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How to Use macOS Keychain
Edited 7 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
macOSKeychainPasswordManagementSecurityStorageAppleComputerSystemPrivacy
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Introduction
macOS Keychain is a system developed by Apple that helps you manage and protect your sensitive information such as passwords, certificates, encryption keys, and secure notes. Keychain is built into macOS, which means it is installed on every Mac and is a default feature of the operating system. This feature is very important because it facilitates the protection of your sensitive information by storing it securely and reducing the need to enter passwords on your Mac.
This comprehensive guide aims to help you understand what macOS Keychain is, how it works, and ways to use it to its full potential. By the end of this guide, you'll be comfortable and confident managing your sensitive information on macOS.
What is macOS Keychain?
Keychain is Apple's password management system integrated into macOS and iOS devices. It allows users to easily and securely store and retrieve their passwords and other sensitive information. The entire system is designed with user-friendliness and security in mind.
The primary function of the keychain is to reduce the number of times you have to enter passwords. It remembers these for you, ensuring they are entered safely when needed. It also helps centralize password management, meaning you have a better overview of which passwords you are using and can easily update them.
How does a keychain work?
Keychain works by creating a database file where sensitive information is stored securely. This database file is encrypted and protected by your system's login password. Keychain uses a combination of public-key encryption and symmetric-key encryption to keep stored data secure.
When you try to use one of your stored items – such as logging in to a website – Keychain securely retrieves the corresponding password from its database. It can autofill login forms in Safari, autofill passwords in various apps, and even suggest strong passwords when you create a new online account or change an existing one.
Using Keychain on macOS
To start using Keychain effectively, you must first become familiar with the Keychain Access application on your Mac. This is a built-in utility that lets you view and manage your saved passwords, certificates, keys, and secure notes. You can find Keychain Access by searching for it using Spotlight (Command + Space) and typing "Keychain Access."
Open Keychain Access
- Go to your Applications folder.
- Open the Utilities folder.
- Double-click Keychain Access to open it.
Once open, you'll see a window displaying your various keychains. The default keychains include "login," "iCloud," and "system."
Understanding Keychain Access
There are some key areas and functionalities of Keychain Access that you should be aware of:
- Keychain List: This is on the left side of the application window and shows all the keychains you have available, such as "Login" and "iCloud."
- Category pane: Below the Keychain list, this filters the items that appear in the main list. Categories include passwords, secure notes, certificates, keys, and more.
- List pane: The main area that shows the contents of the selected keychain and category.
- Info Pane: When you double-click an item, this pane will pop up, giving you more information about the selected item.
Adding items to the keychain
Adding entries manually is simple:
- Under Keychain Access, go to File > New Password Item.
- Fill in the Name, Account, and Password fields.
- Optional: Add a note in the comments section.
- Select the keychain where you want to store the item.
- Click "Add" to save the item to your keychain.
Manage and delete items
The interface allows you to effectively manage and, when necessary, delete items:
- Find items by searching in the Keychain Access search bar or by browsing through the available categories.
- Right-click the item and select "Delete" to remove it from the keychain.
Deleting an item means it will no longer be accessible through the keychain, so make sure it's no longer needed before deleting it.
Recover your password
To retrieve passwords for websites and apps:
- Locate the correct item in the Keychain Access list.
- Double-click the item to open a detailed view.
- Check the "Show password" box at the bottom of the window.
- You may be asked to enter your login credentials.
- After entering the credentials, the password will be shown.
Keychain and iCloud
iCloud Keychain adds another layer of convenience by storing passwords and other sensitive information in the cloud. This way, you can seamlessly access this data across all your iOS and macOS devices that are signed in to the same Apple ID and have iCloud Keychain enabled.
Enabling iCloud Keychain
To enable this feature:
- Go to System Preferences on your Mac.
- Click Apple ID, and then choose iCloud.
- Enable the keychain.
The process is similar on iOS devices, but done through the Settings app.
Sync between devices
iCloud Keychain allows changes made on one device to appear on others almost automatically, ensuring that your latest passwords and other sensitive information is always available.
Maintaining Keychain Security
The security of your keychain is of utmost importance because it contains sensitive information. Here are some tips to keep it secure:
- Use a strong login password: Make sure your Mac login password is strong, as this protects your keychain.
- Update passwords regularly: Updating and changing your passwords regularly improves security.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Adding this layer of security to your Apple ID reduces the chance of unauthorized access.
Advanced Keychain Usage
For more advanced users, Keychain Access can do even more. You can manage certificates, keys, and even configure trust settings for applications and network services. Note that handling these settings requires a deep understanding of the macOS security architecture.
Conclusion
In this guide, we've covered macOS Keychain in detail, from its basic aspects to more advanced functionalities. Keychain is a vital tool for managing your sensitive information effectively and securely. By becoming familiar with its many capabilities, you can make the most of this useful macOS feature.
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