With the iOS 7.0.3 update and OS X Mavericks release, Apple introduced iCloud Keychain. This is a new feature that can help users keep their passwords and credit card information synchronized across their devices, and includes a password generator that can help users create more secure passwords.
iCloud Keychain is included as part of the free iOS 7 and OS X 10.9 updates that users should find in the Settings of their iPhone or iPad on a compatible Mac and in the Mac App Store.
Apple initially removed iCloud Keychain support from iOS 7, but now that OS X Mavericks is available, users can use the free service that competes with LastPass and 1Password.
What is iCloud Keychain?
iCloud Keychain is a password syncing and storage service that runs on Safari on iOS and OS X Mavericks. It includes the ability to create a strong password, which is then stored and synced to all your iOS and Mac devices.
The iCloud Keychain service can also store your credit card information, but users will have to manually enter the credit card security code. Still, it’s a nice addition. Users who don’t want to sync this information don’t have to use it, but most average users will appreciate this convenience.
iCloud Keychain only works in Safari on Mac, so FireFox and Chrome users will probably get more out of a service like 1Password or LastPass.
How to Set Up iCloud Keychain
When you install the OS X Mavericks upgrade, you will be prompted to set up iCloud Keychain and will walk you through creating a security key and connecting devices to iCloud Keychain.
Set up iCloud Keychain on OS X Mavericks.
This can also be done later on the Mac by going to iCloud settings and turning on Keychain. After turning it on, you need to enter your password and security code to add other devices to iCloud Keychain. Or you can tell Apple to ask for your confirmation on another device.
Approve a device to use iCloud Keychain.
We used our main Macbook Pro to authorize iCloud Keychain on a MacBook Air and iPhone running iOS 7.0. Mavericks sends a notification when a device requests access.
iCloud Keychain approval request on an iPhone.
When you’ve finished updating to iOS 7.0.3 on an iPhone or iPad, go to to turn on the setting. You can then enter the security code and a key sent to your phone, or use the other device to confirm iCloud Keychain.
Set up iCloud Keychain on iOS 7.0.
iCloud Keychain settings and saved passwords are actually in Safari settings. To see your saved passwords and credit cards, go to. From here you can delete passwords and add credit cards to iCloud Keychain.
iCloud Keychain can generate secure passwords and remember them for you.
The password generator is currently only available in Safari for OS X Mavericks and won’t work on all sites as some prevent passwords from being saved. Generated passwords are synced across devices and can be found on the desktop where users can edit or remove passwords and access settings.
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