What is a Keychain on macOS?
A Keychain on a Mac is a secure, encrypted storage system used to save sensitive information such as:
- Website usernames and passwords
- WiFi network passwords
- Email and application passwords
- Certificates and security keys, which are issued by trusted organizations to validate websites, digital documents, and other web-based materials
macOS automatically uses the keychain to store and autofill credentials, so users do not need to repeatedly enter passwords. Keychains are managed through a built-in utility called Keychain Access.
Why would you need to delete a Keychain?
You may need to delete a Keychain if:
- You are having issues connecting to WiFi networks.
- You are having issues downloading software.
- You forgot the Keychain password or are receiving repeated Keychain password prompts.
- A Keychain has become corrupted.
- You are transferring or resetting a computer.
How to Delete a Keychain:
- To open the Keychain Access app, search for it in Spotlight, and press Return.
2. Select "Open Keychain Access."
3. Enter your Mac password, then select OK, or use Touch ID to log in when prompted.
4. From Keychain Access, you can select different Keychains to view, such as default login/iCloud Keychains and System/System Root Keychains. You can also search by "All Items" and type a keyword in the search field if you aren't sure how a Keychain is named.
Highlight the desired Keychain to remove, and right-click to select Delete to delete the Keychain and Delete again to confirm.
More information on Keychains can be found on the Apple Keychain Access User Guide Page. From this Apple support page, you can also select your macOS version to view version-specific instructions for deleting Keychains.