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Updating a Stored Password in Keychain Access on Your Mac

Published in Mac Password Management 3 mins read

To update a specific password entry stored in iCloud Keychain on your Mac, you can use the Keychain Access application to view and modify the entry directly.

iCloud Keychain securely stores your passwords and other sensitive information, syncing them across your Apple devices for convenience. While your Apple ID password secures your entire iCloud Keychain, individual stored passwords for specific websites and applications can be updated directly within the Keychain Access utility on your Mac.

Follow these steps to update a specific password entry:

  1. Open Keychain Access

    • Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search.
    • Type "Keychain Access" and press Enter to launch the application.

  2. Unlock Keychain Settings (If Necessary)

    • In the Keychain Access window, look for the padlock icon, typically located in the top-left corner.
    • If the padlock is locked, click it.
    • You will be prompted to enter your computer's administrator password (the same password you use to log into your Mac) to unlock the settings and allow modifications.

  3. Locate and Select the Password Entry

    • Use the search bar in the top-right of the Keychain Access window to find the specific website, application, or service password you wish to update.
    • Once you find the relevant entry, double-click on it to open its detailed information window.

  4. Reveal and Modify the Password

    • In the details window for the selected password entry, locate and tick the "Show Passwords" checkbox.
    • For security verification, you will be prompted again to type in your computer's administrator password.
    • Select "Allow" when prompted to reveal the password.
    • Your password will now be displayed in plain text in the corresponding field. Carefully delete the old password and enter your new password into this field.
    • Click "Save Changes" or close the window to confirm and apply the update.

Important Considerations:

  • This process updates the stored password for a specific service or website within your keychain, not your Apple ID password itself.
  • Always ensure that you have already changed the password on the actual website or service before updating it in Keychain Access. This ensures consistency and proper functionality.

For more detailed information on managing keychains on your Mac, you can refer to resources like Monash University's guide on updating keychain on Mac.

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