10 Life Hacks Every Apple Password User Should Know.
Apple’s Passwords app is the default option for iOS and macOS users to save and access their login credentials. While Passwords isn’t the most powerful password manager on the market, it’s well-suited for users of the Apple ecosystem. (It’s also free.) Digging deeper, you’ll find features and services that make it a great option for those who want to keep their digital lives private. Here are 10 tips for getting the most out of Apple’s Passwords app.
Use Safari to import credentials from another password manager on iPhone.
If you’re switching to Passwords from another password manager, you can import your credentials in bulk via a CSV file in the Mac app by going to File > Import Passwords from File . Select the exported CSV file, follow the prompts to map columns to specific data fields, and click Import . However, if you’re only using iOS, it’s not quite as simple. You can still import CSV files, but you’ll have to do it through Safari. Save the CSV file you want to upload to Passwords in the Files app (you can directly export data from most other password managers to Files on your phone), then go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Import . Tap Import from Files > Choose File , locate the CSV file, and tap Import to Safari . Your credentials will appear in Passwords, and iOS will immediately prompt you to delete the CSV file to keep your data secure.
Use notes to store security questions or recovery keys.
When creating a new account, you may need to save additional authentication information, such as security questions or recovery keys. Instead of saving them elsewhere on your device or hoping you’ll remember them later, add them to the “Notes” field below your username and password. This will keep them secure and accessible for future reference. Find the desired item in the Passwords app, tap “Edit,” copy and paste or type your notes, and tap “Save .” You can also tap directly on the “Notes” line to begin editing.
Add tags to notes to quickly find products in search results.
Another use for the “Notes” field is for credential tags. Unlike some other password managers, Passwords doesn’t have a long list of individual form fields or labels, but anything you add to “Notes” can be found using search. This is especially useful if you have multiple accounts for certain services (such as Google), as you can add tags like “work account,” “personal account,” or other relevant tags to this field and search for those terms to find the item you need.
Add verification codes to passwords instead of using another authentication app.
If you have accounts that allow or require multi-factor authentication (MFA) using one-time passwords (TOTP), you can add them to the Passwords section instead of downloading another app. (As a reminder, choose a strong MFA method whenever possible.) Set this up by scanning a QR code on a website or app with your iPhone, or by going to Passwords > All > [Account Name] > Edit > Set Up Code and entering the setup key from the website or app. Codes appear in a separate Passwords section, as well as in the item’s entry. Your iPhone can then suggest verification codes for AutoFill. Note that if you have multiple authenticator apps installed on your device, you may need to go to Settings > General > AutoFill & Passwords > Set Up Codes in and select Passwords as the default app.
Use this hidden gesture to quickly find items in your passwords.
If you need to quickly find something in the Passwords app, you can do so with one tap by creating a shortcut on your device’s home screen—no need to search for the app on your phone and go to the search bar. Open Shortcuts and tap the plus sign to add a new shortcut. Scroll down and tap Passwords > Search in Passwords . Select Ask Each Time for the text field. Tap the down arrow at the top, then Add to Home Screen . You can also add it to Back , where the shortcut will launch with two or three taps on the back of your iPhone. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back , tap Double-tap or Triple-tap , and select the shortcut you created as the action. Once the shortcut launches, enter your search term and tap Done , and the Passwords app will open with the search results.
Generate a QR code to share your Wi-Fi credentials.
If guests want to connect to your Wi-Fi network, you don’t need to provide them with login credentials for each network separately. The Passwords app will generate a QR code for the network you’re currently connected to, and everyone else just needs to scan it with their device. In the Passwords app, go to the Wi-Fi section , select your current network (highlighted at the top), and tap “Show network QR code.”
Create a shared group to grant other users access to specific credentials.
Sending logins and passwords via SMS isn’t always efficient or secure. The Passwords app lets you share data via AirDrop if the recipient is nearby, but you can also create shared groups with trusted contacts and add logins that these contacts will see in their Passwords app. When someone in the group updates their login information, it’s updated for everyone. This is especially useful if you share streaming or payment accounts with family or friends, or if you want to grant temporary access to guests that you can remove from the group later.
To create a shared group, tap the folder icon on the Passwords main screen, then tap Continue . Add a name for the group, then tap Add People to send invitations. (Matching contacts will be highlighted in blue.) Select the passwords you want to share and tap Move . If you’re the group owner, you can add or remove members and passwords at any time.
Use your iPhone’s password to sign in to untrusted devices.
With Apple Passwords, you can avoid entering your login credentials on public devices—such as library computers or borrowed devices—by signing in using your iPhone. This means you don’t have to enter your password into a form field on an untrusted device, which could expose your information to keyloggers or other security threats. For apps and websites that support passwords, go to the sign-in page and enter your username, then find “Sign in with password” and select “More options ” (or similar) to receive a QR code. Scan it with your iPhone camera to use your password.
Hide compromised passwords that you cannot recover right now.
The “Security” section of your password settings displays weak credentials or those compromised in a breach. It even includes a link to change your password on the app or service’s website. However, there are times when you can’t or don’t want to address the security issue: for example, you might have an account that requires a simple password or an account that’s no longer in use. (Make sure the password isn’t repeated on other accounts.) In these cases, you can dismiss the warning by opening it and clicking “Hide” to remove it from the warning.
Access passwords on your PC with iCloud for Windows.
The Passwords app is optimized for users exclusively within the Apple ecosystem, and the standalone app is only available for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. However, if you need to access your data on a PC, you can use the iCloud for Windows app from the Microsoft Store as a workaround. Download the app, sign in with your Apple ID, and follow the instructions to complete the setup process. To enable iCloud Passwords, either click the arrow next to “Passwords & Keychain” and turn on “Passwords & Keychain,” or click “Approve” below and enter the code sent to your trusted device. You can also install the corresponding browser extension directly from this window.