[Resolved] How to Disable Keychain on Mac and Remove Saved Passwords on Mac

It can become cumbersome and tiring to enter your username and password each time you log in to a website you visit frequently. If you need to deal with alphanumeric codes for security, you might prefer to do so only occasionally. Thankfully, saving your passwords and login details is made more convenient with the Keychain feature on Mac.

There may be instances when you need to delete or update a previously saved password in your keychain. This article will first explain what a keychain is, guide you through removing passwords from your Mac, and, if necessary, show you how to disable the keychain entirely. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Keychain on Mac?

Keychain on Mac is a secure database that stores your passwords, login details, credit card numbers, other protected information, and certificates. It is designed to save this data locally on your MacBook, unless you connect it with the cloud to synchronize the information across all your devices.

Furthermore, it recommends passwords that incorporate numbers, random characters, and symbols, making them highly complex and ultra-secure. It also saves these passwords on your Mac, eliminating the need for you to memorize them.

Also read: How to Export Passwords from iPhone All At Once

Why Delete Saved Passwords on Mac

A troubling question indeed is why one would remove a saved password on a Mac when it was originally saved for convenience. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to tidy up your keychain, especially when you have passwords or websites that you no longer access.

Additionally, if you've changed a password but the old one is still stored in your Mac's memory, you might need to delete the password or reset the Mac Keychain to ensure smooth functioning.

How to Remove Saved Passwords on Mac

There are numerous methods to delete saved passwords on a Mac. While all of them function effectively, certain methods may be more suitable for specific situations. Let's start with using System Preferences.

How to Disable iCloud Keychain on Mac

If you wish to remove passwords on a specific Mac device connected to iCloud, this is the most suitable method. Please follow the steps outlined below to accomplish this task.

Step 1. Tap on System Preferences and select iCloud.

Step 2. Deselect the keychain box.

Step 3. A window will ask what you want to do with your passwords; you can choose to permanently delete them, keep them for future use, or cancel the process.

How to Remove Saved Passwords from Keychain on Mac

Lastly, you can disable or delete the login keychain from your Mac. Either navigate to the Utilities folder and click on "Keychain Access" or press the Command + Space key, then type "key" and click on the first app that appears. To delete the keychain on your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to File, then select "Delete Keychain login." This deletes all passwords and everything stored in the keychain.

Step 2. To remove specific information, choose the Category.

Step 3. Choose "Passwords," "Secure Notes," or "Keys," then hit the delete button.

How to Remove Saved Passwords in Safari Removing saved passwords in Safari is a straightforward process if you want to ensure your sensitive information remains secure or if you simply need to update your credentials. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it: 1. **Open Safari**: Launch the Safari browser on your Mac or iOS device. 2. **Access Settings**: On a Mac, click on "Safari" in the top menu bar and select "Preferences" from the drop-down list. On an iOS device, tap the "Settings" app icon. 3. **Select "Passwords"**: In the Safari Preferences window on a Mac, click on the "Passwords" tab. On iOS, scroll down in the Settings app and tap "Passwords & Accounts," then choose "Website & App Passwords." 4. **Authenticate**: You may be prompted to authenticate with your Apple ID password, Touch ID, or Face ID, depending on your device. 5. **View Saved Passwords**: A list of saved passwords will appear. You'll see the website names and icons. 6. **Delete Individual Passwords**: To remove a specific password, click on it (Mac) or tap the "Edit" button (iOS), then click on the "Delete" button next to the password you want to remove. Confirm the deletion when prompted. 7. **Delete All Passwords**: If you want to delete all saved passwords at once, there isn't a direct option in Safari. Instead, you can reset Safari's settings, which will clear all passwords along with other browsing data. On a Mac, go to "Safari" > "Reset Safari..." and check the "Passwords" box. On iOS, go to "Settings" > "Safari" > "Clear History and Website Data." Note that this will also remove your browsing history, cookies, and other site data. 8. **Confirm Changes**: After deleting a password, remember to confirm the action when prompted to ensure the changes are saved. By following these steps, you can effectively manage your saved passwords in Safari and maintain the security of your online accounts.

Here's how to remove your passwords from Safari if it saves most or all of your passwords/login details: 1. Launch Safari on your Mac or iOS device. 2. Click on "Safari" in the top menu bar (Mac) or tap on the "Settings" app (iOS). 3. On Mac: - Select "Preferences" from the drop-down menu. - In the Preferences window, click on the "Passwords" tab. - To delete a single password, click on the desired entry, then click the "Edit" button and choose "Remove Password." - To remove all passwords, click on "Manage Websites with Passwords," and then click on "Remove All Website Passwords." On iOS: - Tap "Passwords & Accounts." - Tap "Website & App Passwords." - Enter your device passcode when prompted. - To delete a single password, tap on the password you want to remove, then tap "Delete." - To remove all passwords, scroll down and tap "Reset All Passwords." You'll be prompted to confirm this action. Remember that removing saved passwords will require you to re-enter them manually the next time you visit those websites.

Step 1. Open Safari, and then access Preferences by pressing the Command + Comma keys together.

Step 2. Choose Autofill and uncheck all the boxes in front.

Step 3. Go to Passwords, and then uncheck the option box "Autofill user names and passwords." It might require that you supply your user password.

Conclusion

After discussing various methods for disabling the keychain on a Mac, you shouldn't be confused when encountering issues with your keychain. You must select an appropriate method to either remove saved passwords or reset your Mac keychain.