Master Your Digital Security With Apple’s Powerful Passwords App
This article was generated by AI, and edited by humans.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, managing your passwords effectively has never been more crucial. In a recent episode of Hands-On Mac, host Mikah Sargent takes viewers on a comprehensive tour of the revamped Passwords app in macOS Sequoia, showcasing how Apple has transformed this tool into a robust credential management powerhouse.
The One-Stop Credential Shop
"It is the one-stop shop to take care of all of your credential information," Mikah explains at the start of his demonstration. The Passwords app has evolved significantly, now offering a centralized hub for all your login needs across devices.
Upon opening the app in macOS Sequoia, users are greeted with a clean, intuitive interface featuring several key categories in the left sidebar:
- All: The comprehensive view of all your saved credentials
- Passkeys: Apple's passwordless authentication technology
- Codes: For verification and two-factor authentication
- Wi-Fi: Network credentials and sharing
- Security: Password vulnerability recommendations
- Deleted: Previously removed credentials
Passkeys: The Future of Authentication
Mikah puts special emphasis on passkeys, Apple's implementation of the FIDO Alliance's passwordless authentication standard. These are created automatically when you set up passkey authentication on compatible websites.
While viewing a passkey, users can see:
- When the passkey was created
- The website where it's used
- Additional information about passkeys in general
Interestingly, passkey editing options are intentionally limited. "If I hit edit, you'll notice that there's not a lot that you can change," Mikah points out. Users can add notes, modify the associated website, or add a traditional password if the site requires both authentication methods.
For sharing passkeys, Apple has implemented tight security controls. The share button resembles a beacon icon because "you can only airdrop these passkeys to other people," Mikah explains. This restriction helps maintain the security integrity of your passkeys.
Verification Codes Made Simple
The Codes section addresses the growing importance of multi-factor authentication. Adding verification codes is straightforward—users can either:
- Enter a setup key manually
- Scan or import a QR code
- Right-click or control-click a code for macOS to recognize and set it up automatically
This integration eliminates the need for separate authenticator apps for many users, streamlining the authentication process across the Apple ecosystem.
Wi-Fi Password Management Reimagined
The Wi-Fi section offers surprisingly robust features. Beyond simply storing network names and passwords, it displays the security protocol in use (WPA2, WPA3) and enables users to generate shareable QR codes for network access.
"I love this—get to see the security for that specific network," Mikah enthuses when demonstrating the detailed network information available.
Unlike passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials come with a full share sheet, allowing users to send network details via email, messages, or other channels.
Proactive Security Through Recommendations
The Security section leverages Apple's differential privacy techniques to alert users about compromised credentials without transmitting actual passwords to Apple's servers. When data breaches occur, the app flags affected credentials and recommends changes.
This proactive approach represents a significant advancement in password management, shifting from a storage-only solution to an active security partner.
Credential Sharing Made Secure
Perhaps one of the most practical features is the ability to create shared password groups. Mikah demonstrates creating a "family" group where specific credentials—like streaming services or shared utilities—can be accessible to designated individuals.
"So now this password and this username and this website is shared amongst the group," he explains, showing how simple it is to manage shared access while maintaining security.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
The Passwords app integrates seamlessly with iCloud's end-to-end encryption to sync credentials across all Apple devices. But Apple hasn't forgotten about users in mixed ecosystems—the settings include instructions for setting up iCloud passwords on Windows PCs.
This cross-platform approach acknowledges the reality of modern computing environments, where users often work across multiple operating systems.
Importing from Other Password Managers
For users transitioning from third-party password managers, the app offers a straightforward CSV import option. Mikah provides an important security tip here: "I strongly recommend that after you export your passwords...and create that CSV file, immediately import them into the passwords app and then delete that CSV file." This prevents unencrypted passwords from lingering on your system.
A Thoughtful Balance of Power and Simplicity
What stands out most about the Passwords app is how Apple has managed to pack sophisticated functionality into an approachable interface. As Mikah concludes, "It's a really full-featured app that I think they've done a good job of keeping simple to a certain extent, where you don't feel overwhelmed by what you're able to do with it, but it's all there kind of within the seams."
This balance makes powerful security tools accessible to everyday users—exactly what's needed in today's threat landscape.
Want to see these features in action and get more hands-on tips? Tune in to the full episode of Hands-On Mac with Mikah Sargent. For ad-free versions of this and other great tech shows, visit twit.tv/club where you can now choose between monthly or newly restored yearly subscription plans.
