Making the switch from an iPhone to an Android device is exciting, but one common hurdle is moving your saved passwords from iCloud Keychain to your new phone. Since Apple and Android use different, non-directly-compatible password systems, there’s no one-tap sync.
However, the most reliable method involves an intermediate step using a Mac computer and Google Password Manager. This allows your passwords to be exported from Apple’s system and imported into Google’s, which then syncs seamlessly to your Android phone.
Method 1: Export from Mac, Import to Google (Recommended)
This process utilizes a Mac to export the passwords, which are then imported into your Google Account, making them accessible on your Android device.
Step 1: Export Passwords from your Mac
- On your Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences for older macOS versions).
- In the sidebar, click Passwords. You’ll need to authenticate with your password, Touch ID, or Apple Watch.
- Once the list of saved passwords appears, click the Three Dots (…) menu (or a similar menu near the top) and select Export All Passwords….
- Confirm the export when prompted, and save the resulting .csv file to a secure location on your Mac.
- Security Note: The CSV file contains all your login information in plain text. Delete this file immediately after you’ve successfully imported the passwords in the next step.
Step 2: Import Passwords to Google Password Manager
- Go to the Google Password Manager settings on your computer (via a web browser, or the Google Chrome browser settings).
- Look for a Settings or Gear icon and find the Import option, usually labeled Import Passwords.
- Click Select File and choose the .csv file you just exported from your Mac.
- Wait for the import process to complete.
Step 3: Sync to your Android Device
- On your new Android phone, make sure you are signed in with the same Google Account you used for the import.
- Your imported passwords should sync automatically.
- To ensure proper autofill, go to your Android device’s system settings, search for Autofill service (or similar), and confirm that Google is selected as the default password manager.
Method 2: Use a Cross-Platform Password Manager
If you don’t have a Mac or prefer a dedicated, non-browser solution, a third-party password manager is a great alternative. These apps are designed to work across all operating systems.
- Choose a Manager: Popular options include 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden.
- Export/Import on iOS: Install your chosen manager on your iPhone. Some managers allow you to import directly from iCloud Keychain, or you may need to manually copy your most important passwords into the app’s secure vault on your iPhone.
- Sync to Android: Install the same password manager app on your Android device and sign in with your account.
- Enable Autofill: In your Android settings, make the new password manager your default Autofill service. Your passwords will sync and be available across all your apps and browsers.
Final Thoughts
The Mac-to-Google transfer is typically the most direct way to move your iCloud Keychain passwords to the Android ecosystem. By using Google Password Manager, your new Android device will be able to autofill your credentials into Chrome and other compatible apps, making your transition seamless.