The Passwords app on our iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro allows us to create, manage, and autofill our passwords with ease and security. Unlike other password managers, it’s completely free. While its interface is simple, it offers much more than meets the eye. Let’s dive into all its features.
How to create a secure password in the Passwords app
Creating a secure password in the Passwords app is incredibly easy. So much so that when we sign up for a new account on a compatible app or website, our iPhone, iPad, or Mac automatically suggests a strong password. We can accept it with a single tap, and the Passwords app will save it instantly.
If we want to generate a new password for an existing account or without linking it to a specific account, we can do so as follows:
- Open the Passwords app on our iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Vision Pro.
- Search for the service where we want to change the password or tap the "+" button to create a new one.
- Tap Edit if it's an existing password, then select Generate Secure Password.
- Save the changes so the new password is stored.
Thanks to iCloud Keychain synchronization, changes are immediately reflected across all our devices. All information is, of course, end-to-end encrypted, meaning only we can access it—Apple itself cannot.
How to securely share passwords and Passkeys
Sometimes, we need to share credentials with family members or colleagues. These credentials should never be sent via text message or email. With the Passwords app, we can securely share passwords through Shared Groups and AirDrop.
Shared Groups allow us to create a group with trusted individuals and share credentials with them. If needed, we can update passwords or revoke access at any time, maintaining full control over our passwords. To do this, simply tap the "+" button in Shared Groups in the sidebar of the Passwords app to add people and credentials.
For a more direct approach, we can also instantly share individual passwords via AirDrop. Simply select the password in the Passwords app and send it securely to a nearby Apple device using encryption.
Enable autofill and enhance security with recommendations
Now that we’ve covered saving and generating passwords, let’s talk about how to use them. One of the most convenient features of the app is autofill. Once enabled, our devices will automatically fill in saved credentials when we try to log in to a website or app. Here’s how to activate it:
- Open the Settings app and go to General > Autofill & Passwords.
- Enable the option Autofill Passwords and Passkeys.
- Make sure the Passwords app is selected as the autofill provider.
Finally, let’s highlight that the app also provides recommendations regarding our passwords. If any of them are weak, have been exposed in a data breach, or are reused, we’ll receive an alert and a suggestion to change them as soon as possible.
The Passwords app marks a turning point in credential management within Apple’s ecosystem. With a secure, intuitive, and fully integrated system, we can now keep all our passwords organized and protected with ease.
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