MacBooks enjoy popularity and trust around the world because they are very user-friendly and protect data well. But even the most secure devices need tools that allow you to store, quickly find, and automatically enter passwords. This is what Keychain as an Apple credential storage was created for. In short, it offers secure password storage and quick synchronization between Apple devices. We will go into more detail below.
What is Keychain? How It Works
Keychain is a built-in password management system on the Mac. It provides a way to save:
- passwords,
- credit card numbers,
- and other sensitive data in an encrypted form.
You can set up automatic access to this data on all your devices via iCloud. What is an iCloud keychain? With this Apple credential storage, you no longer need to remember dozens of different passwords. iCloud Keychain will automatically substitute the necessary data when you sign in to a browser or app.
But before you use Keychain, make sure it’s activated in your Mac’s preferences. If you don’t know how to access Keychain on Mac as an Apple credential storage, do the following:
- open System Preferences,
- go to the iCloud section,
- find the Keychain option,
- turn it on.
After that, your data will be automatically synchronized.
What if you forgot your Mac password?
Keychain is securely linked to your account. It requires a credential to activate, so accessing Keychain may be difficult if you forget your Mac login credentials. In such cases, you may need to reset Mac login password. After that, you will be able to change your Mac password. So, first, open System Preferences. Find the Users & Groups section. Then click on your username and select Change Password. If you want to know how to change the lock screen password, follow the same steps. After entering the new credentials, you will have access to all Apple credential storage, i.e. Keychain, functions. And remember, the new credentials must meet iCloud requirements to protect your data.
Using Keychain to Automatically Fill Passwords
Automatically filling in credentials when you sign in to your accounts is one of the most useful features of Keychain as an Apple credential storage.
To enable auto-fill in Safari, follow these steps:
- open the browser,
- go to the Safari menu,
- go to Settings,
- then go to Passwords,
- sign in with your credentials or Touch ID,
- you will see a list of all your saved credentials.
If you’re looking for a way to enable autofill in other browsers, you can use password managers that sync with iCloud Keychain.
How Secure iCloud Keychain is?
The issue of security is paramount. Is iCloud Keychain safe? We may say yes to this question for the following reasons:
- Apple uses two-factor authentication and encryption,
- Apple does not store your master password.
Therefore, even if your account is compromised, attackers won’t be able to access your Keychain. Data stored in iCloud Keychain has an additional layer of protection. It means that only you can access it on your devices. To do this, you will use Touch ID, Face ID, or a password. All this makes iCloud Keychain a reliable solution.
How to Recover iCloud Keychain Data if You Lose Access?
If you happen to lose access to your iCloud Keychain, you can reset your access key. To do this, use your Apple ID and follow these steps:
- go to System Preferences,
- select iCloud,
- sign in to Keychain,
- click Restore Access,
- then follow the prompts.
This way, you can access your saved passwords again without losing any data.
How Does Keychain Help You Comply with Password Requirements?
In addition to its main purpose, iCloud Keychain helps users comply with Apple’s security requirements. iCloud password requirements require that you create credentials that meet the highest level of security. This helps to avoid overly simple credentials. When you create a new account or change your credentials, Keychain can suggest a strong one. It will be automatically saved. So, iCloud Keychain not only helps you remember but also generates strong passwords. The ones that meet all the necessary security standards.
Summary
iCloud Keychain as an Apple Password Storage is a powerful tool that allows you to store passwords on your Mac and thus simplify your work with accounts. Thanks to its auto-complete feature, you don’t have to worry about typing passwords in a browser all the time anymore. With iCloud Keychain syncing, your data is always at your fingertips on any Apple device. This ensures speedy access. But not only that. Your data is also safe thanks to advanced encryption technology and iCloud password requirements.
