Manage twenty-five passwords on your iPhone
Twenty-five passwords. That's what the average iPhone user manages. From your banking app to your social media, from your work email to that online store where you once ordered some accessories . It's becoming increasingly difficult to remember everything. So you use the same password everywhere. Or you write them down on a piece of paper.
But here's the thing: your iPhone has had built-in tools for years that solve this problem for you. Tools that most people simply don't know about or use. No expensive apps needed. No complicated systems. Even if you're as tech-savvy as your AirPods —just press play and it works. In five simple steps, you can set up a foolproof system that protects your accounts and makes your life easier.
Useful links
- iPhone screen protectors - protect your screen while entering passwords
- iPhone accessories - for safe use on the go
Using your iPhone's built-in password manager
Since iOS 12, your iPhone has had a powerful password manager: iCloud Keychain. This tool is hidden in your settings, but it does exactly what expensive apps do. The system automatically generates strong passwords, stores them securely, and fills them in for you when needed. The best part is that everything is synced across all your Apple devices. So the password you save on your iPhone is also instantly available on your iPad or Mac.
To enable Keychain, go to Settings > Passwords. Here you'll see all your saved passwords. Your iPhone will even warn you if a password is weak or reused. Conveniently, when you create a new account, your phone automatically suggests a strong password. Just tap "Use Strong Password."
Organize your passwords step by step
Start by checking your existing passwords. Open Settings > Passwords and check the security alerts at the top. Your iPhone will immediately show you which passwords are weak, which are reused, and which may have been compromised in a data breach. This gives you a clear overview of where to begin.
Work through the list systematically. Start with your most important accounts: your Apple ID, banking, work email, and social media. For each account, you can go directly to the website from the password settings to change the password. Your iPhone will immediately generate a new, strong password that will be saved automatically.
Face ID or Touch ID for extra security
Combining biometric security with your password manager makes the system truly secure. Every time you want to view or use a password, you have to scan your face or fingerprint first. This means that even if someone gets their hands on your phone while it's unlocked, they still can't access your passwords.
Set this up in Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models). Make sure "Passwords" is checked. Now your passwords are doubly secure: someone will first have to unlock your phone and then authenticate again to access the passwords.
Why this works better than a piece of paper
The difference between digital and analog password management is enormous. You can lose a piece of paper, someone can read it, and you can't update it without scratching and crossing it out. Your digital vault, on the other hand, is always with you, secured with military-grade encryption, and syncs automatically between devices. Plus, you no longer have to type passwords—the iPhone fills them in automatically, preventing typos and saving time.
Set up two-step verification for critical accounts
A strong password is the first line of defense, but two-step verification (also called two-factor authentication) is your safety net. The principle is simple: in addition to your password, you need another form of proof that you are authenticated. This is usually a code sent to your phone.
This is essential for your Apple ID. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then "Sign-in & Security." Here you can enable two-factor authentication. Apple will then send a code to your trusted devices when you try to log in from a new device.
Many services now support authentication apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator. These apps generate a new code every 30 seconds, even without an internet connection. This is more secure than SMS codes, as phone numbers can be hijacked via SIM swapping.
Practical tips for daily use
Make it easy on yourself by using Safari as your default browser on your iPhone. iCloud Keychain integration works best there. If you use another browser like Chrome, you often have to take extra steps to save and enter passwords.
Never share passwords via WhatsApp, text message, or email. If you absolutely must share a password (for example, for a joint Netflix account), use the built-in sharing feature in your password settings. This allows you to securely share passwords with other iPhone users via AirDrop.
What to do if you forget your password
It happens to the best of us: you've forgotten your master password. There's a recovery process for your Apple ID at iforgot.apple.com. You can choose between recovery via email, security questions, or two-step verification. The process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on your security settings.
For other accounts, look for the "forgotten password" link on the login page. Most services send a recovery link to your email address. Therefore, it's crucial that you keep access to the email address you used to create your accounts. Consider creating a separate email address just for account recovery, one you don't use for anything else.
Regular maintenance prevents problems
Make it a habit to check your passwords monthly. The iPhone makes this easy with automatic alerts about weak or compromised passwords. Don't ignore these alerts—they're based on real data breaches that Apple monitors.
Be sure to update your passwords after major data breaches. If a service is hacked, you'll usually receive an email asking you to change your password. Do this immediately, even if you think your account hasn't been affected. Hackers often sell stolen data months later.
The balance between safety and ease of use
The ultimate goal is a system that's both secure and practical. With the tools on your iPhone, you don't have to compromise. Strong, unique passwords are no longer a burden because you don't have to remember them. AutoFill even makes logging in faster than with weak passwords.
Accept that perfect security doesn't exist. Even with all the measures in place, there's still a small risk. But by following these steps, you'll make it as difficult as possible for criminals. They usually look for the easiest targets—people with passwords like "123456" or "welcome01." With a well-secured system, you won't be one of them.
Your iPhone automatically protects your digital life
Your iPhone has all the tools you need to secure your digital life—you just need to use them. With iCloud Keychain, Face ID, and two-step verification, you can set up a system in five minutes that will last for years. No more hassle with forgotten passwords or unsafe notes.
It only takes one effort to set everything up, and then it works automatically. Just like you protect your phone from scratches, you now also protect your accounts from hacking. Simple, effective, and at no extra cost.
