Safari is a default web browser on Apple devices. It allows users to save passwords for websites, so they don’t have to enter them each time they visit the site. However, what if you forget your password and need to recover it? In this blog post, we will explore different methods to see saved passwords on Safari.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before looking for saved passwords in Safari, there are a few things you need to have:
- An Apple device (iPhone, iPad or Mac) with Safari as the default browser
- The device’s password or Touch ID/Face ID to access saved passwords
- The website for which you want to retrieve the password
What Requires Your Focus?
To see saved passwords on Safari, you need to focus on:
- Accessing Safari’s settings
- Choosing the right method according to your situation
- Using the saved password information securely
- Troubleshooting if the saved password is not showing up
Different Methods to See Saved Passwords on Safari
Method 1: Using iCloud Keychain
iCloud Keychain is an Apple’s built-in password manager, which allows users to store their website login credentials across multiple devices securely. To use the iCloud Keychain method:
- Open Safari and click on ‘Safari’ from the menu bar
- Select ‘Preferences’ and go to the ‘Passwords’ tab
- Enter your device password or use Touch ID/Face ID to verify
- A list of saved passwords will appear. You can use the search bar to find the website password you need
- Double-click the website name and select ‘Show Password’
- Enter your device password or use Touch ID/Face ID to reveal the password
Pros:
- Easy to use and access saved passwords from different devices
Cons:
- You need to have iCloud Keychain set up and enabled, which requires an Apple ID
- Safari needs to be the default browser on all devices for the feature to work effectively
- You need to use Touch ID/Face ID or enter your device password to access saved passwords
Method 2: Using Keychain Access on Mac
If you want to see saved passwords on a Mac computer, you can use the Keychain Access app that stores all login credentials in one place. The steps to use this method are:
- Open the ‘Keychain Access’ app from Applications/Utilities folder on your Mac
- Find and select the website for which you want to retrieve the password
- Double-click the website name and select ‘Show Password’
- Enter the administrator name and password for your Mac
- The website password will reveal in the next popup
Pros:
- All login credentials can be managed in one place
- No need to use Touch ID/Face ID or enter your device password to access saved passwords
Cons:
- This method only works on macOS, not available on iOS devices
- You need to know the device’s administrator name and password to view the passwords
Method 3: Via Safari Dev Tools on Mac
If you want to get detailed information about saved passwords, Safari Developer Tools is a good way to do it. Use the following steps:
- Open Safari and go to the website for which you want to retrieve the password
- Click on ‘Safari’ from the menu bar and select ‘Preferences’
- Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab and tick ‘Show Develop menu in menu bar’ option
- Close the Preferences window and click on ‘Develop’ from the menu bar
- Select ‘Show Web Inspector’
- Click on the ‘Resources’ tab and select ‘Passwords’ folder from the left sidebar
- Find the website for which you want to retrieve the password
- Double-click the website item and select ‘Show Password’
- Enter your device password to reveal the password
Pros:
- Allows users to get more detailed information about saved passwords
- No need to install third-party software or apps
Cons:
- This method only works on macOS, not available on iOS devices
- You need to use your device password to access saved passwords
Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps
If you don’t want to use any built-in method for saving passwords on Safari, there are several third-party apps available on the App Store. These apps allow users to store and manage their website login credentials across different devices. Using a third-party app is straightforward, but the app’s interface may differ. One of the popular third-party app is ‘1Password’. Use the following steps:
- Download and install the ‘1Password’ app from the App Store
- Open the app and create an account
- Add login credentials for the website for which you want to retrieve the password
- The app will save the password, and you can access it anytime by opening the app
Pros:
- Allows users to store and manage passwords for different websites in one app
- Easy to use and access, works across different devices and platforms
Cons:
- You need to install a third-party app and create an account to use the service
- The app may require a subscription or in-app purchase to unlock the full features
Why Can’t I See Saved Passwords in Safari?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to see saved passwords in Safari:
1. Safari Autofill Feature
Safari’s autofill feature may be turned off. In this case, Safari won’t provide a prompt to save your login credentials. To turn on autofill, go to ‘Safari Preferences’ > ‘AutoFill’ and select ‘Usernames and Passwords’ options.
Fix:
Turn on the Autofill feature in Safari preferences.
2. Password Storage Location
If you have turned off the iCloud Keychain feature, Safari may not store your passwords in the device’s password manager. To check if your password is saved in iCloud Keychain, go to ‘System Preferences’ > ‘iCloud’ > ‘Keychain’ and check if ‘Passwords’ option is ticked.
Fix:
Turn on the iCloud Keychain feature.
3. Incorrect Password
If you enter the incorrect website password more than three times, Safari may disable the Autofill feature and stop saving your password.
Fix:
Use the method described above to retrieve your password or reset it via the website’s ‘Forgot Password’ option.
Implications and Recommendations
- Don’t use the same password for different websites to prevent unauthorized access if one password is compromised.
- Use two-factor authentication to provide extra security for your online accounts.
- Don’t save important and sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, in Safari’s password manager or third-party apps.
5 FAQs about Seeing Saved Passwords on Safari
Q1: How secure is Safari’s password manager?
A: Safari’s password manager uses end-to-end encryption to protect your login credentials. However, it’s still recommended to use a third-party password manager for extra security.
Q2: Can I see my saved passwords on Safari from another device?
A: Yes, if you have set up the iCloud Keychain feature and enabled it on all your devices, you can access your saved passwords from anywhere.
Q3: What if Safari doesn’t show my saved password even though it’s listed?
A: Safari may be unable to access or display the password if you entered it incorrectly. Try resetting the password via the website’s ‘Forgot Password’ option.
Q4: How can I print the list of saved passwords on Safari?
A: You can’t print the saved passwords list directly from Safari. However, you can use the ‘Export Passwords’ feature under ‘Passwords’ tab to save the list as a .csv file, then print it from another app.
Q5: Can someone else retrieve my Safari’s saved passwords?
A: No, other people can’t access your saved passwords on Safari unless they know your device password or Touch ID/Face ID.
Final Words
Retrieving saved passwords on Safari is simple if you know the right method. Using the built-in iCloud Keychain or Keychain Access on Mac can help you access your saved passwords across different Apple devices. Alternatively, you can use third-party apps like 1Password for a more comprehensive password manager. Just remember to use the password information securely to prevent unauthorized access to your online accounts and sensitive information.