Fix Mac Keeps Asking For Your Keychain Password (Sonoma)

Here's solution for Mac app wants to use the "login" keychain. and asking for Please enter the keychain password repeatedly.

While Keychain is found to be one of the useful features to Manage Passwords On Mac, it’s not immune to bugs. As many users across the community are reporting the issues, Mac keeps asking for your Keychain Password. 

However, there are specific culprits behind the issue, but luckily we have curated the workarounds to fix Mac Keychain password error pop-up. 

Fix Mac Apps wants to use the “login” keychain, Please enter the keychain password

It’s annoying to receive a Keychain password pop-up repeatedly in apps like assistantd, sharingd, commenter & more… and that’s what many Mac users are going through. If you have the same issue, follow the guide below.

is it Virus?

Here’s what to do when mac asks for a keychain password. Take action wisely otherwise. Mac users can lose the Keychain passwords that they can’t recover.

Fix 1: Delete Keychain Files From Library

Usually, Local items on the Keychain won’t be able to recognize your actual password and would frequently keep popping up the window asking for a password. 

Nevertheless, this could be due to recently installed or formatted macOS or reset or change Apple ID. So don’t worry; perform a solution to get rid of it.

  1. Open the Finder. Choose Go from the Finder Menubar.
  2. Select Go To Folder from the drop-down.
open-go-to-folder-on-mac-finder
open-go-to-folder-on-mac-finder
  1. Enter ~/Library/ in the text field.
open-library-folder-on-mac-finder
open-library-folder-on-mac-finder
  1. From the result, search for the Keychains Folder. Backup to a different location on your mac And move the keychain items into the trash.
move-to-trash-keychain-folder-on-mac
move-to-trash-keychain-folder-on-mac

Once you do so, restart the Mac computer. And you have fixed the macOS Keychain password error popup.

Fix 2: Reset To Default Keychain…

Sometimes the error keeps visiting continuously while opening or installing the application on Mac, for instance, any software of Adobe. 

However, it could be a hindrance in the settings of Keychain; you can restore keychain settings to default. Follow the steps below.

  1. Go to the Keychain Access App and open it.

open-keychain-access-on-mac-for-settings
open-keychain-access-on-mac-for-settings
  1. Once the app is accessed, click on Keychain Access from the menu bar.
  2. Click on Settings…(Preferences… for macOS Monterey And Earlier Version).
open-settings-for-keychain-access
open-settings-for-keychain-access
  1. In the next window, click on the Reset Default Keychains…
reset-to-default-for-keychain-access
reset-to-default-for-keychain-access

That’s It! Right after this, your keychain settings will be renovated to default settings. You need to re-login to the Apple ID in the System Settings… and turn on Password & Keychain in the iCloud. And Keychain-related issues, including keychain access password is fixed on Mac.

Fix 4: Check If Keychain Not Set Up To Lock Automatically

If your Mac computer frequently keeps asking for keychain passwords, it could be due to no activity on your computer for a long duration. But, on the other hand, your keychain password or user password is out of sync. 

Fortunately, Keychain Settings allows setting up duration for the Keychain from asking to enter the password once again. Here is how you can do so.

  1. Open the Keychain Access app on your Mac. (Command + Space, Type Keychain Access to find it).
open-keychain-access-on-mac-for-settings
open-keychain-access-on-mac-for-settings
  1. Click on Login from the left sidebar of the application.
  2. Now select Edit from the menu bar and choose Change Settings For Keychain “Login.”
change-settings-for-keychain-login
change-settings-for-keychain-login
  1. Select the box next to the “Lock After” and set the timer accordingly.
  2. If you want the Keychain to ask for a password each time Mac goes to sleep, the checkbox next to the “Lock When Sleeping.”
automatically-enable-keychain-password-on-mac
automatically-enable-keychain-password-on-mac
  1. Take an overview and confirm by clicking Save on the bottom left of the screen.

That’s It!

Fix 5: Restart Keychain

If nothing works, disable and re-enable the Keychain on Mac. Follow the steps below.

Make sure your Mac is signed in with your apple ID. or Verify if there is any pending Apple ID Verification notification under the system settings.

macOS Ventura And Later

  1. Go to Apple Logo > System Settings…
  2. Tap on your Apple ID[Your Name].
  3. Select iCloud from the right side.
icloud-settings-on-mac
icloud-settings-on-mac
  1. Swipe down and disable the toggle next to Passwords & Keychain. Please wait for a while and then re-enable it back. 
enable-keychain-on-mac
enable-keychain-on-mac

macOS Monterey And Earlier

  1. Select Apple Logo from the top-left side.
  2. Choose System Preferences…
  3. Click on your Apple ID[Your Name].
  4. Select iCloud from the left sidebar.

Please uncheck the box to the Keychain, hold it for a few seconds, and re-enable it.

Fix 6: Boot Mac To Safe Mode

Considering macOS as a culprit can go wrong, there are chances that a corrupted third-party application is misbehaving behind the scenes. To check it, you need to Boot Mac To Safe Mode (For intel Mac check the link). 

  1. First of all, Shut down the Mac.
  2. After Waiting for 10 seconds, press the Power Button until Loading Setup Options…and Startup Volume and Settings gear appear on the screen.
  3. Hold down the Shift Key and select Continue With Safe Mode below your SSD.
select-drive-in-safe-mode-on-mac-m-series
  1. Hold for a few seconds, and from the resulting screen, select the user and enter Password.
  2. As soon as you reach the main screen, you will receive Red Safe Mode at the top right corner of the screen.
safe-boot-mode-on-Apple-silicon-series-mac-apple-silicon
safe-boot-mode-on-Apple-silicon-series-mac-apple-silicon

Note that Passwords And Keychain should be turned on in the iCloud. Once you verify, check for the issue. If it works as usual, boot Mac to normal mode by restarting.

Note: Sign out your Apple ID from system settings (Sign out Grayed out on Mac) and Sign in again is also helpful.

Fix 7: Update The macOS

Check if your Mac computer is updated to the latest version. Since it’s found that outdated macOS can cause various issues, including “App Name” wanting to use a login keychain. To check for updates, follow the steps below.

  1. Click on the Apple Logo.
  2. Choose System Settings… (System Preferences…for macOS Monterey And Earlier Version).
  3. Select Software Updates. 

Let the system check for updates. If available, click on Update Now Button and then choose Restart Now. 

Bottom Line

I hope the troubleshooting can fix Mac that keeps asking for your keychain password. And if nothing worked for you, it is high time to Contact Apple Support!

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood, a Wellington-based journalist, excels in covering Apple and tech trends. With a diverse background in public safety, government, and education reporting, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, offering readers a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. Contact Her Team:- [email protected] [OR] [email protected]

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