Apple App Password Storage

TL;DR

Use a password manager like 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden to securely store your Apple app-specific passwords. Avoid writing them down or storing them in easily accessible notes apps.

Why App-Specific Passwords?

Apple allows you to create unique passwords for individual apps, even if you use the same Apple ID and main password everywhere. This is a great security feature! If one app gets compromised, your main account isn’t at risk.

The Problem with Remembering Them

These passwords are long and random. Trying to remember them for multiple apps is impractical and leads people to write them down – which defeats the purpose of having them in the first place.

Secure Storage Options

1. Password Manager (Recommended): This is the best option.
   • 1Password: A popular choice with excellent security and features.
   • LastPass: Another well-known manager, offering a free tier and paid options.
   • Bitwarden: Open-source and highly secure, also with free and paid plans.

   Password managers encrypt your passwords and store them securely in a vault accessible only with your master password.

2. iCloud Keychain (If you’re all-in on Apple): If you primarily use Apple devices, iCloud Keychain is a convenient option. However, it’s less flexible if you use other platforms.
   • To add an app password to iCloud Keychain on macOS: Open System Settings > Passwords & Security > Password Manager. Add the website name (e.g., ‘App Name App Password’) and paste in your generated password.
   • On iOS/iPadOS, go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Passwords. Add a new password as above.

How to Generate an App-Specific Password

1. Sign in to your Apple ID account: Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Go to Security Settings: In the ‘Security’ section, select ‘App-Specific Passwords’.
3. Create a Password: Click ‘Generate Password’. Enter an app label (e.g., ‘Twitter App’) for easy identification and click ‘Create’.
4. Copy the Password: Copy the generated password immediately. You won’t be able to see it again!

Using Your Password Manager

1. Open your password manager app or browser extension.
2. Create a new entry: Add a new record for the specific app.
   • Website/App Name: Enter the name of the app (e.g., ‘Twitter’).
   • Username: Usually your Apple ID email address.
   • Password: Paste the app-specific password you generated.
   • Notes (Optional): Add any relevant notes, like when you created the password or why it’s needed.
3. Save the entry securely. The password manager will encrypt and store the password for you.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t write down app-specific passwords: This is a major security risk.
• Don’t store them in plain text notes apps: Apps like Notes, Evernote, or Google Keep are not secure enough.
• Avoid reusing the same password for multiple apps: The point of app-specific passwords is to isolate risks.