Keychain Access

Note, if necessary, you can change the width of a column  to read it. Move your pointer over the line between the columns.  The pointer will change when it grabs hold of the line, and you will be able to drag the column left or right.

Keychain Access  stores all those passwords that you need when you get online.  

When you first set up your email account for instance, the password was automatically stored in Keychain Access.   If you are using Apple’s Airport to connect wirelessly, its password is also stored in Keychain Access.  

You can also have Safari automatically store passwords that you use for online services, such as Gmail, Facebook, Yahoo, etc in the Keychain File.  For Steps click here.

1 - Open a Finder window and select Applications.

2 - Look for Utilities and double click on it to open it.

3 - Now double click on Keychain Access.

4 - A window opens showing the stored items. Select Passwords.

5 - Double-click an item for which you need the password.

6 - Click the box Show password.

10 - Click button to close the window when done.

7 - You will be asked for your Keychain password.  This will usually be the password set up to access your computer, or user account.   Type the password.

8 - You will be asked if you want to allow it only this time, or all the time. Click Allow. Click Always Allow only if you want everyone to access the password without needing the keychain password.

Use the password to access the account.

A window opens showing the password.

Note:  If you changed your password and have not gone to the site since, this password may not be the correct one.

If necessary, you can change the password, but keep in mind it just changes the record here, not on the site itself.  If you do change it, don’t forget to click Save Changes.

Forgot a Password?  What we need to do is open Keychain Access and look it up.  Keychain Access is found in the Utilities Folder which is inside the Applications Folder.  OK, I see you eyes glaze over,  lost you already.  Just follow these steps.

11 - Select the record you want to delete by clicking once on it.  Then press the delete key.  

12 - A small window opens asking if you want to delete it.  Click on the Delete button to complete the process.

When you are done with Keychain Access,  close the application.  One way of doing this easily is to press the Command key and the letter Q.

Want to delete a record?