How to View Saved Password History for Each Account in macOS 26

Apple’s latest macOS 26 Beta brings a highly anticipated upgrade to the Passwords app—a feature many users have long awaited: password version history. This powerful addition enables Mac users to view and recover previous versions of saved passwords, solving the all-too-common frustration of accidental password changes or overwrites.

This update makes password management more intuitive and secure, helping users restore old credentials with ease, especially when dealing with frequent updates or shared logins across devices. Here’s everything you need to know about accessing and using this feature.

What Is Password Version History in macOS 26?

The password version history feature in macOS 26 allows you to:

• View all previously saved passwords for a specific account
• See when each version was saved or modified
• Restore or copy older passwords if the current one fails
• Avoid repetitive password resets or account lockouts

This new capability streamlines credential recovery and significantly enhances the reliability of Apple’s native password management system.

How to Access Password Version History in macOS 26

Step 1: Launch the Passwords App

Open the new standalone Passwords app by:

• Searching “Passwords” using Command + Space
• Locating it in the Applications folder or Dock

Unlike in earlier macOS versions where it was buried within System Settings, this app now stands on its own for quick access.

Step 2: Authenticate Your Identity

Use Touch ID or enter your Mac user password to unlock the app and protect sensitive credentials from unauthorized access.

Step 3: Select a Login Entry

Browse your list of saved logins and select the account for which you want to view the password history. Each entry includes relevant details like the username and website.

Step 4: Click “View History”

If the password has been changed at least once, a “View History” button appears at the bottom of the entry. Click it to display a chronological list of all previous passwords, along with the timestamps of each change.

Step 5: Reveal a Past Password

Click on any entry marked “Password Changed” or “Password Saved” to view the actual password from that point in time.

Step 6: Copy or Restore as Needed

You can copy the older password to your clipboard for reuse. Apple ensures these entries are securely stored, and although you can clear history manually, it’s best to retain it for future troubleshooting or recovery.

For Older macOS Versions (Sonoma and Earlier)

View Passwords via System Settings:

1. Go to System Settings from the Apple menu.
2. Click Passwords in the sidebar.
3. Authenticate with Touch ID or your password.
4. Select an account and click Show Details to view, edit, or delete credentials.

Note: Password version history is not supported in macOS versions prior to 26.

Using Safari to Manage Passwords

Safari still offers a convenient way to manage website credentials:

1- Open Safari, then go to Safari > Settings > Passwords.

2- Authenticate with your Mac password or Touch ID.

3- Browse and manage saved passwords. While version history isn’t available here, you can still view, edit, or delete entries.

Recover Recently Deleted Passwords (macOS & iOS)

In macOS 26 and iOS 17, passwords deleted or modified in error may still be recoverable:

• Open the Passwords app or System Settings
• Look for the Recently Deleted section
• Restore entries within 72 hours before they are permanently erased

Bonus Tips for Better Password Management

• ✅ Enable iCloud Keychain for seamless sync across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
• 📤 Shared Groups: Ensure your device supports shared passwords when moving credentials to shared groups.
• 🧭 Menu Bar Shortcut: Add the Passwords app to your menu bar from within its settings for instant access.
• 🗣️ Use Siri: Say “Show my passwords” to quickly open your saved credentials hands-free.

Final Thoughts:

With the introduction of password version history in macOS 26 Beta, Apple has taken a major step forward in making password recovery more user-friendly and secure. Whether you accidentally change a password or need to revert to an older login, this feature ensures you’re never locked out again.

By leveraging this functionality and keeping iCloud Keychain enabled, you’ll have better control over your online security, making password management on your Apple devices not just easier—but smarter.