Tahoe 26.5.1 Research suggests that I can use the new password app without Icloud Keychain enabled. Have tried my bank and paypal but each time theP passkey is blocked by request to turn on Icloud Keychain. Autofill and Passwords are turned on. Is there a way around this as I don't use Icloud Thanks
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Passkey Problem
MacBook Air (M4, 2025)
What you are experiencing is consistent with Apple’s current documentation for macOS Tahoe.
Apple specifically states that iCloud Keychain must be set up on a Mac to create a passkey.
Having AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys enabled does not remove that requirement. Apple: Sign in to an account on your Mac with a passkey
Apple also explains that the Passwords app stores passwords and passkeys and that iCloud Keychain is used to keep them available across Apple devices. Apple: Use the Passwords app
If you do not want to use iCloud Keychain, Apple documents two alternatives when creating a passkey on a Mac: use an iPhone or iPad by scanning a QR code, or use an external security key. Apple: Sign in to an account on your Mac with a passkey
Therefore, with iCloud Keychain disabled, there does not appear to be an Apple-supported way to create and save a new passkey directly in the Mac's Passwords app.
Your AutoFill settings are not the cause of the problem; the iCloud Keychain requirement is built into Apple's Mac passkey process.
What you are experiencing is consistent with Apple’s current documentation for macOS Tahoe.
Apple specifically states that iCloud Keychain must be set up on a Mac to create a passkey.
Having AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys enabled does not remove that requirement. Apple: Sign in to an account on your Mac with a passkey
Apple also explains that the Passwords app stores passwords and passkeys and that iCloud Keychain is used to keep them available across Apple devices. Apple: Use the Passwords app
If you do not want to use iCloud Keychain, Apple documents two alternatives when creating a passkey on a Mac: use an iPhone or iPad by scanning a QR code, or use an external security key. Apple: Sign in to an account on your Mac with a passkey
Therefore, with iCloud Keychain disabled, there does not appear to be an Apple-supported way to create and save a new passkey directly in the Mac's Passwords app.
Your AutoFill settings are not the cause of the problem; the iCloud Keychain requirement is built into Apple's Mac passkey process.
RichardAspen wrote:
Tahoe 26.5.1 Research suggests that I can use the new password app without Icloud Keychain enabled. Have tried my bank and paypal but each time theP passkey is blocked by request to turn on Icloud Keychain. Autofill and Passwords are turned on. Is there a way around this as I don't use Icloud Thanks
Creating a Passkey without iCloud Keychain is not possible if using the macOS Passwords app. Apple's Passwords app will only create a Passkey if iCloud Keychain is enabled. They state explicitly, "To create a passkey, iCloud Keychain must be set up on your Mac."
Sign in to an account on your Mac with a passkey - Apple Support
Having said that, there are other ways to create a passkey. Those require use of 3rd party password management software. For example, 1Password offers browser extensions that support creation of passkeys when using Safari and other browsers. Other password managers have similar features.
Personally, I would recommend using Apple's Passwords and iCloud Keychain. You do not need to subscribe to Apple's iCloud+ or pay anything to use it, you just need to be signed into your Apple account.
Here's a partial list of password managers you can use on your Mac:
All of those providers on that list except one have something in common – all have experienced data breaches. The one that has kept their users' data completely secure? Apple.
If you want to create a passkey you need a password manager. It's your decision, but I know which one I trust.
Side note:
The current version of macOS is 26.6.2. Based on your post you are running an older version, so you should update your Mac to the current version.
See: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support
macOS passkeys require iCloud Keychain: Sign in to an account on your Mac with a passkey - Apple Support
Send your feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple
iPhone has more options: Use passkeys to sign in to websites and apps on iPhone - Apple Support
Log feedback with Apple, and select a replacement password manager that provides local, manually synced storage without depending on Advanced Data Protection or such.
Concerns about being targeted by AI agents and by intelligence services already puts your requirements past what should probably involve Apple gear too, save for maybe some ancillary non-sensitive use at best.
Just to add regarding the usage of Passkeys that remain within the Apple Eco System
Excerpt " To protect user data from malicious attack, Apple uses passcodes in iOS, iPadOS and visionOS, and passwords in macOS. The longer a passcode or password is, the stronger it is—and the easier it is to discourage brute-force attacks. To further discourage attacks, Apple enforces time delays (iOS, iPadOS and visionOS) and a limited number of password attempts (Mac). "
As you know, there is no such thing as "the cloud". All the term means is that your personal data is stored on someone else's servers. If my passkey were "securely stored" on my computer", Icloud wouldn't be able to sync it to other devices. A foreign spy agency has already hacked the Iphone, and with AI it probably won't be long before they get into Icloud.... if they haven't already. With passwords no longer secure many companies are now asking for the use of passkeys. It ill behooves Apple to not make available this new security without adding a potential security lapse.
And what’s your reason for not using iCloud? Don’t trust cloud services?
How to use passkeys without iCloud Keychain?
