May 27, 2025, 4:34 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The Keychain is Apple’s integrated password manager. It helps store the numerous passwords and access credentials for various frequently used applications (such as email accounts, websites, apps, etc.), so users don’t have to remember them. Therefore, it’s crucial not to forget the password for the Keychain itself. However, this can still happen. TECHBOOK explains what to do in such a case.
Apple’s password manager can not only store passwords and login information but also automatically fill in details on websites and in apps on the device where it’s integrated. These details include usernames, passkeys, credit card information, security codes, or Wi-Fi passwords. If the Keychain is linked with iCloud, these data can be synchronized across devices. Additionally, users can share passwords and passkeys with others. More information is available on Apple’s support page. So far, so practical–and all the more frustrating if you forget the password for this central tool.
Forgot the Apple Keychain Password–What to Do?
Since the introduction of macOS Sierra in 2016, the Keychain password matches the user password used to log into the computer. So if you fear you’ve forgotten your Keychain password, it might be a false alarm. However, if you can’t remember your Mac password either, things get a bit more uncomfortable.
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Update Keychain Password
If you’ve forgotten the Keychain password or never knew it–for instance, if you took over a Mac from someone else or a new user was created–the Keychain must be reset. A detailed guide can be found in Apple’s digital user manual for Keychain Access.
To reset an inaccessible Keychain, first open the “Keychain Access” application. The easiest way to get there is via Spotlight search (keyboard shortcut “Cmd + Space”). Then, in the “Keychain Access” menu, select “Preferences” and choose the option “Reset Default Keychains.” You can now replace the old, unusable Keychain with a new one. Afterward, you should log out and back in once to ensure the new user password is stored in the Keychain.
You Need the User Password
Important: You need the current user password for this process. If it’s no longer known, for example, after a reset via recovery mode, the old Keychain cannot be decrypted. Access to stored data, such as passwords, Wi-Fi access, or certificates, is permanently lost in this case. The system automatically creates a new, empty Keychain linked to the new user password.
Apple ID Recovery Key
Access to the Keychain can also be linked to the Apple ID, especially when using the iCloud Keychain. If you forget the Apple ID password, Apple offers the option to use a so-called recovery key. This is a 28-digit code that can be used along with a trusted phone number and an Apple device to restore the Apple ID. This also restores access to linked iCloud services–such as the Keychain. How to set up this recovery key is explained by Apple Support here. The feature can be found on the iPhone or Mac under the menu item “Sign-In & Security.”