Once you set up your first Mac with iCloud Keychain, you need to add other Macs and iOS devices to really make use of the service.

iCloud Keychain lets each Mac and iOS device you use access the same set of saved passwords, login information, and even credit card data, if you wish. The ability to use your Mac or iOS device to create a new account at a web site, and then have that account information readily available on all of your devices is a compelling feature.

This guide assumes that you've already set up iCloud Keychain on one Mac. If you haven’t done so, take a look at:

Set Up iCloud Keychain on Your Mac

Our guide will take you through the process of setting up iCloud Keychain. It also includes tips for creating a secure environment for using Apple's cloud-based keychain service.

Set Up Subsequent Macs to Use iCloud Keychain

There are two methods available for setting up the keychain service. The first method requires you to create (or have your Mac randomly create) a security code that you'll use whenever you enable another Mac or iOS device to access your keychain data.

The second method involves foregoing the security code, and instead relying on Apple to send a notification to the original Mac that another device wishes to use your keychain. This method requires that you have access to the first Mac in order to grant permission to the rest of your Macs and iOS devices.

The process of enabling the iCloud Keychain service on subsequent Macs and iOS devices is dependent on the method you originally used to enable the service.

We will cover both methods in this guide.

Set Up iCloud Keychain Using a Security Code

Set Up iCloud Keychain Without Using a Security Code