Apple’s Passwords app is the default option for iOS and macOS users to save and access their credentials. While Passwords isn’t the strongest password manager on the market, it works well for those in the Apple ecosystem. (It also helps that it’s free). If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find features and services that make this app a great option for anyone looking to keep their digital life private. Here are 10 hacks to get the most out of Apple’s Passwords app.
Use Safari to import your credentials from another password manager on iPhone
If you’re transitioning to Passwords from another password manager, you can bulk import your logins via a CSV file on the Mac app. File > Import passwords from file. Select the CSV you exported, follow any prompts that appear to map columns to specific data fields, and click Import. If you’re iOS-only, though, it’s not so straightforward. You can still import CSV, but you have to go through Safari. Save the CSV you want to upload to Password in Files (you can export files directly from most other password manager apps on your phone), then go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Import. Click Select Import from Files > FileFind and click CSV Import to Safari. Your credentials will be filled in with passwords, and iOS will prompt you to delete the CSV immediately to protect your data.
Use notes to store security questions or recovery keys
When you create a new account, you may often have additional authentication information that you need to save later, such as security questions or recovery keys. Instead of saving this somewhere else on your device or hoping you’ll remember it later, add it to the notes field under your username and password. This ensures that they are protected and keeps them accessible for future use. Find the item in the Passwords app, tap it EditCopy and paste or type and press into your notes save. Alternatively, you can just hit the “Notes” line to start editing.
Add item labels to notes to find them faster in search
Another use for the notes field is for credential tags. Passwords doesn’t have a long list of specific form fields or separate labels like some other password managers, but anything you put in a note can be searched. This is especially helpful if you have multiple accounts for certain services (like Google), as you can add “work account,” “personal” or other relevant tags to this field and search specifically for those terms to pull up the right item.
Add verification codes to passwords instead of other authenticator apps
If you have accounts that allow or require multi-factor authentication (MFA) through time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs), you can add them to Passwords instead of downloading another app. (As a reminder, you should select A strong form of MFA wherever possible.) Set this up Go to or by scanning a QR code on a website or app with your iPhone Passwords > All > (Account Name) > Edit > Set Up Code And enter the setup key from the website or app. Codes appear in their own section of passwords as well as in item records. Your iPhone may then suggest a verification code for autofill. Note that if you have multiple authenticator apps on your device, you may need to switch between them Settings > General > AutoFill & Passwords > Set Up Code In and select passwords as default.
Use this hidden gesture to quickly find items in passwords
If you need to quickly find an item in Passwords, you can do so in just one tap with a shortcut on your device’s home screen—no need to search for an app on your phone and navigate the search bar. Open Shortcuts and tap the plus sign to add a new shortcut. Scroll down and tap Search in Passwords > Passwords. choose Ask every time For text fields. Tap the down arrow at the top, then Add to home screen. You can also add it to the back tapeWhich will launch your shortcut with two or three taps on the back of your iPhone. go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Taptap on Double tap Or Triple tapAnd select the shortcut you created as your action. When you launch the shortcut, enter a search term and click doneAnd passwords will open with your results.
Generate a QR code to share your WiFi credentials
If you have guests who want to join your WiFi network, you don’t need to give them network credentials individually. Passwords will generate a QR code for the network you are currently connected to and everyone else needs to scan it with their device. In the Passwords app, go to Wi-FiTap your current network (highlighted at the top), and click Show network QR code.
Create a shared group to give others access to specific credentials
Sending usernames and passwords back and forth via text is not necessarily efficient or secure. Passwords allows you to airdrop items if the recipient is nearby, but you can also create shared groups with trusted contacts and add credentials that those contacts will see in their Passwords app. When anyone in the group updates a login, it is refreshed for everyone. This is especially useful if you share streaming or billing accounts with family members or friends, or if you want to allow guests temporary access that you can later remove from the group.
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To create a shared group, tap the folder icon on the main password screen, then keep going. Add a group name, then tap Add people To send invitations. (Eligible contacts will be in blue.) Select and tap the password you want to share move on. If you are the group owner, you can add or remove members and passwords at any time.
Use Passkey on your iPhone to sign in on untrusted devices
with passkeyApple Passwords allows you to skip entering your credentials on public devices—such as library computers or borrowed devices—and sign in with your iPhone instead. This means you don’t have to type your password into a form field on an untrusted device, which could expose your information to keyloggers or other security threats. For apps and websites that support Passkeys, go to the login page and enter your username, then search Sign in with passkey and choose More options (or something similar) to get a QR code. Scan with your iPhone camera to use your passkey.
Hide compromised passwords that you can’t address right now
The Security section of Passwords shows you credentials that are weak or have been compromised in a breach. There is also a link to change your password on the website of the application or service. However, there may be occasions when you don’t want or want to address a security issue: you may have an account that requires a simple password, or an account that is no longer in use. (Make sure the password isn’t repeated for any other logins, regardless.) In these cases, you can dismiss the warning by opening and tapping it. hide So it no longer appears as a recommendation.
Access passwords on your PC with iCloud for Windows
Passwords is optimized for users working fully within the Apple ecosystem, and is limited to a single app iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. However, if you need to access your items on PC, you can use this iCloud for Windows Apps from the Microsoft Store as a workaround. Download the app, sign in with your Apple ID, and follow the prompts to complete the setup process. To enable iCloud passwords, click the arrow next to either Passwords and Keychains and turn on Passwords and Keychainsor click approved Enter the code below and sent to your trusted device. You can also install the appropriate browser extension from this view.
