How to Transfer Passwords to a New iPhone: 3 Proven Methods [2025]

It doesn't sound straightforward, but it is possible. This post will explain the three best methods to help you transfer your passwords to the new iPhone in minutes. You'll also find the reasons why you failed to transfer passwords to the new iPhone. By the end of this article, you will know which method to implement.

Check the table to find out the best method for you:

Part 1: Transfer Passwords to New iPhone via iCloud Keychain

Let us explain if you need to familiarize yourself with iCloud Keychain and its capacities. iCloud Keychain is one of Apple's primary password management systems. It is a fantastic tool created exclusively for saving, creating, and accessing complex passwords.

With the iCloud Keychain, you can securely store important information, like account names, credit card numbers, and passwords, on your iOS devices. You'll also have your passwords and credit card information at your fingertips. You will also no longer be able to rely on third-party security apps.

Steps to Transfer Passwords to New iPhone via iCloud Keychain:

1. Turn on the internet connection on the old iPhone.
2. Head to Settings.
3. Hit on your profile.
4. Choose iCloud.
5. Hit the Keychain.

   

6. Toggle to turn on the iCloud Keychain, and input your Apple ID credentials.
7. Wait a few minutes, activate the new iPhone, and turn on the internet.
8. Follow the same way and turn on the iCloud Keychain.
9. Within minutes, all your passwords will be downloaded.

Pros

• Automatic, seamless sync of all saved passwords (and passkeys) during setup.
• End-to-end encrypted; protected by device passcode/Face ID and Apple ID 2FA.
• No cables or computer required; works in the background.
• Best for bulk migration when moving to a new iPhone on the same Apple ID.

Cons

• Requires both devices signed in to the same Apple ID with iCloud Keychain enabled.
• Relies on internet/iCloud availability; occasional sync delays.
• Limited selectivity—harder to cherry-pick many items at once.
• Apple-ecosystem dependent; not useful for cross-platform moves.

Note: This feature will only work when you use the same Apple ID on both devices. And it will synchronize all the passwords.

Part 2: Transfer Saved Passwords to New iPhone using AirDrop

Apart from the iCloud Keychain, you can also use the Apple AirDrop to transfer all your saved passwords to the new iPhone. Follow along to see how it is done.

Steps to Transfer Saved Passwords to a New iPhone using AirDrop:

1. To use AirDrop, bring the two iPhones closer to each other and turn on the Wi - Fi and Bluetooth on both phones.
2. Head to Settings, search AirDrop, and turn it on. Or you can head to Control Centre, hold and press the wireless network section, and turn on AirDrop.

   

3. Now, navigate to Settings on your old iPhone, then go to Passwords & Accounts, then hit Website & App Passwords. Choose the account passwords to share via AirDrop.

   

4. The moment you select the account, all its details will be listed. Long press the Passwords section, and you will get the option to copy and share via AirDrop.

   

5. Tap on AirDrop, select the device, and accept the data incoming on your new iPhone.

   

Pros

• Works between different Apple IDs; no iCloud account sharing required.
• Fast, local, and wireless; no internet or computer needed.
• Lets you send exactly the item you want—good for one-off credentials.

Cons

• Transfers one password at a time; tedious for large vaults.
• Requires close proximity with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled on both devices.
• Coverage varies by iOS version; may not include all secret types (e.g., some passkeys/2FA codes).
• Use caution in public spaces—handoff relies on recipient approval at close range.

Note: AirDrop only allows transferring one password at a time. However, it will allow you to transfer passwords from one Apple ID to another easily.

Part 3: How to Transfer Passwords to New iPhone via iTunes

Can I use iTunes to transfer all your passwords to the new iPhone? If you opt for the complete iPhone migration, you can transfer all the saved passwords and other info simultaneously. But it is complicated and is a time-killer.

Steps to Transfer All Passwords to New iPhone via iTunes:

1. Download the latest version if you do not have iTunes or an outdated version.
2. Take your old iPhone and connect it to the computer.
3. Click on the iPhone icon.
4. Go to the Summary tab, move to Backups, and enable Encrypt Local Backup. Then hit Back Up Now, wait for some time, and disconnect the old device.

   

5. Now, you need to connect the new iPhone to your computer.
6. Click on the iPhone icon, hit the Restore Backup button, choose the backup, enter the passcode, and the restore will be completed in a few minutes.

Pros

• Complete, offline transfer via a trusted computer—no internet required.
• Encrypted backups include Keychain items (passwords, Wi-Fi logins) and other sensitive data.
• One-and-done bulk move; preserves more app data and settings.
• Doesn’t require both devices to share the same Apple ID to move local credentials.

