How to Transfer Passwords and Passkeys to a New iPhone
Passwords and passkeys transfer to a new iPhone through iCloud Passwords & Keychain, not through a standard device backup alone. Sign in to the same Apple Account, enable Passwords & Keychain synchronization on both iPhones, and complete Apple security verification. Third-party password managers require separate app installation and account sign-in.
Steps
- Update both iPhones to a current iOS version and connect each device to Wi-Fi.
- On the old iPhone, open Settings > [Apple Account name] > iCloud > Passwords and Keychain, then enable Sync this iPhone.
- Set up the new iPhone with the same Apple Account and complete two-factor authentication or the requested old-device passcode verification.
- On the new iPhone, open Settings > [Apple Account name] > iCloud > Passwords and Keychain, then enable synchronization.
- Open the Passwords app and allow time for saved passwords and passkeys to appear. Confirm access by opening a saved website or app login.
🤔Note:
Standard iCloud backups do not replace iCloud Passwords & Keychain synchronization for password and passkey access. Keep the old iPhone available until every important login and passkey works on the new iPhone.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Passkeys missing after iPhone transfer: iCloud Passwords & Keychain synchronization may be disabled. Enable Sync this iPhone on the new iPhone and keep the device connected to Wi-Fi.
- Passwords do not appear after setup: The new iPhone may use a different Apple Account. Check the Apple Account email under Settings and sign in with the account used on the old iPhone.
- A verification request blocks synchronization: Apple security verification may require the old iPhone passcode, Apple Account password, or approval from a trusted device. Complete every requested verification step.
- Third-party passwords are missing: Passwords stored in 1Password, Bitwarden, Google Password Manager, or another service do not automatically move through iCloud. Install the related app, sign in, and enable the provider under Settings > General > AutoFill & Passwords.
- A hardware security key passkey is unavailable: Some passkeys remain on a physical security key or a specific device. Connect the security key or register a replacement passkey with the relevant account.
Quick Tips
- Standard iCloud backups do not replace iCloud Passwords & Keychain synchronization for password and passkey access.
- Keep the old iPhone available until every important login and passkey works on the new iPhone.
- Passkeys created with Apple Passwords generally sync through iCloud, while device-bound credentials may require account recovery or new registration.
- Avoid deleting the old iPhone before checking banking, email, password-manager, and two-factor authentication accounts.
💡Protip:
Passkeys created with Apple Passwords generally sync through iCloud, but device-bound credentials may require account recovery or new registration. Verify banking, email, password-manager, and two-factor authentication accounts before deleting the old iPhone.
Related Questions
Do passkeys transfer with Quick Start?
Passkeys usually become available after the new iPhone signs in to the same Apple Account and synchronizes iCloud Passwords & Keychain. Quick Start alone does not guarantee passkey transfer.
Why are iCloud Keychain passwords not showing on the new iPhone?
The usual causes are a different Apple Account, disabled synchronization, incomplete security verification, or delayed iCloud syncing. Confirm account details, enable synchronization, and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
