How to fix 'Keychain Access' prompt loops and constant password requests on macOS

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix 'Keychain Access' prompt loops and constant password requests on macOS. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

It can be incredibly frustrating when your Mac enters a "password loop," repeatedly prompting you for your login credentials or the local items keychain password. This typically occurs when the password stored in your macOS Keychain becomes desynchronised from your actual user account password, often following a password change or a system update.

Quick Fix Steps

Before attempting a full keychain reset, try these non-destructive steps to resolve the synchronisation error.

1. Restart your Mac: A simple reboot can often clear temporary cache errors causing the prompt.
2. Check for macOS Updates: Navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update to ensure your system is current.
3. Lock and Unlock: Open Keychain Access, right-click the login keychain in the sidebar, select Lock Keychain "login", and then Unlock Keychain "login" using your current password.

Detailed Instructions

Method 1: Updating the Keychain Password

If you recently changed your user password and the prompt started appearing shortly after, you may need to manually update the keychain to match.

1. Open Keychain Access (found in Applications > Utilities).
2. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, select Edit.
3. Select Change Password for Keychain "login".
4. Enter your Old Password (the password used before the change) and then enter your New Password twice.
5. Click OK and restart your Mac.

Method 2: Resetting the Default Keychains

If you do not remember the old password or the "Change Password" method fails, you will need to reset the keychain. This will stop the prompts, but it will remove saved passwords for Wi-Fi networks, websites, and applications.

1. Open Keychain Access.
2. In the menu bar, click Keychain Access and select Settings... (or Preferences... on older macOS versions).
3. Click the button labelled Reset Default Keychains.
4. Enter your current Mac administrator password when prompted.
5. Click Reset Defaults to confirm.
6. Restart your computer immediately to finalise the process.

Troubleshooting Specific Scenarios

The 'Local Items' Prompt Loop

If the prompt specifically mentions local items, it is often related to iCloud Keychain synchronisation.

• Go to System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
• Locate Passwords & Keychain and toggle the switch Off.
• Wait 30 seconds, then toggle it back On.
• If prompted to merge data, select Merge to synchronise your local passwords with the cloud.

Checking for Third-Party Conflicts

Occasionally, third-party security software or password managers can interfere with the macOS native keychain.

1. Boot your Mac into Safe Mode (hold Shift during startup on Intel Macs, or hold the Power button on Apple Silicon Macs until Startup Options appear).
2. Check if the password prompt persists in Safe Mode.
3. If the prompts stop, a third-party application is likely causing the conflict. Analyse your recently installed software and update or remove problematic apps.

If these steps do not resolve the loop, please Open a Ticket so our technical team can investigate your system logs.

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