Accessing Apple Keychain on Another Computer

TL;DR

You can access your Apple Keychain on another computer, but it’s not a simple ‘open and use’. It requires iCloud Keychain being enabled and signed in with the same Apple ID. For local backups or restoring from older systems, you might need to manually import keychain files.

How to Access Your Apple Keychain on Another Computer

1. Check iCloud Keychain Status: The easiest way is if you’re already using iCloud Keychain.
   • On your current computer, go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > [Your Name] > iCloud.
   • Make sure “Keychain” is ticked/enabled.
   • Sign in with the same Apple ID you use on the other computer.
2. Accessing via iCloud on a New Computer:
   • On the new computer, sign in to System Settings (or System Preferences) > [Your Name] > iCloud with the same Apple ID.
   • Tick/enable “Keychain”. The Keychain will automatically sync. This can take a few minutes depending on how much data you have.
3. Using Keychain Access: Once synced, open Keychain Access (Applications > Utilities). You should see your passwords and other items.
   • If prompted, enter the password for your iCloud account to unlock Keychain Access.
4. What if iCloud Keychain isn’t enabled? If you haven’t used iCloud Keychain before, or it was disabled:
   • Enable it as described above on both computers.
   • It will take time for the keychain data to sync between devices.
5. Restoring from a Backup (Advanced): If you have a backup of your Keychain, you can restore it.
   • Open Keychain Access on the computer where you want to restore the keychain.
   • Go to File > Import…
   • Select the .keychain file from your backup location.
   • You’ll be prompted for the password associated with that keychain (if one was set).
6. Exporting a Keychain (Advanced): You can export a keychain to share it, but this is less secure than using iCloud.
   • Open Keychain Access.
   • Select the keychain you want to export in the left sidebar.
   • Go to File > Export…
   • Choose a location and password (strongly recommended) for the exported .keychain file.

Important Security Notes

• iCloud Keychain is the most secure method as it’s encrypted in transit and at rest by Apple.
• Be careful with exported .keychain files: Anyone with access to the file and password can see your passwords. Store them securely!
• Two-Factor Authentication: Always enable Two-Factor Authentication for your Apple ID for extra security.