Why I Use Apple's And Google's Password Managers - And Don't Mind The Chaos

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Follow ZDNET: Add america arsenic a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

• Ditch nan Notes app; commencement utilizing your device's built-in password manager.
• Apple and Google make password managers suitable for beginners.
• Apple is champion for iOS users, Google is champion for Android aliases mixed-device users.

As I get older, I'm realizing I can't retrieve everything, particularly nan passwords to my important accounts. There are streaming services, security accounts, measure portals, and a cardinal different accounts to support up with. Instead of logging my passwords successful my Notes app (as I utilized to do), I started utilizing Apple's and Google's password managers.

Also: Apple, Google, and Microsoft connection free password managers - but should you usage them?

They aren't fancy, but they're a awesome starting constituent for beginners for illustration maine who request a safe spot to shop their passwords. The ubiquity of these companies' products and services makes their password managers elemental to merge crossed your hardware and software, moreover if you usage both. Here's how.

My tricky situation

I for illustration Apple's personification interface, but I don't for illustration its email app; I for illustration Gmail. I usage Safari arsenic my net browser connected my iPhone, but ne'er connected my MacBook; I'm much of a Chrome personification erstwhile surfing nan web. So, my passwords are dispersed crossed Apple's hardware devices and Google's services. Apple's password head lets maine prevention my passwords on-device, while Google's lets maine prevention them to nan cloud.

Why I usage Apple Passwords

Apple's password head stores each nan passwords successful my Apple account. This app besides stores my passkeys, which are saved successful iCloud Keychain and shared crossed each my Apple devices. On my iPhone, I usage Face ID arsenic a passkey, and connected my MacBook, I usage my fingerprint.

Also: How I switched password managers without losing a azygous login - quickly and for free

From my experience, Apple Passwords is simply a coagulated action for Apple users, but -- for illustration galore different Apple features -- it's constricted to nan iOS ecosystem. So, if you person an iPhone and a Windows PC, for example, you'll find it difficult to sync your passwords crossed your devices. However, if you person an iPhone, Mac, and iPad, these passwords and your passkeys will sync crossed devices.

Why I usage Google Password Manager

I usage Google Password Manager connected my MacBook erstwhile utilizing Chrome, which is wherever I do astir of my browsing. I tin usage my Google relationship connected Chrome, prevention passwords, create passkeys, and usage my Mac's Touch ID to validate Google password passkeys. I besides usage a Google Pixel 9 Pro to trial definite headphones and earbuds pinch Android-specific features, and sometimes I request to create caller app accounts to registry my devices.

Also: The champion password managers of 2026: Expert tested

If I ever want to log successful to an app connected my iPhone that I created connected my Pixel, I tin easy unfastened nan Chrome browser connected my iPhone, entree my Google Password Manager pinch my Google account, and retrieve my information. Unlike Apple Passwords, Google Password Manager is much easy accessible crossed instrumentality ecosystems, arsenic agelong arsenic you person a Google account.

Which is better?

I don't person a penchant betwixt nan two; I find Apple Passwords to beryllium much convenient since I person Apple devices, but it's easier to create passkeys successful Google Password Manager. I urge Apple Passwords to group who reside strictly successful nan Apple ecosystem. I urge Google Password Manager to group pinch mixed-device ecosystems aliases who for illustration Google's productivity apps and browser complete proprietary ones installed connected their devices.