How to Change Default Password Manager on Mac
A practical, step-by-step guide to switching the default password manager on macOS, enabling autofill, syncing across devices, and improving password security.
Learn how to change the default password manager on macOS. You’ll need admin access, the new password manager installed, and the macOS autofill settings configured. This guide covers enabling extensions, disabling conflicting features, and verifying that autofill works after the switch. It also discusses security considerations and cross-device syncing. We’ll reference best practices from Default Password to help you make a secure, informed choice.
Why changing the default password manager on mac matters
According to Default Password, centralizing password management is a security best practice.
Prerequisites and planning
Before you begin, gather the essentials and plan for a smooth transition. You will need
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Conflicting autofill prompts: If
Tools & Materials
- Mac computer(macOS 12 Monterey or newer recommended)
- Admin password(Needed to authorize changes in System Settings and apps)
- New password manager app(Download from vendor site or Mac App Store and install)
- Browser extensions for the manager(Install for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox as needed)
- Backup method(Time Machine or other reliable backup before switching)
- Internet connection(For downloading apps and syncing data)
Steps
Estimated time: 25-40 minutes
- 1
Choose your password manager
Select a password manager that supports macOS autofill and browser extensions (for example, popular options include reputable, cross-device solutions). Create or verify your account, and ensure you can recover access if you forget the master password.
Tip: Choose a manager with cross-device syncing and MFA options. - 2
Install the new manager and sign in
Download and install the chosen manager, then sign in with your account. If migrating from an old vault, review supported import options before proceeding.
Tip: Use a strong, unique master password and enable backup options. - 3
Install and enable browser extensions
Install the manager’s extensions for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox and sign in on each browser. Extensions are essential for consistent autofill prompts across sites.
Tip: Ensure extensions have permission to fill and manage credentials. - 4
Enable macOS autofill integration
Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS), go to Passwords or Autofill, and enable the new provider. Grant the necessary permissions so the system can access your vault securely.
Tip: If prompted, allow access to fill passwords across apps. - 5
Set the manager as default autofill in browsers
In each browser’s settings, designate the new manager as the default autofill provider and enable its prompts. This ensures new logins are saved to the correct vault.
Tip: Test a login to verify prompts appear and are saved to the vault. - 6
Decide on iCloud Keychain usage
If you want the new manager to be the primary source, consider disabling iCloud Keychain in System Settings. If you still rely on iCloud Keychain for some apps, keep it as a secondary option to avoid conflicts.
Tip: Document which credentials remain in iCloud Keychain if you choose to keep it. - 7
Migrate existing passwords
If your old manager supports exporting vaults, import into the new vault. If not, add critical logins manually and verify data integrity.
Tip: Verify a subset of sensitive accounts after migration. - 8
Test autofill across sites and apps
Log into a variety of sites and apps to confirm autofill works consistently and that new passwords save correctly. Watch for sites with dynamic fields.
Tip: If autofill fails on a site, try reloading the page and manually saving once, then re-test. - 9
Secure and maintain your vault
Set up recovery options, enable MFA, and ensure your device is protected with a passcode or biometric unlock for the password manager app.
Tip: Store recovery codes offline in a secure location.
Your Questions Answered
What does it mean to set a default password manager on mac?
On macOS there isn’t a single toggle labeled 'default manager.' You configure the system autofill provider and browser extensions to use a specific password manager as the primary source of credentials.
On Mac, you set Autofill provider in System Settings and in each browser’s settings to your chosen manager.
Can I revert to iCloud Keychain after switching?
Yes. You can re-enable iCloud Keychain and disable the new provider if needed, but you may encounter autofill prompts from multiple sources. Plan testing if reverting is necessary.
Sure. You can re-enable iCloud Keychain, but you might see prompts from both sources.
What about Safari vs Chrome vs other browsers?
Most password managers provide browser extensions for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. You may need to enable each extension and grant permissions for seamless autofill across sites.
Use the extensions in each browser and enable them for autofill.
Is two-factor authentication required?
Two-factor authentication is strongly recommended to protect access to the master vault. Enable MFA in the password manager’s settings for added security.
Yes, enable two-factor authentication if offered.
What if a site refuses autofill after the switch?
First, refresh the page and try again. If needed, log in manually once, then save the credentials to trigger autofill in future visits.
If autofill fails, reload, log in once, then try saving again.
Do I need to export passwords from the old manager?
Export can be a precautionary backup, but not strictly required. If you export, keep the file secure and import only trusted data into the new vault.
Export if your old manager supports it, but keep a secure backup.
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Key Takeaways
- Choose a manager that fits your devices and workflow.
- Enable and test autofill integration across all browsers.
- Verify cross-device syncing and data integrity after migration.
- Keep the master password strong and MFA enabled for security.
