How to: Change stored passwords in Keychain Access on your Mac


Introduction

No one at Texas Tech University or from anywhere else should ask for your password.

Instructions

TIP: This procedure can be used to change wireless credentials, passwords stored in programs, website passwords, etc.

  1. Open the Keychain Access app. The best way to do this is by using Spotlight.

    Mac Spotlight search window with "keychain access" typed in the search bar and the Keychain Access.app option highlighted

  2. If prompted to manage your passwords in the Passwords app or in System Settings, click Open Keychain Access.

    Mac "Manage Your Passwords in the New Passwords App" pop-up window with the Open Keychain Access button highlighted

    Mac "Manage Your Passwords in System Settings" pop-up window with the Open Keychain Access button highlighted

  3. If prompted for authentication, use Touch ID or type your user account password.

    Mac Keychain Access authentication window prompting to use Touch ID or password

    Mac Keychain Access authentication window with a password entry field filled in and the OK button highlighted

  4. The list of stored credentials will be shown. If Keychain Access is locked, click the lock icon in the top left-hand corner and enter the appropriate credentials to unlock it. To modify an item in the keychain, double-click on its entry in the list shown.

    Keychain Access window with the TTUnet password entry highlighted

  5. The attributes for the keychain entry will be displayed. To change the password that is stored, click the checkbox next to "Show password".

    TTUnet keychain entry window with account details and the Show password checkbox highlighted.

  6. You will be prompted to confirm the access to your keychain if you have not chosen to "Always Allow" this access in the past. Type your keychain password and click Allow.

    TIP: The keychain password is normally the same as your user account password.

    NOTE: If you want to allow access in the future click Always Allow.

    Keychain Access password prompt with the password field filled and the Allow button highlighted

  7. Your stored password will be displayed. You can update this password so that it is current. Once you have updated the password, click the Save Changes button.

    TTUnet keychain entry window with an updated password field and the Save Changes button highlighted

Outcome

The stored password has been updated in Keychain Access.