Discover iOS 18 Passwords App: Comprehensive Features and Benefits
With iOS 18, Apple introduces a standalone Passwords app designed to streamline login and password management. While iCloud Keychain has long allowed you to store passwords on your Apple devices, accessing them was previously cumbersome due to their location within the Settings app. The new Passwords app in iOS 18 simplifies this process, making it easier than ever to create, manage, and secure your passwords.
User-Friendly Layout
Upon upgrading to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia, the Passwords app is automatically installed. The app features a simple layout with a search bar at the top, allowing you to quickly find the information you need. If you’ve already used iCloud Keychain, your saved logins and passwords will be readily available once you authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
The app is organized into sections for passwords and logins, passkeys, two-factor authentication codes, Wi-Fi passwords, security warnings, and deleted logins. Tapping into any section reveals detailed information, and individual entries display fields for site or app name, username, login, verification code, and notes. You can easily change passwords with a one-tap option.
Adding and Managing Logins
Adding new logins and passwords is simple. Tap the "+" button at the bottom of the main interface, enter the website name and username, and the app will generate a strong password for you. Save the information, and you're done. To edit existing entries, search for the login, tap it, and select the "Edit" option to update notes, change the password, or add a verification code. New logins created in Safari or apps are automatically added to the Passwords app if iCloud Keychain is enabled.
Changing and Deleting Passwords
To change a password, search for the login, tap "Edit," and select "Change Password." This opens the associated website, where you can update your password. To delete a password, swipe left on the entry in the "All" section or use the "Edit" option within the login details. Deleted passwords are stored in a Deleted folder for 30 days, allowing you to permanently delete them or restore them if needed.
Two-Factor Authentication Codes
The Passwords app supports two-factor authentication codes, enhancing security for your accounts. To add a code, tap the "Codes" section and use the "+" button to scan a QR code or enter a setup key. The app stores the codes, making them accessible whenever you need to log in to a site or app with two-factor authentication.
Passkeys
With the shift from passwords to passkeys, the Passwords app also stores your passkeys. Passkeys are more secure and use cryptographic key pairs, with one public key on the server and a private key on your device. This method protects your accounts from phishing attempts and allows you to log in using Face ID or Touch ID.
Password Sharing
The Passwords app lets you share select passwords with trusted contacts. You can create groups for family and friends, giving them access to shared logins and passwords. Logins can be shared in person using AirDrop. Passwords and logins can be added or removed from groups at any time, and all group members can contribute logins.
iOS 18 LayoutAutoFill and Sorting
With AutoFill enabled, your saved logins and passwords will automatically populate on websites in Safari and apps. The Passwords app offers sorting options by date edited, date created, website, or title, and can display results in ascending or descending order.
Syncing and Security
Passwords are synced across all your Apple devices via iCloud Keychain, ensuring you have access to your logins no matter which device you're using. The app’s Security section alerts you to reused, weak, or compromised passwords, providing guidance on updating them to enhance security.
Future Enhancements
Apple plans to introduce a tool for importing passwords from services like 1Password and LastPass, further expanding the app’s capabilities. Stay tuned for these updates as Apple continues to improve the Passwords app.
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