Forget Remembering? Unearthing Your iPhone App Passwords (Without Turning Into Sherlock Holmes)
Let's face it, the struggle is real. You downloaded that super cool app thingy last week, used a ridiculously strong password (because who even remembers birthdays anymore?), and now... crickets. You're staring at the login screen, brain flatter than a day-old pancake. Fear not, fellow forgetful friend! There's a way to crack the code (without resorting to social engineering your pet goldfish).
Enter the iPhone's Password Vault: Settings to the Rescue!
Apple, in all its wisdom, created a nifty little nook for your digital treasures – the Settings app's "Passwords" section (iOS 14 and later) or "Passwords & Accounts" (iOS 13 and earlier). Think of it as your own personal password batcave (minus the brooding billionaire).
Here's the lowdown on how to access this secret chamber:
- Summon the Settings App: This is the little grey gear icon that holds the key to your iPhone's secrets (and maybe even how to change that annoying ringtone).
- Unearth the Password Portal: Scroll down a bit (or a lot, depending on how many apps you have) and find "Passwords" (iOS 14 and later) or "Passwords & Accounts" (iOS 13 and earlier).
- Face ID/Touch ID Time: Your iPhone might ask you to verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. This is like a fancy library card check, but for passwords instead of books.
Behold! A List of Login Lifesavers
You'll now be presented with a glorious list of websites and apps you've used and (hopefully) checked the "remember password" box for.
Finding Your Specific App Savior: Just tap on the app's name and, voila! The password should be hidden behind a veil of black dots (think of it as a password playground with a slide!).
A Word to the Wise: To actually see the password, you'll need to tap "Show Password" and verify your identity again. It's like entering a high-security vault, but with less lasers and more fingerprint scanners.
Uh Oh, I Don't See My App!
Don't Panic! There are a couple of reasons why your app might not be listed:
- You Never Saved the Password: Maybe you were in a rush or just superhumanly confident in your memory (we've all been there). In this case, you'll need to head to the app itself and try the "forgot password" function.
- The App Doesn't Use iCloud Keychain: Some apps have their own built-in password managers. Check the app's settings to see if there's a way to access your login info.
Bonus Tip: If you're using iOS 16 (or later, whenever those fancy time travelers release it), you can also ask Siri to "show me my passwords." Just make sure you're in a safe space (no shoulder surfers allowed!).
FAQ: Your iPhone App Password Panic Button
How to add a new password to my iPhone?
Easy! When you log in to a new app and see the "remember password" prompt, just tap it, and your iPhone will do the rest.
How to delete a saved password?
Swipe left on the app's entry in the Passwords list and tap "Delete." But remember, with great forgetting power comes great responsibility (don't get locked out of your favorite game!).
How to see recently deleted passwords?
In the Settings > Passwords menu, scroll down and tap "Recently Deleted." You'll have a short window to recover any passwords you might have accidentally banished.
How to change a saved password?
Tap on the app's entry in the Passwords list, then tap "Edit Password." You can then update your login information.
How to make my iPhone automatically fill in passwords?
Go to Settings > Passwords and turn on "Autofill Passwords." Now your iPhone will (almost) be your own personal login assistant.
