Your Mac provides tools to enhance online efficiency and security across macOS, Safari, and other browsers. One of those tools offers the ability to store passwords so you don’t have to memorize lots of login credentials or lose time resetting accounts every time you sign in.

When you save credentials in macOS, Safari, or another browser, your Mac keeps them encrypted and protected behind your login, Touch ID, or Apple Watch, then auto-fills them when you need them. This is convenient, but it also matters for security: knowing where your passwords are stored helps you find the right one quickly, spot weak or compromised credentials, and clean up outdated entries that could put your accounts at risk.

In the sections ahead, you’ll learn how to locate, manage, and troubleshoot saved passwords across Apple’s built-in tools and popular browsers.

Your macOS password vaults

To find your saved passwords in macOS, you can check in several places:

  • System Settings / Passwords app: Passwords are saved in iCloud Keychain, including Safari entries and many app logins.
  • Third-party browsers: Chrome, Firefox, and Edge store passwords in their own encrypted profiles, separate from iCloud Keychain.
  • Wi-Fi networks: Network passwords are stored in the system Keychain and can be retrieved via Keychain Access or the Passwords app.

You will need to authenticate your identity through Touch ID, Mac login password, or Apple Watch to access passwords from these sources. If you use multiple browsers, consider consolidating your passwords in one place. The following sections provide guidance on finding and verifying passwords on a Mac.

Exploring passwords in System Settings

System Settings provides a secure, native way to view passwords saved via iCloud Keychain. If Safari is your main browser or you rely on Apple’s password manager, this is a key starting point for accessing saved passwords on a Mac.

Access the Passwords section

To access your Mac’s Passwords section, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. Depending on your Mac version, select System Settings (or System Preferences in earlier versions) > Passwords, then authenticate using Touch ID, your Mac login password, or Apple Watch unlock.

Search and manage stored passwords

Once unlocked, you’ll find a list of saved accounts associated with websites and apps, displaying:

  • Website or app name
  • Username or email
  • Password strength indicators or health warnings

Use the search field to locate entries by site name, username, or keywords. From here, you can view and modify your username or password, add notes for context such as backup codes or recovery details on supported macOS versions, and delete entries you no longer use.

Sync your passwords with iCloud Keychain

iCloud Keychain is Apple’s built-in password manager that synchronizes your passwords and passkeys across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro devices using the same Apple ID, with end-to-end encryption so Apple can’t read them.

If a password from any of your Apple devices has not synced to iCloud Keychain:

  • Enable iCloud Keychain by going to System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Keychain, and verify you’re signed into the correct Apple ID on all devices.
  • Check your network connection and allow time for synchronization to complete.
  • Confirm the password exists on the other device once the sync process is complete.

Troubleshoot common issues

  • Syncing other passwords: If you would like to synchronize entries saved in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, you will need to import them.
  • Repeated authentication prompts: Restart your Mac and check Touch ID and Apple Watch unlock settings.
  • Password won’t copy: Reveal the password before copying, as some fields require visibility first.

Security recommendations and alerts

macOS detects weak, reused, or compromised passwords. You might see alerts like “This password has appeared in a data leak.” When this happens, take prompt action by:

  • Changing the password on the affected site or app.
  • Choosing a strong, unique replacement. Safari can suggest one during password updates.
  • Enabling two-factor authentication for enhanced security against account takeovers.

Review the Passwords section regularly to mitigate risks from credential stuffing and data breaches.

Retrieve Wi-Fi passwords with Keychain Access

Wi-Fi credentials often reside in the Keychain rather than in the Passwords section of System Settings. To retrieve a network password for routers, smart devices, or other computers, use Keychain Access.

To open and search Keychain Access:

  1. Go to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
  2. In the left sidebar, select “login Keychain” and the “Passwords” category.
  3. Use the search field to type the Wi-Fi network (SSID) name.
  4. Double-click the matching entry.

To reveal the Wi-Fi password:

  1. Check the box for “Show password” in the item window.
  2. Authenticate with your Mac login credentials or Touch ID.
  3. After authentication, the password will appear in the field.

Keychain Access stores a variety of system secrets, including Wi-Fi credentials, certificates, and app-specific keys.

Using the Passwords App

On macOS Sequoia and later versions, Apple introduced a dedicated Passwords app that consolidates all your saved passwords, passkeys, and Wi-Fi credentials in one place. The app uses iCloud Keychain to keep your passwords and passkeys updated across all your Apple devices. Make sure iCloud Keychain is turned on in System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Keychain.

To open the Passwords App:

  1. Open “Launchpad” or use Spotlight (Cmd+Space) and search for “Passwords.”
  2. Open the Passwords app.
  3. Sign in with Touch ID or enter your Mac user account password to unlock the vault.

