Home » Guides » MacOS » Keychain Access
📌 Pin 🔗 Copy Link 📋 Copy Markdown ⬇️ Download
2 min read

Managing Passwords with Keychain Access on macOS Tahoe

Keychain Access is a built-in password management system in macOS. It securely stores your passwords for websites, applications, Wi-Fi networks, and other secure items. It can also store secure notes and certificates.

Opening Keychain Access

You can find Keychain Access in the Utilities folder within your Applications, or simply search for it:

  1. Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight.
  2. Type "Keychain Access" and press Enter.

Keychains

Keychain Access organizes your passwords into different "keychains."

  • login: This is your primary keychain, associated with your user account. It unlocks when you log in to your Mac.
  • System: Contains system-level passwords and certificates.
  • iCloud: If you have iCloud Keychain enabled, this stores passwords synced across your Apple devices.

Viewing and Editing Passwords

  1. Select the keychain you want to view (e.g., "login").
  2. In the list, find the website or application whose password you want to see.
  3. Double-click the item.
  4. Check the box labeled "Show Password".
  5. You will be prompted to enter your macOS user password to reveal the stored password.

You can also edit the username, password, or notes associated with an item.

Adding a New Password

You can manually add passwords to Keychain Access, although it usually prompts you automatically when you enter a new password in Safari or another app.

  1. Go to File > New Password Item.
  2. Enter the website or application name, the account name (username or email), and the password.

Generating Strong Passwords

Keychain Access can suggest strong, random passwords.

  1. When creating or editing a password item, click the Key icon next to the password field.
  2. Keychain Access will generate a strong password. You can customize the length and complexity.

iCloud Keychain

iCloud Keychain keeps your passwords synchronized across all your Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad).

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Click on your Apple ID at the top.
  3. Select iCloud and enable Passwords & Keychain.

Troubleshooting

  • Keychain Not Syncing: Make sure iCloud Keychain is enabled on all your devices and that you are signed in with the same Apple ID.
  • "Keychain Access wants to use your confidential information stored in...": Click "Always Allow" to prevent repeated prompts from specific apps.
  • System Settings and Configuration on macOS Tahoe
Created: March 17, 2026 • Last Modified: February 24, 2026