Cons

• You must create an encrypted backup; without the backup password, passwords won’t transfer.
• Requires a Mac/PC and cable; time-consuming and needs disk space.
• Restore overwrites existing data on the target iPhone.
• Version quirks: can’t restore a newer-iOS backup to a device on an older iOS.
• Local backup files are sensitive—extra care needed to store/delete securely.

Troubleshooting FAQs

Q: How to Fix Passwords Did Not Transfer to New iPhone

If you have been wondering why the passwords weren't transferred to the new iPhone, here are some of the key reasons:

• You didn't save passwords to the iCloud Keychain, meaning they are not saved and can't be transferred.
• You did not sign in to your emails, which could store your passwords.
• You have set up your iPhone in a way that won't transfer passwords.

Q: Why is iCloud Keychain not syncing my passwords?

Several things could interrupt Keychain syncing:

• Ensure both iPhones are signed in to the same Apple ID with iCloud Keychain enabled under Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Passwords and Keychain.
• Check that both devices are connected to Wi-Fi and unlocked (Keychain doesn't sync over cellular by default).
• Restart both devices and toggle iCloud Keychain off/on to refresh syncing.
• Make sure two-factor authentication is enabled for your Apple ID—it's required for Keychain.

Q: What to do if AirDrop is not showing the other iPhone?

AirDrop visibility can be blocked by several device settings:

• On both iPhones, go to Settings > General > AirDrop and set to Everyone or Contacts Only.
• Ensure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on, and Personal Hotspot is turned off.
• Keep both iPhones unlocked, with AirDrop screen open in the share menu to make them visible.
• If issues persist, restart both devices or reset network settings (as a last resort).

Q: I forgot my iTunes encrypted backup password. What now?

Unfortunately, Apple cannot help you recover the encrypted backup password. You can try:

• Try any older passwords you used on that computer (macOS may save it in Keychain Access under “iPhone Backup”).
• If you absolutely can't remember it, you'll need to create a new backup by unchecking "Encrypt local backup" in iTunes/Finder, but be aware that passwords, Health data, and Wi-Fi logins will not be included.
• As a future measure, consider using a secure password manager to store such keys.

Q: Do Google Chrome passwords saved on my iPhone also transfer?

No, passwords saved in Google Chrome are stored in your Google Account, not in iCloud Keychain:

• To transfer them, sign into the same Google Account on your new iPhone and enable Chrome sync.
• Go to Chrome > Settings > Passwords to ensure "Sync" is turned on and that passwords are included.
• If you switch to Safari or another browser, you'll need to export/import passwords manually using a CSV file from a desktop Chrome browser.

Part 5: How to View Saved Passwords on iPhone

If you are looking for a way to view all your saved passwords on your iPhone, here is what you need:

View Saved Passwords on iPhone with iOS 18 or above:

If you own an iPhone running iOS 18 or later, Apple has introduced the Passwords app — a dedicated application that simplifies managing and retrieving your saved credentials. Whether you need access to a website, app, or Wi-Fi network, the Passwords app is your go-to solution.

1. Locate the Passwords app on your iPhone’s home screen or app library and open it. This app consolidates all your saved credentials in one place.
2. To ensure privacy, you’ll need to verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device's screen lock passcode.
3. Use the search bar at the top to quickly locate the account you need. Or you can tap on the tabs to explore the passwords you saved.
4. Select the account to view its username, password, and additional information. You can even copy the password to your clipboard for easy use.

View Saved Passwords on iPhone without iOS 18:

1. Head to phone Settings and choose Passwords. If you are using iOS 26 or earlier versions, you need to choose Passwords & Accounts and then select Websites & App Passwords.
2. You can use the passcode or password, your Touch ID or Face ID when prompted. Or, you can use the voice assistant Siri to view your passwords.

   

3. To see a specific password, choose the app or website.

   

Bonus: Backup Your iPhone to Computer for Free

You can easily transfer all your passwords to the new iPhone once you have backed it up to the iCloud Keychain. But it would be pretty much the same if you backed up your old iPhone and restored the backup in the new iPhone.

If you wish to back up your old iPhone entirely to your computer, you can use the MobileTrans. It allows you to back up your crucial data to your computer without charging a penny. And MobileTrans is super reliable and easy to use.

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The Closing Thoughts

You can use any of the mentioned methods to transfer passwords to the new iPhone. And if you wish to create an entire backup of your old phone and transfer it to the new iPhone, MobileTrans is always there to help.

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Axel Nash

staff Editor