With the release of iOS and iPadOS, 15 Apple had upped its game in password management with iCloud Keychain. Previously I’d recommend using a third-party password manager like 1Password or LastPass.
If you’re using a third-party password manager and like it, stick with it. However, if you’re new to password management and have resisted adopting a password manager, you should start by trying out iCloud Keychain immediately.
Note: Unfortunately, iCloud Keychain only works in Safari as of right now, so if you’re using another web browser, you might be stuck with a third-party app.
How To Enable iCloud Keychain
iCloud Keychain is a core feature of the iCloud ecosystem. Apple device owners can rely on this system to store account credentials. For example, you no longer have to remember credit card numbers and expiry details because iCloud Keychain keeps the information and all of your login information for website passwords.
- Open the Settings app
- Click on your name at the top
- Select iCloud
- Now tap Keychain
- Toggle the switch on
You may be asked to enter your Passcode, FaceID, or TouchID for older devices.
Adding Personal Information to iCloud Keychain Manually
We have to add some information into Safari to get started, or nothing will work correctly.
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll and tap on Safari
- Under General tap on AutoFill
- Toggle on Use Contact Info
Select your name and search for your contact info if your name isn’t shown under My Info.
Note: Apple device owners must create their contact card in the iPhone or iPad contact list, and that’s what is used in this process.
How To Add Credit Card Information
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll and select Safari
- Tap AutoFill
- Choose Saved Credit Cards
- You may be asked to Turn on Passcode, FaceID, or TouchID to enter the area or use it without Passcode information. For security, purposes go with turning it on.
- Tap Add Credit Card
- Fill out the information or use your Camera to add it.
- When Finished Tap Done
The selling key point of iCloud Keychain is its security and keeping your information safe. This allows you to start making payments on websites that don’t support Apple Pay. But, of course, you can always remove the information or update it following the instructions above.
Creating Random Passwords for iOS and iPadOS
It would be best to always consider using the most robust passwords, especially when accessing sensitive information like a bank account. So it’s a good general rule to make every website you login into safe and secure with the strongest password you can.
- Launch the Safari Browser on your iPhone or iPad
- Go to any website choose the option to Sign up.
- When you reach the password section, you’ll have two options, “Use Strong Password” or “Choose My Own Password,” to complete the process.
- Choose Use Strong Password for the best security.
Complete the signup process. This password and User ID will now be added to iCloud Keychain.
If you already have login information available, you can add it to iCloud Keychain
- Open the Settings app
- Tap on Passwords
- Use Touch ID, Face ID, or the Passcode to access
- Tap the + sign in the upper right corner
- Add the information and tap Done
Once completed, your login information for that website will be available in iCloud Keychain.
If you have more than one Apple device, your passwords will sync and be available on all of them.
To Remove Account Credentials
- Open Settings
- Scroll and Tap Passwords
- Choose the website
- You’ll see options for Change Password on Website, Set Up Verification Code, or Delete Password
Deleting passwords will remove the site and password from iCloud Keychain, making it no longer available.
Conclusion
iCloud Keychain is a powerful feature. In addition, Apple has provided security by providing TouchID, FaceId, and Verification Codes to keep your personal and sensitive data away from unauthorized individuals.
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