What is Keychain? (2024)

FAQs

What is a keychain used for? ›

A keychain (/ˈkitʃeɪn/) (also key fob or keyring) is a small ring or chain of metal to which several keys can be attached. The length of a keychain allows an item to be used more easily than if connected directly to a keyring.

Keychain Access is a macOS app that stores your passwords and account information, and reduces the number of passwords you have to remember and manage. When you access a website, email account, network server, or other password-protected item, you may be given the option to remember or save the password.

Keychain Access lets you view the keys, certificates, passwords, account information, notes, or other information stored in a keychain. In the Keychain Access app on your Mac, if you don't see a list of keychains, choose Window > Keychain Viewer or press Command-1. Select the keychain that you want to view.

Your keychain may be locked automatically if your computer has been inactive for a period of time or your user password and keychain password are out of sync.

Keychain is safe to use, but that doesn't necessarily mean the iCloud Keychain is the right password manager for you. It has nowhere near the features you see with competitors, even free ones.

You can delete a keychain. You might want to do this if, for example, you've forgotten the password or you're transferring a computer to someone else. Important: If you delete a keychain's References and Files, all the information in the keychain is deleted.

Always Allow: Let the app or server retrieve the password from your keychain without any further authorization or notice from you. Deny: Prevent the app or server from retrieving the password from your keychain. You need to enter the password manually.

Generated passwords are stored in the keychain and synced to other devices. Keychain items are transferred from device to device, traveling through Apple servers, but are encrypted end-to-end so that Apple and other devices can't read their contents.

The KeyChain class provides access to private keys and their corresponding certificate chains in credential storage.

How do I find out my keychain password? ›

The password for your login keychain matches the password you use to log in to your Mac. If an administrator on your Mac resets your login password, you need to reset your login keychain password.

Keychain Access is a macOS app that stores your passwords and account information, and reduces the number of passwords you have to remember and manage. When you access a website, email account, network server, or other password-protected item, you may be given the option to remember or save the password.

You use the Keychain Access app on your Mac to view and manage your login and other keychains, and also the items securely stored in the keychains — for example, keys, certificates, passwords, account information and notes. If you forget a password, you can find it in Keychain Access.

It's a gift your loved one will cherish and remember the good times you've spent together every time they use their keys. Keychains are small and sweet gestures of affection to another person.

iCloud Keychain remembers things, so that you don't have to. It autofills your information — like your Safari and app usernames, passwords and passkeys, credit card information and security codes, and Wi-Fi passwords on any device that you approve.