iPhone Class: Password Management & Security 1.22.2026

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Password Managers Overview

  • Two main password managers recommended for iPhone users: Apple Passwords (built-in) and Google Password Manager
  • Use whichever manager works best for your browsing habits - Apple Passwords for Safari users, Google Password Manager for Chrome users
  • Other password managers exist (like Data Vault), but these two are recommended because they're already integrated with your devices
  • Do not use both Apple and Google password managers simultaneously - they don't sync and will cause confusion

Accessing Apple Passwords

  • Pull down from middle of screen to search, type "passwords"
  • The app icon shows as "Passwords" on newer iOS systems (older systems use "Keychain")
  • Requires biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID) or device passcode to access
  • Contains 4 main sections: All passwords, verification codes, Wi-Fi passwords, and deleted items

Managing Stored Passwords

  • Passwords are automatically saved from Safari when you choose to save login credentials
  • Review and delete old/unused passwords to keep the list organized
  • Check for duplicate entries - same websites may have multiple saved accounts with different usernames
  • To delete a password: select it, tap "Edit", then choose "Delete" at the bottom
  • Can add new passwords manually by tapping the "+" button and entering website, username, password, and optional notes

Wi-Fi Password Storage

  • Apple Passwords stores every Wi-Fi network password you've ever connected to (286+ networks possible)
  • Useful for retrieving forgotten home network passwords

Security Recommendations

  • Don't worry too much about the "Security" section warnings about weak passwords - often includes old, unused accounts
  • Passkeys (biometric login without passwords) are available but can be inconsistent and require extra steps

Google Password Manager Access

  • Requires downloading the Google app (not just using Gmail)
  • Must be signed into a Google account to access passwords
  • Tap profile picture in Google app, scroll down to "Passwords"
  • Google app offers additional features: voice search, image search, AI search modes

Setting Default Password Manager

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps
  • Under "Passwords" section, enable your preferred password manager(s)
  • Can enable both Apple and Google password managers if needed
  • Also allows setting default browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) which affects password manager integration

Biometric Authentication Setup

  • Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode)
  • Set up multiple fingerprints if Touch ID isn't working reliably
  • Can set up alternate face appearances (with/without glasses, different hair styles)
  • Face ID works with masks if enabled
  • Face recognition requires looking directly at phone with eyes visible
  • Keep biometric options enabled for: iPhone unlock, App Store, Apple Pay, password autofill

MyChart Biometric Login

  • Open MyChart app, go to three-line menu > Account Settings > Log in
  • Enable Face ID/Touch ID for quick access without typing password each time
  • Can set a 4-digit passcode as alternative if biometrics don't work
  • Biometric login only works on phone/tablet, not computer

iPhone Multitasking

  • Swipe up from bottom of screen and hold to view all open apps
  • Useful when switching between apps (e.g., between messages with verification code and MyChart)
  • On phones with home button: double-press the home button
  • This technique works for all apps and multitasking scenarios

Text Message Security Warnings

  • Be extremely careful clicking links in text messages, even if they appear legitimate
  • Recent scam example: fake Amazon recall notices via text that don't specify the product
  • To verify Amazon recalls: open Amazon app and search for "recall" - legitimate recalls will be listed there
  • Best practice: don't respond to suspicious texts at all
  • Phone numbers can be spoofed/stolen, potentially compromising all accounts that use text verification

Verification Code Alternatives

  • Authenticator apps provide 6-digit codes that change regularly without requiring text messages
  • More secure than text message verification since phone numbers can be compromised
  • Some password managers (like Apple Passwords) can store and generate verification codes

Device Security Updates

  • Older devices that can no longer update to latest iOS may have unpatched security flaws
  • New operating systems aren't necessarily more secure, but old systems may have known flaws without available patches

Action Items

  • [ ] Choose between Apple Passwords or Google Password Manager based on your primary browser
  • [ ] Access and review your saved passwords, delete old/unused entries
  • [ ] Configure default password manager in Settings > Apps > Default Apps
  • [ ] Set up or verify biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID) is working properly
  • [ ] Enable biometric login for MyChart and other frequently-used apps
  • [ ] Practice iPhone multitasking by swiping up from bottom and holding
  • [ ] Verify any Amazon recall notices through the Amazon app, not text message links

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