In this digital world, everyone has a lot of different accounts with varying degrees of security, and it’s tough to remember all the passwords. Mac computers, like PCs, offer the ability to save login credentials automatically. It can be a lifesaver or, in some cases, a potential privacy issue. Knowing how to view saved passwords on Macs is beneficial, mainly for those who are forgetful and frequently misplace their login credentials.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to see what passwords are saved on a Mac computer, what to do if you can’t view them, and some bonus tips to keep your login credentials safe.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to See What Passwords Are Saved on Mac
There are many reasons why you might want to view your saved passwords on a Mac. Here are some of the most common ones:
- You’ve forgotten your login credentials, and you need to recover your password.
- Someone else has access to your computer, and you want to check which passwords they might have access to.
- You’re ready to switch to a new computer or operating system, and you want to transfer your login credentials to the new device.
- You want to double-check the security of your accounts on your Mac.
Method 1: Using Keychain Access
Keychain Access is a built-in Apple app that stores passwords, certificates, and other sensitive information on your Mac. You can use Keychain Access to view your saved passwords on your Mac. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
2. In the Keychain app, click on "Passwords" in the left-hand column.
3. Select the password you want to view, and double-click it.
4. Check the "Show Password" checkbox, and enter your Mac user account’s password when prompted.
5. The saved password will be displayed in plain text.
Pros:
- Keychain Access is a built-in app on your Mac, so you don’t need to download any additional software.
- The process is simple and straightforward.
Cons:
- The app can’t search for specific passwords by name.
- You need to enter your Mac user account password every time you want to see a password.
Method 2: Using Safari Preferences
If you’ve saved your login credentials for a specific website in Safari, you can use the browser’s preferences to view the password. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open Safari and go to Safari > Preferences.
2. Click on the "Passwords" tab.
3. Enter your Mac user account password if prompted.
4. You’ll see a list of websites for which you’ve saved passwords.
5. Select the website whose password you want to view, and click on "Show Password."
Pros:
- You can easily see all your saved passwords for websites in one place.
- You don’t need to download any additional software.
Cons:
- This method only works for websites whose passwords you’ve saved in Safari.
- You need to enter your Mac user account password every time you want to view a password.
Method 3: Using Chrome Preferences
If you’re using Google Chrome as your default browser on your Mac, you can use the browser’s preferences to view your saved passwords. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open Chrome and go to Chrome > Preferences.
2. Click on "Passwords" in the left-hand column.
3. Enter your Mac user account password if prompted.
4. You’ll see a list of websites for which you’ve saved passwords.
5. Select the website whose password you want to view, and click on the eye icon.
Pros:
- You can easily see all your saved passwords for websites in one place.
- You don’t need to download any additional software.
Cons:
- This method only works for websites whose passwords you’ve saved in Chrome.
- You need to enter your Mac user account password every time you want to view a password.
What to Do If You Can’t See What Passwords Are Saved on Mac
If you’re unable to view your saved passwords on Mac using the methods above, there are a few things you can do:
- Try to reset your password. If you’ve forgotten your login credentials, you may be able to recover them by resetting your password using your Mac user account information.
- Check your browser settings. Make sure you’ve enabled the option to save passwords in your browser settings.
- Use a third-party password manager. If you’re having trouble with your browser’s password manager, you can use a third-party password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Dashlane.
Bonus Tip
It’s always a good idea to keep your login credentials secure. Here are a few tips to keep your saved passwords safe on your Mac:
- Use a strong and unique password for each account.
- Consider using two-factor authentication for added security.
- Don’t save sensitive information like credit card numbers in your saved passwords.
- Regularly change your passwords.
5 FAQs
Q1: What other apps can I use to manage my passwords on Mac?
A: Some popular third-party password managers for Mac include LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane.
Q2: Will viewing my saved passwords in Keychain expose my passwords to others?
A: No, you’ll need to enter your Mac user account password to access your saved passwords.
Q3: How do I enable password saving in Safari?
A: Go to Safari > Preferences > AutoFill, and select the "Usernames and Passwords" option.
Q4: Can I delete saved passwords on my Mac?
A: Yes, you can delete saved passwords by selecting the password in Keychain or in your browser preferences and clicking "Remove."
Q5: Should I use the same password for multiple accounts on my Mac?
A: No, using the same password for multiple accounts increases your risk in case of a security breach. It’s a best practice to use a unique password for each account.
Final Thoughts
Viewing your saved passwords on Mac is essential for those who forget their login credentials or are double-checking the security of their accounts. Mac computers offer several options for viewing saved passwords, such as using Keychain Access, browser preferences, or a third-party password manager. Regardless of the method you choose, always keep your login credentials safe by using unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and not saving sensitive information like credit card details.