The new Passwords app in iOS 18 provides a secure and convenient way to manage your passwords across all your Apple devices. With end-to-end encryption, the app keeps your data safe from third parties. To use the Passwords app, first update to iOS 18 by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Once updated, locate the app on your home screen, labeled as “Passwords” with a key icon. Open the app and complete the first-time setup, choosing whether to allow notifications and authenticating with Face ID. The app’s dashboard includes sections for Passwords, Passkeys, Codes, WiFi networks, deleted items, and Security Recommendations.
You can create a group to share passwords with trusted contacts, like family members, for easy access to streaming services. The Passwords app also allows you to generate verification codes for additional sign-in security, known as two-factor authentication (2FA).
New Passwords app setup
To set up verification codes, first enable 2FA on the account or service you want to secure. Then, open the Passwords app, search for the account, and select “Set Up Verification Code.” Follow the instructions to either enter a setup key or scan a QR code using your device’s camera. Once set up, the Passwords app will generate verification codes valid for 30 seconds when you log in to the site or service.
The code will automatically display above the virtual keyboard, and you can tap it to enter it into the input field. To get the most out of the Passwords app, go to Settings and enable “Detect Compromised Passwords,” “Suggest Strong Passwords,” and “Allow Automatic Passkey Upgrades.” Also, turn on the autofill function by selecting “Autofill Settings” and switching on “Autofill Passwords and Passkeys.”
You can manually generate and store passwords in the app by tapping the “+” icon and entering the website or app name and username. The app will suggest a strong password for you to use.
When signing up on a new website via Safari, the app can also generate and save passwords automatically. The Passwords app allows you to share login credentials with trusted contacts using devices running macOS Sonoma, iPadOS 17, or later. To share passwords, create a shared group, add eligible contacts, and move specific passwords to the group by selecting them and clicking “Share.”
By using the Passwords app in iOS 18, you can easily manage your passwords and passkeys across your Apple devices while keeping your data secure with end-to-end encryption.
Cameron is a highly regarded contributor in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. His articles delve into the theoretical underpinnings of AI, the practical applications of machine learning across industries, ethical considerations of autonomous systems, and the societal impacts of these disruptive technologies.
