How to Manage Saved Passwords in Safari

As an internet user, almost all of us have faced the issues of forgetting our username and passwords. When we access a website, the browser prompts us to save the login credentials for future use. While this is convenient for the end-user, it poses a threat to their online security, especially if the device falls into the wrong hands. Hence, it becomes important to know how to manage saved passwords in Safari.

Safari is the default browser on Mac devices and is also available on iPhone and iPad. It also offers a password manager feature where users can save login credentials for websites visited on the browser. In this blog, we will discuss various methods through which users can manage saved passwords in Safari.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

To execute the methods mentioned in this blog, you will need the following:

  1. A Mac device with Safari browser installed
  2. iOS device with Safari browser installed (if applicable)
  3. A stable internet connection

What Requires Your Focus?

Before we jump into the methods for managing passwords in Safari, there are a few things that require your focus. Firstly, it is essential to keep track of your login credentials securely. As mentioned above, saving passwords on browsers can pose a security threat, and hence it is advisable to use password managers that offer encryption and other security features.

Secondly, it is crucial to keep your devices secure by setting up a passcode or biometric authentication and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Method 1: Using Keychain Access

Keychain Access is a built-in password management tool on Mac devices that stores sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and Wi-Fi login information. Follow the steps below to manage saved passwords using Keychain Access:

  1. Open Keychain Access on your Mac device
  2. Search for the website in the search bar for which you wish to manage the saved password
  3. Click on the website name and select "Edit" from the menu bar (or right-click and select "Edit Item")
  4. Check or uncheck the "Show Password" checkbox to view or hide the saved password
  5. If you wish to delete the saved password, click on "Delete" and confirm the action by clicking "Delete" again

Pros:

  • Keychain Access is a built-in tool and does not require third-party software
  • The saved passwords are encrypted and secure
  • The tool is available on all Mac devices and is easy to use

Cons:

  • The tool is limited to Mac devices only
  • It cannot manage passwords for websites accessed on other browsers or devices
  • The tool may not be able to save passwords for some websites

Method 2: Using Safari Preferences

Safari Preferences is a built-in tool on Safari that allows users to manage various settings, including saved login credentials. Follow the steps below to manage saved passwords using Safari Preferences:

  1. Open Safari and click on "Safari" from the menu bar
  2. Select "Preferences" from the drop-down menu
  3. Click on the "Passwords" tab
  4. Enter your Mac’s password to view the saved passwords
  5. Search for the website for which you wish to manage the saved password
  6. Select the website and click on the "Remove" button to delete the saved password

Pros:

  • Safari Preferences is a built-in tool and does not require third-party software
  • The tool is available on all Safari browsers and all Mac devices
  • The saved passwords are encrypted and secure

Cons:

  • The tool is limited to Safari browsers and Mac devices only
  • It cannot manage passwords for websites accessed on other browsers or devices

Method 3: Using iCloud Keychain

iCloud Keychain is a cloud-based password management tool provided by Apple that allows users to save and manage passwords on multiple devices. It is available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Follow the steps below to manage saved passwords using iCloud Keychain:

  1. Open "System Preferences" on your Mac device
  2. Click on "Apple ID"
  3. Select "iCloud" from the sidebar
  4. Check the "Keychain" checkbox to enable iCloud Keychain
  5. On iPhone or iPad, open "Settings" and select "Passwords"
  6. Enter your device passcode or biometric authentication to access the saved passwords
  7. Search for the website for which you wish to manage the saved password
  8. Select the website and tap on "Edit" to manage the saved password

Pros:

  • iCloud Keychain is available on multiple devices, including Mac, iPhone, and iPad
  • The saved passwords are encrypted and secure
  • The tool is easy to use and syncs across devices

Cons:

  • The tool requires an Apple ID and an active internet connection
  • It may not work for websites that do not support iCloud Keychain
  • The tool may not be able to save passwords for some websites

Why Can’t I Manage My Saved Passwords?

There can be various reasons why you may not be able to manage your saved passwords. Here are some possible reasons and fixes:

  1. If you are unable to view your saved passwords, it could be because they are not saved in the browser or the password manager that you are using. In such cases, check if the password is saved elsewhere
  2. If you are unable to remove a saved password, it could be because you do not have the necessary permissions or the password is required to access the website. In such cases, try logging out of the website and then try again
  3. If you are unable to access saved passwords on multiple devices, it could be because the password manager is not synced across devices or there is a network issue. In such cases, check if the password manager is enabled and connected to the internet

Implications and Recommendations

Managing saved passwords is crucial for online security. Here are some implications and recommendations:

  1. Use a password manager to store your login credentials. These tools offer encryption and other security features that ensure the safety of your passwords
  2. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts and prevents unauthorized access
  3. Regularly change your passwords and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts
  4. Keep your devices secure by setting up a passcode or biometric authentication

5 FAQs

Q1. What is a password manager?

A password manager is a tool that helps users store and manage their login credentials for various websites and applications. It offers encryption and other security features to ensure the safety of passwords.

A1. Is Safari Password Manager secure?

Safari Password Manager uses encryption to keep your passwords secure. However, saving passwords on browsers poses a security risk, and hence it is advisable to use third-party password managers that offer stronger security features.

Q2. How do I enable iCloud Keychain?

You can enable iCloud Keychain by going to "System Preferences" on your Mac device, clicking on "Apple ID," selecting "iCloud" from the sidebar, and checking the "Keychain" checkbox. On iPhone or iPad, go to "Settings," select "Passwords," and turn on the "AutoFill Passwords" switch.

A2. I cannot remember my iCloud Keychain password. What should I do?

If you cannot remember your iCloud Keychain password, you can reset it by going to "System Preferences" on your Mac device, clicking on "Apple ID," selecting "iCloud" from the sidebar, and then clicking on "Forgot Apple ID or password." On iPhone or iPad, go to "Settings," select "Passwords," and tap on "Forgot Password."

Q3. Can I access my saved passwords on multiple devices using Keychain Access?

No, Keychain Access is limited to Mac devices only. However, you can use iCloud Keychain to access saved passwords on multiple devices.

A3. What should I do if my saved password is not working?

If your saved password is not working, check if there are any typos and ensure that the caps lock is not on. If the issue persists, try resetting the password and logging in again.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, managing saved passwords is crucial for online security, and Safari offers various tools to help users manage their login credentials. Keychain Access, Safari Preferences, and iCloud Keychain are some methods through which users can manage saved passwords in Safari. It is also important to use password managers, enable two-factor authentication, and keep devices secure to ensure the safety of online accounts.