To find and manage passwords in the Passwords app:

  • Browse or search for a specific website or app.
  • Select an entry to view its details, including username, password, and notes.
  • Click “Edit” to update the password or username, then save.
  • Click “Delete Password” to remove an entry you no longer need.

You can also view your saved Wi-Fi credentials:

  • In the Passwords app, select the Wi-Fi category.
  • Find your network and click on it.
  • Click “Show Password” and authenticate to reveal the Wi-Fi password.

Manage Passwords in Safari

Safari integrates seamlessly with iCloud Keychain. If Safari is your main browser, you can manage passwords directly, activate strong password suggestions, and review alerts for weak or compromised entries.

To access your Safari passwords, launch the browser and, depending on your Mac version, select Settings or Preferences in the menu bar. Choose the Passwords tab, then authenticate using Touch ID, your Mac log-in password, or Apple Watch. After authenticating, Safari will display a searchable list of saved sites and apps, including:

  • Site names
  • Usernames or emails
  • Password health indicators

To view a password, select an entry and click the eye icon or “Show Password.” Safari may require authentication again. If an entry shows a warning, follow the steps to update the password and enhance security.

You can also edit or remove usernames or passwords by selecting an entry and clicking “Edit” or “Delete.” Safari can suggest a strong replacement, securely store it in iCloud Keychain, and sync it across devices linked to your Apple ID.

If Safari passwords don’t appear, confirm that the password was saved in Safari, as credentials saved in other browsers are separate. Check that iCloud Keychain is enabled and that you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID. Verify that Private Browsing didn’t prevent saving, as some sessions limit saving unless approved.

Recent Safari versions support storing and auto-filling time-based two-factor authentication (2FA) codes for compatible sites. You can link codes from Messages or generate them within the password entry.

Manage passwords in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

Chrome, Firefox, and Edge each maintain their own secure password vaults, separate from macOS Passwords and iCloud Keychain. To access stored passwords, use each browser’s built-in password manager.

Google Chrome

Access Chrome’s Password Manager by:

  1. Clicking the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and selecting Settings > Autofill and Passwords, or typing chrome://password-manager in the address bar.
  2. Using the search box to find a site or account.
  3. Clicking the eye icon next to a password and authenticating with your Mac login password to view it.

From the Password Manager, you can edit usernames and passwords, remove unnecessary entries, run a “Safety Check” to identify weak, reused, or compromised passwords, and manage password saving and auto-fill preferences.

Mozilla Firefox

To view Firefox’s stored passwords:

Open Firefox, click the three-line menu button, then go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Logins and Passwords > Saved Logins. Use the search bar to find entries, click an item, and choose the eye icon to reveal the password. You may be prompted to log in again using your Mac password.

If you have a Firefox account, you can take advantage of breach alerts, password health checks, and optional syncing. Enable “Sync” for password access across devices signed in to the same account.

Microsoft Edge

To manage passwords in Edge, click the three-dot menu and navigate to Settings > Profiles > Passwords. From here, search for a site and click the eye icon to reveal the password. Authenticate if prompted.

With a Microsoft account, you can benefit from Edge’s editing, deleting, and password health review capabilities. With enabled sync, passwords are accessible across devices, and Password Monitor alerts you to credentials in known breaches.

Resolving password issues on a Mac

If you experience issues such as missing entries or auto-fill failures, follow these steps. These tips apply wherever you check passwords, from System Settings to Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Keychain Access.

Missing passwords

Confirm that the password was saved in the location you’re checking. Safari and System Settings show iCloud Keychain entries, while Chrome, Firefox, and Edge store passwords separately. Ensure that iCloud Keychain is enabled and you’re signed in with the same Apple ID across your devices. Check that you’re viewing the correct browser profile or macOS user account. For cross-device sync, confirm that the source device is online and using the same account.

Auto-fill doesn’t work

Websites often change login forms. To enable auto-fill, re-save your password after signing in or update the stored entry. Disable extensions that interfere with auto-fill and try again. Also, check if Private Browsing or strict privacy modes are blocking password saving. Update the saved credentials if you manually changed a password.

Authentication prompts repeat

Restart your Mac to clear temporary issues. If needed, re-enroll Touch ID or check Apple Watch unlock settings. Ensure that your Mac user account has permission to reveal entries.

Duplicate or outdated entries

Search by site name and remove older duplicates. To distinguish family members’ accounts or different environments, use notes or labels such as work and personal. Update entries immediately after password changes to avoid mix-ups.

Export and import problems

Most browsers support importing passwords from other browsers and exporting them to CSV for migration. Export only when necessary and store the file securely. To start this process:

  • Verify that the CSV export contains fields that your destination manager expects.
  • Import first, then delete the CSV securely to limit exposure risk as it remains unencrypted on your disk.
  • If importing fails, check for formatting differences or use browser-specific options.

