I Refused to Use Passwords Until Apple Added This Feature to Their Password App.
I strongly advocate using password managers to store login credentials, but I’m currently resisting suggestions to switch to key-based passwords—even though key-based passwords are superior to passwords in almost every way . You don’t need to remember or store a long string of random characters when using key-based passwords, because they don’t actually use a password at all. Instead, you use your device’s authentication method, such as a face scan, device passcode, or fingerprint unlock, to log in to your accounts. Key-based passwords are also more resistant to phishing attacks, because your password manager won’t let you use a key-based password to log in to fake websites created by scammers.
Despite these advantages, for me, the most crucial drawback was the inability to transfer passwords from one app to another. If you want to change password managers, you can easily transfer passwords from one to another, but with passwords, this was impossible—at least until recently. The FIDO Alliance, an industry organization dedicated to secure authentication, developed a set of specifications that allow for password transfer from one app to another, simplifying the process. As luck would have it, Apple was one of the first to implement this feature with the release of iOS 26 late last year.
The import/export feature only really works when all major players support it, and in recent months, most major password management apps have integrated this feature. I tested it by transferring my passwords from Apple Passwords to 1Password, and the process worked well enough to convince me to finally switch to password management. If I decide to replace my password manager tomorrow, I won’t have to worry about being locked out because of my passwords. Here’s how it works with Apple Passwords.
How to export access keys from Apple Passwords
To get started, install and set up the new password manager on the same Apple device where you have the Passwords app containing your access keys. Then, open Passwords, go to the main screen, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, and select “Export data to another app.” Manually select all authorization items that have an access key, or select all your passwords if you prefer. Click “Continue” when finished, and you’ll be taken to the “Export Passwords” page. Click “Continue” on this page as well. You’ll see a list of password management apps that support this feature, and you can choose the one you want to export your data to. I chose 1Password, and my access keys were exported. In the Passwords app for Mac, you can find this feature under File > Export Selected Items to App .
How to import passwords into Apple Passwords
If you want to transfer your passwords from other password management apps, you’ll need to open those apps and use the export feature. This feature is often hidden deep in the settings, so you should check the user manuals or instructions on your password manager’s website to find out how. Some apps don’t allow you to export individual passwords and may instead force you to export all your data from one app to another. Once you find the export feature in your password manager app, you’ll see the same “Export Passwords” page as in Apple Passwords. Click “Continue,” and the app will show you a list of password managers. Select Passwords, then click “Continue” again. In Passwords for Mac, you can find this feature under File > Import Passwords from File .