Apple Passwords Problems & Issues
Real user-reported problems, complaints, and limitations for Apple Passwords. Based on analysis of 12 signals.
Overall score: 66/100
Issues by Category
Passwords app autofill not working in Chrome or other apps
Autofill failing in Chrome or apps usually traces to AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys being off, or another provider being the active one. Forum users also report Chrome failing while Safari works.
Cannot export passwords from Apple Passwords
Export on the Mac is File > Export All Passwords to File, but one widely read 2026 report shows the export failing silently when iCloud sync is broken. Wi-Fi passwords and group passwords you did not create are excluded.
Passkey not working or no matching passkeys in iCloud Keychain
Threads describe 'no matching passkeys saved in your iCloud Keychain' errors and passkeys not carrying to a new iPhone. Advice is to confirm iCloud Keychain is on and signed into the same Apple Account.
Apple Passwords lacks features of dedicated password managers
Reviews note missing custom password length options, custom fields, password history and no master password. 9to5Mac and Nerdschalk both list these gaps.
Verification codes not autofilling from Apple Passwords
Users report one-time codes not appearing in Chrome, Brave or Edge on Mac, while other browsers work. Autofill must be enabled and Messages notifications on for texted codes.
Apple Passwords not syncing between iPhone and Mac
Many Apple Community and MacRumors threads describe passwords or passkeys not appearing on one device while another is fine. Toggling iCloud Passwords & Keychain off and on, sometimes with a restart, fixes some cases; others report no fix from Apple Support.
Passwords missing after iOS 18 update
Users on several iOS 18.x versions report passwords or the Passwords app itself vanishing after an update. Common causes are the app being removed, entries in Recently Deleted or a Shared Group, and sync not being on.
iCloud Passwords Chrome extension not working on Windows
Windows 11 users report the extension keeps asking them to open iCloud for Windows, or the Apple Credential Manager service is missing. At launch in 2021 Apple pulled iCloud for Windows version 12 after issues.
Apple Passwords has no Android support
The app is exclusive to Apple devices except through iCloud for Windows, so Android users and mixed households cannot use it. Reviewers list this as a main reason to pick a cross-platform manager.
Apple Passwords phishing bug in iOS 18
9to5Mac reported that the app used plain HTTP for some requests, leaving users open to phishing for nearly three months from the iOS 18 release until it was patched in iOS 18.2.
Passwords app prompts for a 6-digit code repeatedly
An Apple Community thread reports the app occasionally asks for a 6-digit code without a clear reason, adding friction.
Switching to Apple Passwords from another manager
Apple Passwords imports passwords from file, but exports omit Wi-Fi and some shared items, so moving out is lossy. Early iOS 18 betas lacked import on iPhone while the Mac had it.
Regret Patterns
Common reasons users regret choosing Apple Passwords.
Passwords vanish after an update
Users find entries or the app itself missing after an iOS 18 update and have to dig through Recently Deleted and sync settings.
Sync stops quietly
Devices drift out of sync and edits do not appear until a reset.
Outgrowing the basics
Users hit missing custom fields, password history and platform limits.
Windows extension frustration
The Chrome extension keeps asking for iCloud for Windows.
Hard to leave
Exports are unencrypted CSV and omit Wi-Fi and some shared items.
When Apple Passwords Breaks Down
Specific scenarios where Apple Passwords fails or underperforms.
Using a Windows PC or Android phone
Windows works only via iCloud for Windows with Chrome or Edge; Android has no app.
Restoring a new iPhone
Passkeys and passwords need iCloud Keychain on the new device.
Sharing with a family
Shared Groups work, but passwords in groups you did not create are excluded from export.
Using Chrome on iPhone or Mac
Autofill depends on the active provider and browser extension.
Needing a secondary master password
The app has no separate master password.