As technology continues to advance, the number of passwords people need to manage keeps increasing. Apple’s recent macOS Sonoma update offers a solution to this common problem by extending iCloud Keychain compatibility to third-party browsers. This significant step allows tech-savvy users and frequent browser-switchers to securely manage their credentials across different platforms. Read on to learn how to use iCloud Keychain Passwords in other browsers on macOS Sonoma.
The Evolution of iCloud Keychain Initially, iCloud Keychain was an essential part of Apple’s ecosystem, limited to Safari browser. It provided a reliable and secure way to store and auto-fill passwords, but its functionality was restricted. However, Apple has expanded its reach in recent times. With the release of the first public beta of iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, the company introduced a new version of the iCloud Passwords extension that supports third-party browsers.
The latest developer beta macOS Sonoma brings the Keychain Manufacturers iCloud Passwords extension to Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers, breaking the exclusivity barriers and integrating cross-platform capabilities.
Does Apple Keychain Work With Other Browsers? With the arrival of macOS Sonoma, Apple Keychain, through the iCloud Passwords extension, now works with third-party web browsers, specifically Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers.
Benefits of Using iCloud Keychain with Third-party Browsers The integration of iCloud Keychain with non-Apple browsers offers several benefits. You can autofill saved credentials or generate two-factor authentication codes directly from the password manager to log into websites. This eliminates the need for copying and pasting details from Keychain, enhancing user experience and efficiency. The iCloud Passwords extension makes iCloud Keychain a compelling alternative to other popular password managers, including paid ones.
How To Use iCloud Keychain With Third-party Browsers Estimated time: 1 minute
- Make sure you have macOS Sonoma installed on your Mac.
- Download and install the iCloud Passwords browser extension from the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Edge Add-Ons, depending on your browser. To do this, find the extension in the store and click “Add to Chrome” or the equivalent for your browser.
- iCloud Passwords – Chrome Web Store
- After installation, click on the extension in the browser tab. Then, authenticate iCloud Keychain access by entering a six-digit code that appears on your screen.
- Six-digit code for iCloud Keychain in Chrome
- Once the extension is activated, you can autof saved passwords and generate new ones that will sync across all your devices through iCloud Keychain.
How Do I View iCloud Keychain Passwords in the Browser? To view and use your iCloud Keychain passwords in third-party browsers, download and install the iCloud Passwords extension from the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Edge Add-Ons. After installation and authentication, the extension will autofill saved passwords or generate new ones from your password manager. You will be able to see iCloud Keychain Passwords in the browser’s toolbar.
- iCloud Passwords in the toolbar of Chrome Keychains in bulk
Troubleshooting & Precautions While this new feature exciting, it does have some quirks. For example, you need to install a browser extension for it to work. Additionally, keep in mind that beta versions of software may contain bugs and may not be as stable as the final release. It is recommended to install it on a non-essential device rather than a mission-critical Mac.
When managing sensitive information like passwords, security should always be a priority. Ensure your devices are secure, regularly update your software, and avoid sharing credentials whenever possible.
Future Developments Looking ahead, we expect significant progress in the development of the iCloud Keychain password manager, particularly regarding its compatibility with a wider range platforms and browsers. Apple constantly pushing boundaries, and we may soon see iCloud Keychain becoming accessible on browsers beyond the Chromium sphere, such as Firefox.