How to Manage Passwords With Safari

Many websites on the internet require a username and password, so it can be overwhelming to keep track of them. Internet security experts recommend not using the same password on multiple accounts, as this can make your account susceptible to hacking. Keep track of your different usernames and passwords by using Safari password manager on your OS X, macOS or iOS device.

Safari's password manager is part of the Apple keychain feature that comes standard on Mac computers and iOS mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod. The keychain securely stores account information including account names and passwords on your Mac for apps, websites and servers. It can also store financial information such as credit card numbers and bank account PINs. When you log in to a website with your username or password, Safari asks you if you want to save the password to your Safari password manager.

Manage your passwords on your Mac computer by accessing the password manager in Safari. Launch Safari and click "Safari" in the top left corner of the menu bar followed by "Preferences." Click "Passwords" to see the usernames and passwords that are currently stored. You can check or uncheck the box next to "Autofill user names and passwords" to have your passwords automatically filled into Safari or not have them filled in. You can also select a saved username and password and click "Remove" if you don't want it to be stored. Add usernames and passwords to the manager by clicking "Add" and then filling the fields with your username and password.

The Safari password manager also exists on iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod. You access it by tapping the "Settings" icon and then tapping "Accounts & Passwords," followed by "App & Website Passwords." Enter your PIN or Touch ID when prompted to do so to access the passwords. In older versions of iOS, go to "Settings" and select "Safari." Tap the "Passwords" option and enter your PIN or Touch ID when prompted.

You can add passwords to your Safari manager by tapping "Add Password" and typing in the username and password that you want like to add. Tap the "Edit" button and then tap the radio button next to a username or password that you want to delete. Tap "Delete" and "Done" to save the changes.

The Safari password manager has some limitations that may make you reconsider third-party password management options such as LastPass, 1Password or Dashlane. You cannot use Safari passwords on other browsers or apps like you can with third-party password managers. You also cannot access Safari passwords from other computers or devices as you can with a username and password with a third-party manager. If you lose your iOS or OS X device, you lose saved passwords unless you subscribe to Apple's iCloud service, which backs up your Safari passwords.

You set up iCloud Keychain in the "Accounts & Passwords" screen by tapping "iCloud," selecting "Keychain" and using the slider to turn on iCloud Keychain. In older versions of iOS, select "Settings" and then "iCloud" on your iOS device. Tap the "On" button next to "Keychain" to tie your Safari passwords to iCloud.

Set up iCloud Keychain on your Mac computer by clicking the "System Preferences" icon and then click "iCloud." Place a check in the box next to "Keychain" to enable iCloud Keychain on your Mac.