Alex Ruben
How To Locate Saved Passwords and Passkeys in the Passwords App on iPhone and iPad
Managing your passwords and passkeys is crucial for maintaining security in our digital lives. With iOS 18 and later, Apple introduced the Passwords app, making it easier than ever to create, manage, and share your passwords across all your Apple devices. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to find and manage your saved passwords and passkeys effectively.
Getting Started with the Passwords App
Before diving into the steps, make sure your device is updated to iOS 18 or later. The Passwords app will allow you to find and manage your passwords securely. You’ll need to unlock your device using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to access the app. Also, ensure that iCloud Keychain sync is enabled (go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Keychain)—otherwise, your saved passwords might not appear across devices.
Step 1: Open the Passwords App
To get started, find and launch the Passwords app on your iPhone or iPad:
- Look for the Passwords app icon on your home screen or app library.
- Tap to open it.
- Authorize access with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
Note: Sometimes, you might get prompted for your device passcode if Face ID or Touch ID isn’t set up or temporarily unavailable. Nothing surprising, just a security thing.
Step 2: Search for a Password or Passkey
Once inside the app, if you’re looking for a specific password or passkey, just use the search bar at the top:
- Tap the Search bar.
- Type in the name of the website, app, or account you’re after. Typing ‘Google’ or ‘Amazon’ works well.
This searches all your saved credentials, including those shared via Family Sharing or in groups, so you should find it pretty quick.
Step 3: View and Copy Your Password
When the account pops up in the list:
- Tap on the account entry.
- Hit Details to see the info.
- To copy the password, tap and hold the password field, then select Copy. It’s handy for pasting into login fields without remembering everything.
Kind of weird, but tapping Details usually shows the password masked, so you’ll want to tap the eye icon or long-press to reveal or copy it. On some setups, the copy option is in a menu after long-pressing.
Step 4: Use Siri to Find Passwords
Another trick—if you’re lazy like some of us—use Siri:
- Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri”.
- Then say, “Find my password for [website or app name]”.
Siri basically pulls up the credential if it’s saved. Not foolproof all the time, but in a pinch, it works better than digging around manually.
Additional Tips & Common Issues
Some things to keep in mind – because of course, Apple has to keep making this stuff a little tricky:
- Make sure your device is running the latest iOS; old versions might have bugs or missing features.
- If you can’t find a password, check the spelling of the site or app name. Sometimes, it’s saved with a different spelling or in a group.
- For large passwords, long-press on the password field to see it in a bigger, more copy-friendly version. This saved me a few times when I was trying to input complex ones manually.
- Keep in mind, if Passkeys aren’t showing or syncing, check your iCloud Keychain settings—Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Keychain.
Conclusion
Following these steps should help you get a grip on your passwords and passkeys with the Passwords app. It’s smarter than trying to remember all those complex strings — plus, it kinda makes your life easier if everything’s synced properly. And yeah, sometimes Apple’s security stuff can be a pain, but ultimately, it’s better than losing access to important accounts.
- Find saved passwords and passkeys on your iPhone
- Use the Passwords app to create, manage, and share passwords and passkeys across Apple devices
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a password and a passkey?
A password is just a string of characters protecting your account, while a passkey is a newer, more secure method, often biometric or hardware-based, designed to replace passwords altogether—kind of neat, but still new tech.
Can I access my passwords on multiple Apple devices?
Yeah—if iCloud Keychain syncs, it’ll keep everything up to date across your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Apple Watch. Just make sure it’s turned on in Settings.
What if I forget my passcode for the Passwords app?
That’s a pain. You might have to reset your device or go through recovery, which can be a hassle. Better keep that passcode secure but memorable.
Summary
- Make sure iCloud Keychain is enabled for syncing.
- Use search or Siri to find passwords fast.
- Long-press to see full passwords or copy them easily.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Fingers crossed this helps.