# macOS Keychain

Canonical page: /glossary/macos-keychain

API keys & secrets glossary, macOS Keychain & security. The macOS Keychain: Apple's Built-In Password Store

**Short answer:** The macOS Keychain is the encrypted credential store built into every Mac, used by Safari, Mail, and countless apps to hold passwords, certificates, and keys. It is protected by your login password and, on Apple silicon Macs, backed by the Secure Enclave.

## Why it matters

You can browse it directly with the Keychain Access app, or manage entries from the command line with the security tool. Apps generally cannot read another app's Keychain entries unless they are explicitly authorized to.

## In Claude Keychain

Claude Keychain is a thin, purpose-built interface over the macOS Keychain. It stores each API key as its own Keychain item and tracks only the names, never the values, in a separate local index so it can list them for you.

## Common questions

**Is the macOS Keychain the same thing as Claude Keychain?**

No. The macOS Keychain is Apple's built-in store. Claude Keychain is an app that uses it specifically for API keys, with a purpose-built interface and a Claude Code connection.

**Can I see my Keychain items without Claude Keychain?**

Yes, with the built-in Keychain Access app, though it is built for general use, not specifically for API keys.

## Related

[Keychain Access](/glossary/keychain-access), [security command](/glossary/security-command), [Secure Enclave](/glossary/secure-enclave)