Share Passwords on iPhone: How to Use Family Passwords in iOS 17

iCloud Keychain received a significant improvement in iOS 17 – the ability to seamlessly share credentials with anyone. Follow the steps to learn how to share passwords on iPhone in iOS 17 using the new iCloud Keychain feature.

Apple is constantly expanding family sharing capabilities. Last year we saw the introduction of iCloud Shared Photo Library, which makes it easier to manage family photos and videos.

Now in iOS 17 (iPadOS 17, as well as macOS Sonoma), iCloud Keychain is complemented by shared passwords (and access keys), which Apple calls “Family Passwords.” – but you can share them with anyone.

Here's how Apple describes the new feature:

“For easier and more secure sharing of passwords and access keys, users can share passwords with a group of trusted contacts. Each group member can add and edit passwords to keep them up to date. Since the exchange is carried out through iCloud Keychain, it is encrypted end-to-end.”

On an iPhone running iOS 17, open the Settings app
Swipe down and tap Passwords
At the top of the Family Passwords section, select Get Started
Add people to a group with shared passwords (their iPhone must be running iOS 17). )
Now select the passwords (or access keys) you want to share
Click Move in the top right corner
You can now send a message to the person/people you share passwords with.
Everything is set up and others who join will be able to share passwords. if they want too

Another great feature is that you can set up multiple groups of shared passwords (as many as you want)

Read on to learn more, including the specifics of deleting shared credentials. Here's what password sharing looks like on iPhone in iOS 17:

You can now add people to your shared password group. Please note that you can only select from people saved in your contacts.

Decide if you want to send a message to let people know about password sharing access.

You can now edit, add and remove shared passwords, manage a group, and more.

One interesting feature of this feature is how it works to remove shared passwords. They are moved to the Recently Deleted folder, which will be deleted after 30 days.

But they will be removed from both your own passwords and the shared list.

If you want to remove the shared password but keep it in your own passwords, go to the Recently Deleted page , tap Password and select Recover My Passwords.

Shared passwords on Apple devices make iCloud Keychain more convenient than ever and more competitive than paid password managers. Are you excited about the new possibilities? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading our guide on how to share passwords on iPhone in iOS 17!