Share Passwords Securely in iOS 18

Apple’s iOS 18 makes sharing login credentials with trusted family members simple and secure through its dedicated Passwords app. Building on the foundation of iCloud Keychain, the system allows users to create encrypted shared groups for passwords, passkeys, and two-factor verification codes. This guide explains how credential sharing works in iOS 18, the underlying security protections, and the exact steps required to set up a shared group.

How Password Sharing Works in iOS 18

In iOS 18, Apple centralized credential management into a standalone Passwords app, replacing the previous section tucked away in the Settings menu. Within this app, you can create collaborative vaults called Shared Groups.

When you create a group, you can invite trusted contacts—such as family members—who use Apple devices running iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, or later. Everyone in the group can access, add, edit, and use the shared logins via AutoFill on Safari and supported third-party apps.

Security and Privacy Protections

Apple employs end-to-end encryption for all shared credentials. This ensures that only the members of the shared group possess the keys to decrypt the data. Neither Apple nor unauthorized third parties can view your shared logins.

Key security aspects include:

  • Contact-Based Invites: You can only invite people who are saved in your Contacts list.
  • Granular Control: You choose precisely which accounts to share; your personal, non-shared passwords remain completely private.
  • Dynamic Syncing: If one member updates a shared password or passkey, the change automatically syncs to all members across their devices.
  • Audit and Recovery: If an item is deleted from a shared group, it moves to a "Recently Deleted" folder, where it can be recovered for up to 30 days.

Steps to Share Passwords with Family Members

Setting up a shared group takes only a few moments:

  1. Open the Passwords app on your iPhone running iOS 18.
  2. Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
  3. Tap the Shared Groups option, or tap the + (plus) icon in the top corner and select New Group.
  4. Enter a name for the group (such as "Family Logins") and optionally choose an icon.
  5. Tap Add People to select trusted family members from your Contacts list.
  6. Tap Create.
  7. Select the specific passwords, passkeys, or verification codes you want to move into the group.
  8. Tap Move to finalize the setup.

Once the group is created, invited members will receive a notification prompting them to accept the invitation. As soon as they accept, the shared logins will automatically populate their Passwords app and be available through Safari AutoFill. You can add or remove members, or delete the group entirely, at any time.