How To Import Passwords to an iPhone [Step-by-Step Guide]

If you’re switching to a new iPhone or want to streamline your password management, you might need to import passwords from another device, browser, or password manager. With iOS 18, Apple has introduced a new Apple Passwords app that houses iCloud Keychain, offering a better password management experience. However, iOS 17 or earlier users will still use the iCloud Keychain interface.

It's important to note that your device may be vulnerable to cybersecurity threats if you haven’t updated your software yet. Updating your iPhone is crucial for security and access to the latest password management tools.

We’ll cover importing your passwords from browsers like Chrome, Safari, or a third-party password manager into the Apple Passwords app. While Apple’s built-in password management tools are convenient, they are only as secure as the device they are stored in. Using a secure password manager for your iPhone is important to protect you against hackers and identity theft.

How to import a CSV file into the Apple Passwords app

The Apple Passwords app does not natively support importing passwords through CSV files. It makes transferring passwords directly into Apple’s ecosystem from other password managers or browsers more difficult. However, you can use third-party apps to facilitate the transfer.

1. Choose a third-party password manager that supports CSV imports (like NordPass) and create an account.
2. Open the third-party password manager on your desktop and tap Import Items.
3. Choose where you keep your password. For this example, we’ll use Microsoft Edge.
4. You can drag and drop your CSV file or use the on-screen instructions to create one if you don’t have one yet.
5. After importing your CSV file, select what you want to import, then click Import.
6. Download and install the third-party password manager app on your iPhone and log in.
7. Open Settings on your phone, and tap General.
8. Click AutoFill & Passwords.
9. Toggle on AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys and autofill from NordPass.

How to transfer passwords from Google Chrome to Safari on an iPhone

To transfer passwords from Google Chrome to Safari's password manager on an iPhone, you’ll need to export your passwords from Google Chrome. After that, you can import them into iCloud Keychain, which Safari uses to store passwords.

Export Passwords from Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome on your PC.
2. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner, place your mouse on Passwords and Autofill, then tap Google Password Manager.
3. Click Settings from the left panel and tap Download Files under Export passwords to save the file in CSV format on your computer.

Import Passwords to Safari password manager on iPhone

Since iPhones don't support direct CSV imports into Safari, the steps below involve transferring passwords through Keychain on macOS and then syncing iCloud Keychain with your iPhone.

1. On your Mac, open Keychain Access (search for it using Spotlight).
2. Click File > Import Items.
3. Choose the CSV file with your passwords to import it.
4. Ensure you turn on iCloud Keychain on your Mac: Tap the Apple menu > System Settings > Click your name > iCloud > Click Passwords or Passwords and Keychain > Toggle on Sync this Mac > Done.

Turn on the iCloud keychain on your iPhone

1. Go to settings on your iPhone, then tap on your name.
2. Tap iCloud.
3. Click Passwords under Saved to iCloud or Passwords and Keychain (for iOS 17 or earlier).
4. Toggle on the Sync this iPhone button.

You’ll now be able to access all Google Chrome passwords on your Safari password manager on your iPhone.

How to transfer passwords from Chrome or Safari to Apple Passwords (or iCloud Keychain)

To transfer passwords from Chrome or Safari to Apple Passwords on your iPhone, you'll first need to export the passwords from Chrome or Safari. Then, you can add them manually on your iPhone or import them into the Apple Passwords app on a Mac.

Here's how to manually add passwords to iPhone:

1. First, export the passwords from Google Chrome and save them as a CSV file (shown above).
2. Go to your iPhone and open the Apple Passwords app.
3. Tap the “+” icon at the button in the right corner of your screen.
4. Add the passwords one at a time from the CSV file you downloaded and save them manually.

The manual process can be time-consuming. However, you can import passwords from Chrome or Safari using the Passwords app on your Mac.

1. Open the Passwords app on your Mac.
2. Tap File, then click Import Passwords.
3. Click Choose File, then select the CSV file you exported.
4. Tap Import.

Once you have finished importing them on your Mac, you can access all the passwords on your iPhone's Apple Passwords app.

Are the Apple Passwords app and iCloud Keychain safe?

Yes, Apple’s Passwords app and iCloud Keychain are safe and free. They use end-to-end encryption to protect your data and are integrated within the Apple ecosystem for easy syncing across Apple devices. However, the security of your password data relies on the safety of your Apple ID.

Compared to third-party password managers, Apple’s Passwords app and iCloud Keychain lack features like cross-platform support. Third-party apps offer users more flexibility and advanced tools across different devices, including Android.

The best password managers for iPhone

Passwords are crucial for online security, and the best password manager for iPhones can help keep them safe by generating and storing strong, unique passwords. These tools simplify password management, reduce the risk of hacks, and ensure your credentials are protected across all your devices.

Nordpass is a secure password manager for iPhone users with cross-platform support, making it easy to sync passwords across iPhone, Android, Linux, and Windows PC devices.

1Password is known for its simple installation and intuitive interface, making it easy for iPhone users to manage and secure their passwords.

Keeper also supports cross-platform syncing and secure password sharing, enabling users to manage their credentials across multiple devices.

FAQs

Bottom Line

Apple’s built-in tools like iCloud Keychain and Apple Passwords can help manage your passwords, offering basic security with encryption. However, your passwords only as secure as the device they’re stored on, which can leave your data vulnerable if your device is compromised.

For better security and more features, ensure your passwords are safe across all your devices. Consider using dedicated third-party password managers to protect your online accounts better and help prevent identity theft.