How to Use iCloud Keychain to Create Strong Passwords (iOS 17)

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

It's important to make sure that the passwords on all your accounts are strong and not easily guessed. But complex passwords that are hard to guess are also hard to remember. That's why I love the iCloud Keychain feature, which allows you to store your saved passwords. Did you know that you can also use the iCloud Keychain to generate complex passwords for you? I'll show you how to use Keychain to generate strong passwords and how to save those passwords to your iPhone.

Why You'll Love This Tip:

  • Learn how to use Apple's iCloud Keychain to autogenerate strong passwords that will ensure your privacy and security.
  • Update your existing passwords with the iCloud Keychain's strong password generator.
  • Then, learn how to save your new strong passwords to the Keychain

How to Update Settings to Auto-Generate a Password

System Requirements

This tip works on any device running iOS 16 or later/iPadOS 16 or later.

Before you try to generate a strong password, you will need to follow the steps below to ensure that the proper settings are enabled so the feature works properly. If you like tips about using Apple devices, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day

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  1. On your iPhone, open Settings.

    On your iPhone, open Settings.
  2. Tap Passwords. You will need to use Face ID or your passcode to be able to access these settings.

    Tap Passwords.
  3. Tap Password Options.

    Tap Password Options.
  4. Make sure iCloud Passwords & Keychain is checked under both sections, Allow Filling From and Set Up Verification Codes Using.

    Make sure iCloud Passwords & Keychain is checked under both sections, Allow Filling From and Set Up Verification Codes Using.
  5. Next, go back to Settings and tap your Apple ID.

    Next, go back to Settings and tap your Apple ID.
  6. Tap iCloud.

    Tap iCloud.
  7. Tap Passwords & Keychain.

    Tap Passwords & Keychain.
  8. Toggle Sync This iPhone on. It will be green when enabled.

    Toggle Sync This iPhone to on. It will be green when enabled.

How to Generate a Strong Password on Your iPhone

Now that you have the proper setting enabled to generate a strong password, I'll show you how to update existing passwords with a new stronger password. Here's how it works:

  1. On your iPhone, open Settings.

    On you iPhone, open Settings.
  2. Tap Passwords. You will need to use Face ID or your passcode to be able to access these settings.

    Tap Passwords.
  3. If you have any Security Recommendations, I'd recommend selecting a password to change from this list. Otherwise, select an account you want to update.

    If you have any Security Recommendations, I'd recommend selecting a password to change from this list. Otherwise, select an account you want to update.
  4. Tap Change Password on Website. You will need to log in with your old username and password, however, the info will be saved on your phone. They may allow you to change your password on the website, or they may send you a link to edit your password via your email. Follow the instructions until you get to the place where you can update the password.

    automatically generate strong password with apple keychain
  5. After you've navigated to your Account Information on the website, tap the New Password field. A strong password will automatically generate. Tap Use Strong Password.

    After you've navigated to your Account Information on the website, tap the New Password field. Upon your tap, a strong password will automatically generate. Tap Use Strong Password.
  6. Then, tap Update or Save Password on the website to update it online.

    Then, tap Update or Save Password on the website to update it online.
  7. Sometimes, a prompt will automatically pop up asking you if you want to update the saved password in Keychain. Tap Save.

    Sometimes, a prompt will automatically pop up asking you if you want to update the saved password in Keychain. Tap Save.
  8. If the prompt does not automatically appear, navigate back to Passwords to the app whose login info you just changed. You will likely see two entries for the same app or website.

    If the prompt does not automatically appear, navigate back to Passwords to the app who's login info you just changed. You will likely see two entries for the same app or website.
  9. Tap Delete Password. You will be able to tell which one is the old password by tapping on the password to reveal it.

    Tap Delete Password. You will be able to tell which one is the old password by clicking on the password and it will reveal itself.

And that's how to generate strong passwords automatically, as well as how to update them in the Keychain. While the process can be a bit daunting, especially if you're like me and you have some security risks you need to fix, it's important to keep all your info safe and secure in the age of technology. Next, find out how to securely share passwords with others!

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Author Details

Hallei Halter's picture

Author Details

Hallei Halter

Hallei is a 2018 graduate of Maharishi University of Management with a BFA in Creative & Professional Writing. She's currently working on a novel about people using witchcraft to clean their houses.