Apple has recently launched its own password manager, known as Apple Passwords, which replaces iCloud Keychain and is available in macOS Sequoia and iOS 18. With this change, Apple is committed to consolidating all your passwords in a single application, offering greater security and comfort.
However, the process for importing passwords from other managers is not as straightforward as many might expect. Here we tell you how to do it and what aspects you should take into account.
How to import passwords to Apple Passwords
Although Apple Passwords is available on all Apple devices, password import function can only be done from a Mac. This limits iPhone or iPad users, who need an Apple computer to transfer their passwords from other security managers. If you have a Mac, you can import your password list without any complications, but it is important to be prepared to take some additional steps.
First step: export your password list in .csv format
If you use a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or any other, the first step is to export your list of credentials to a .csv (comma separated values) file. This type of file is widely compatible and will allow Apple Passwords to recognize the data correctly.
To export the list, go to your current password manager and select the export option. Make sure the generated file is a .csv, as this is the only format that Apple Passwords accepts for import.
Steps to import your passwords into Apple Passwords
Once you have the .csv file with your passwords, follow these steps on your Mac:
- Open the application Apple Passwords.
- Go to the menu bar and select Archive.
- Click Import passwords.
- Select the option Choose file.
- Find and select the .csv file you downloaded from your password manager.
- Apple Passwords will start the import process automatically.
Once the import is complete, Apple Manager will show you a list of any passwords that could not be imported. In these cases, you will have to go back to your old password manager and copy manually the missing credentials.
Apple Passwords needs to improve
Some passwords may not import correctly because the .csv file does not include all the data that Apple Passwords requires, such as emails or usernames. These errors can be frustrating, as Apple’s system does not explain in detail why certain data has not been imported. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the .csv file or keep your old password manager active for a while, at least until you are sure that all the necessary credentials are in Apple Passwords.
After importing your passwords, it is essential to delete the .csv file from your computer. This type of file stores your passwords in plain text, which represents a significant security risk if someone else had access to it. By deleting this file, you ensure that your credentials are not accidentally exposed.
Apple Passwords, while convenient, still falls short of the full functionality of other password managers. Currently, it only supports the management of login credentials and does not allow storing other sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or secure documents.
