Your passwords are stored in Settings, not in a separate app
iPhone keeps your passwords in two places depending on what you use them for. Most passwords live in Settings > Passwords (called Keychain on older iPhones), and passwords for apps you've downloaded are usually stored within those apps themselves. The Settings location is where you'll find passwords for websites, email accounts, and Wi-Fi networks — the things you type into Safari or use to sign into your phone.
You can view, copy, and manage these passwords directly from Settings without needing a separate password manager app. Your passwords are encrypted on your device, which means only you can see them if you unlock your phone with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap Passwords, and unlock with Face ID or Touch ID to see all your saved website and email passwords.
- You can copy a password to paste it elsewhere, but you cannot view the full password on screen — only the username shows in the list.
- Passwords for individual apps are stored within those apps, not in the main Passwords section.
- If you forget your iPhone passcode, you cannot recover your saved passwords without resetting your phone, which erases them.
How to open your password list in Settings
Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Passwords — on iPhones running iOS 16 or earlier, this section may be labeled Passwords and Accounts or Keychain. When you tap it, your phone will ask you to unlock with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before showing the list.
Once unlocked, you'll see a list of all your saved passwords organized alphabetically by website or service name. The list shows only the username or email address for each entry, not the password itself. This is intentional — it keeps your passwords hidden even if someone picks up your phone while it's unlocked.
Viewing and copying a specific password
Tap any entry in your password list to open it. You'll see the username displayed, but the password field will show dots or remain blank. To see the actual password, tap the eye icon next to the password field, then unlock again with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. The password will then appear in plain text for a few seconds.
To copy the password without viewing it, tap and hold on the password field until a Copy option appears, then tap it. The password goes to your clipboard so you can paste it into another app or browser window. This is useful if you're signing into an account on a different device or app and don't need to actually read the password yourself.
Finding passwords for apps you've downloaded
Passwords for individual apps — like banking apps, social media apps, or streaming services — are usually stored within those apps, not in your main Passwords section. Open the app and look for a Settings, Account, or Security section. Many apps have a "Change Password" or "Manage Password" option where you can view or reset your password.
If you've forgotten a password for an app, most apps have a "Forgot Password" link on their login screen. Tap it and follow the instructions to reset your password using your email address or phone number. This is safer than trying to find the old password, because the app will send a reset link only to your verified email or phone.
What to do if you can't find a password
If you saved a password years ago and can't find it now, it may have been deleted when you changed your password on that website. When you update a password on a website using Safari, your iPhone usually asks if you want to update the saved password — if you tapped "Don't Update," the old password stays in your list and the new one doesn't get saved.
The fastest way to regain access is to use the website's "Forgot Password" link. Enter your email address, check your inbox for a reset link, and create a new password. When you sign back in with the new password, your iPhone will ask if you want to save it — tap Save Password so you don't have to type it again next time.
Deleting passwords you no longer need
Open Settings > Passwords, unlock with Face ID or Touch ID, find the password you want to remove, and swipe left on it. A red Delete button will appear — tap it to remove the password from your phone. You can also tap Edit in the top right corner of the password list, then tap the minus sign next to any password to delete it.
Deleting a saved password from your phone does not change the actual password on the website or service. It only removes it from your iPhone's storage. The next time you try to sign in on that website, your phone won't auto-fill the password, and you'll need to type it manually or use the website's password reset option.
Protecting your passwords from others
Your saved passwords are protected by your iPhone's lock — Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. If someone else picks up your phone and tries to open Settings > Passwords, they'll be blocked unless they can unlock your phone first. Never share your passcode or let someone unlock your phone with their face or fingerprint if you don't want them accessing your passwords.
If you're concerned that someone may have seen your passwords, change them on the actual websites or services. Go to each website's account settings, find the password change option, and create a new password. This is especially important for email, banking, and financial accounts. Your iPhone's password storage is secure, but the accounts themselves are only as safe as the passwords protecting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see all my passwords at once in a list?
Yes. Open Settings > Passwords, unlock with Face ID or Touch ID, and you'll see every saved password listed alphabetically. The list shows only usernames, not the passwords themselves. You have to tap each entry individually to view or copy the password.
What happens to my passwords if I forget my iPhone passcode?
If you forget your passcode, the only way to use your phone again is to erase it and set it up as new. This erases all your saved passwords along with everything else on the phone. You'll need to reset your passwords on each website using their "Forgot Password" option and save them again.
Can I export my passwords to use on another device?
You cannot export passwords directly from iPhone Settings. However, if you use iCloud Keychain (Apple's password syncing service), your passwords automatically sync to your other Apple devices like Mac or iPad. For non-Apple devices, you'll need to use a third-party password manager app.
Why does my iPhone ask me to update saved passwords sometimes?
When you change a password on a website using Safari, your iPhone detects the change and asks if you want to update the saved password. Tap Update to keep your stored password current, so the next time you visit that site, the new password will auto-fill correctly.
Are my passwords safe if I use iCloud Keychain?
iCloud Keychain encrypts your passwords before they leave your device, and Apple cannot see them. However, if someone gains access to your Apple ID and password, they could potentially access your synced passwords on another device. Use a strong, unique Apple ID password and enable two-factor authentication for your Apple account.