step 6 - Enter the key on the website to verify it has been setup properly

On websites that have been properly developed for this system, the 2FA key will show above the keyboard, much like passwords. Otherwise, users will have to go to the Passwords tool and manually copy and paste the code.

On the Mac, iPad, and iPhone, there's more than Keychain

Although Apple's iCloud Keychain isn't the only choice, it may be the best for most people. Edge situations and commercial uses for password managers are not covered by the built-in solution.

Apple's version of a Windows programmer and a Chrome extension for passwords is included in the iCloud Keychain, so you're not limited into a single environment.

Although some password managers are free and cross-platform, they generally need the use of a specific browser or add-on. For those seeking for a password manager that isn't part of Apple's ecosystem, Google's password manager is a great alternative.

If iCloud Keychain doesn't meet your needs, there are a number of commercial alternatives available. For corporations or groups who need to share a centralized set of passwords, 1Password is a popular option.

For a casual user or family member, though, we'll always recommend iCloud Keychain first because of its ease and accessibility.


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