Browser passwords don’t show up

Make sure you’re using the correct browser profile or user account. Sign in to the browser’s sync service (Google, Mozilla, or Microsoft) if you expect passwords to sync across devices. Review privacy settings and extensions that may block saving or autofill. If the problem persists, update your browser and restart it.

Consider a dedicated password manager

While macOS and modern browsers offer robust password handling, syncing, and alerts, a dedicated manager is a strong choice if you use multiple platforms or want centralized management. A dedicated manager, such as McAfee Password Manager, provides advanced features like cross-platform sharing, encrypted notes, secure family sharing, security audits, and streamlined migration.

Quick reference

Use this quick reference to find stored passwords on your Mac, based on their original storage location.

System Settings / Passwords App (iCloud Keychain/Safari)

  1. Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS) > Passwords > Authenticate
  2. Search, reveal, edit, copy, or delete entries.
  3. Review security recommendations and breach alerts.
  4. Enable iCloud Keychain for cross-device syncing.

Safari

  1. Safari > Settings (or Preferences) > Passwords > Authenticate
  2. Search, reveal, edit, delete, and review warnings.
  3. Utilize strong password suggestions during account creation or changes.
  4. Store and auto-fill verification codes when supported.

Google Chrome

  1. Settings > Autofill > Password Manager, or chrome://password-manager
  2. Search, authenticate, reveal, edit or delete, and check Safety Check.
  3. Enable sync with your Google Account for cross-device access.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Settings > Privacy & Security > Logins and Passwords > Saved Logins
  2. Search, reveal (authenticate), edit, delete, and review breach alerts.
  3. Enable Sync with a Firefox account for cross-device access.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Settings > Profiles > Passwords
  2. Search, authenticate, reveal, edit, delete, and review Password Monitor alerts.
  3. Enable sync with your Microsoft account for cross-device access.

Wi-Fi Passwords

  1. Open Keychain Access > login > Passwords > search SSID > double-click > Show password > authenticate

Frequently asked questions

Where are passwords stored on a Mac?

Safari and System Settings store credentials in iCloud Keychain when enabled, encrypted end-to-end across Apple devices. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge maintain separate encrypted databases within their profiles. Passwords saved in third-party browsers won’t appear in System Settings unless you import them.

How do I turn on iCloud Keychain?

Go to Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences) > Apple ID. Select iCloud and toggle Keychain on. Ensure that you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on all devices you want to synchronize.

Can I see Wi-Fi passwords on a Mac?

Yes. Wi-Fi passwords are saved in the system Keychain. To view them, open Keychain Access, search for the network name, double-click the entry, check Show password, and authenticate.

What if I forgot my Mac login password needed to reveal entries?

Authentication is required to view stored passwords. If you forgot your Mac user password, use Apple ID or FileVault recovery options to reset it, or sign in as an administrator to reset your account. Without authentication, macOS won’t reveal stored credentials.

Is it safe to export passwords to a file?

Exporting to CSV assists in migration, but the file is unencrypted while stored on your disk. Store it securely, import promptly, and delete the file securely after use.

How do I fix duplicate or outdated passwords?

Use the search function in System Settings or your browser’s password manager to find duplicates. Delete the outdated entry, keeping only the most current one, and update credentials after your changes. Safari can suggest strong replacements during sign-ins.

Why don’t passwords auto-fill?

Auto-fill may fail due to site login form changes, outdated saved passwords, enabled Private Browsing, or interfering extensions. Re-save the password, update the stored entry, disable conflicting extensions, and test again.

How can I tell if a saved password has been compromised?

Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge flag credentials appearing in data breaches. Check the Passwords section or run the browser’s security checks regularly. Once you discover a breach, change the flagged passwords immediately and enable 2FA.

What’s the best way to create strong passwords?

Use unique, randomly generated passwords or long passphrases for each site. Do not use personal information and common patterns. Turn on 2FA for added protection.

Final thoughts

Your Mac makes it easy to stay on top of password management. If you use iCloud Keychain, start with Apple Passwords. Navigate to System Settings > Passwords, or the Passwords app on newer macOS versions, where you can search, reveal, update, and delete saved credentials in one secure vault. For Safari-only entries, manage them directly in Safari > Settings > Passwords. If you saved passwords in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, use each browser’s built-in password manager, since those vaults are kept separate unless you import them.

For Wi-Fi passwords, check the Wi-Fi section in the Passwords app, if available, or use Keychain Access to look up the network name and reveal the password after authentication.

If you use multiple platforms or require additional features, a dedicated manager centralizes your vault. McAfee Password Manager helps you create, store, and organize strong, unique passwords across all your devices, offering cross-platform coverage, encrypted notes, secure family sharing, advanced audits, and easier migration.

Regardless of the method you use, take a few minutes regularly to remove duplicates, update outdated logins, and address security warnings about weak or compromised passwords. Combine that with strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication, and you’ll have a faster, cleaner, and more secure sign-in experience across all your devices.