KEYCHAIN File Extension

What is KEYCHAIN file?

The .KEYCHAIN file format was originally developed by Apple Corporation. It is a password management system that is supported only in the Mac Operating system. It was initially introduced with the Mac OS 8.6 version, and later it has been a part of all the subsequent Mac OS versions including the Mac OS X.

The .KEYCHAIN file extension can comprise of several kinds of data, such as secure notes, certificates, private keys, passwords for encrypted disk images, groupware applications, wireless networks, network shares, SSH accounts, FTP servers and websites.

Programs which support KEYCHAIN file extension

Programs that can handle KEYCHAIN files are as follows. Files with KEYCHAIN extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 12/11/2023

How to open file with KEYCHAIN extension?

Being unable to open files with KEYCHAIN extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with KEYCHAIN extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with KEYCHAIN files.

Step 1. Install Apple Keychain Access software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening KEYCHAIN files is that no program that can handle KEYCHAIN files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Apple Keychain Access or different compatible program, such as Mac OS X. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support KEYCHAIN files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Apple Keychain Access website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Apple Keychain Access

If the problems with opening KEYCHAIN files still occur even after installing Apple Keychain Access, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Apple Keychain Access is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Apple Keychain Access cannot handle files with KEYCHAIN may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Apple Keychain Access is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Apple Keychain Access to KEYCHAIN files

If you have the latest version of Apple Keychain Access installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage KEYCHAIN on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the KEYCHAIN file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Apple Keychain Access installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open KEYCHAIN files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the KEYCHAIN file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with KEYCHAIN extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the KEYCHAIN file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper KEYCHAIN file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the KEYCHAIN file for viruses or malware

If the KEYCHAIN is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the KEYCHAIN file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the KEYCHAIN file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the KEYCHAIN file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic KEYCHAIN file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with KEYCHAIN extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Mac OS X Keychain Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Apple Keychain Access

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with KEYCHAIN extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Mac OS X Keychain Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle KEYCHAIN files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the KEYCHAIN file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on KEYCHAIN file.