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If you use KeePassXC on your Mac, Windows PC, or Linux machine and want the same experience on your iPhone, you will quickly discover that KeePassXC does not have an iOS app. There is no KeePassXC for iPhone. There is no KeePassXC for iPad. The project is desktop-only by design, and there are no official plans to change that.
The good news is that KeePassXC uses the open KDBX format – the same format at the heart of the entire KeePass & Open Standards ecosystem. Because KDBX is an open standard, several excellent iOS apps can open, edit, and sync the exact same database file you use in KeePassXC on your desktop. You do not need to convert anything, export anything, or abandon your existing setup. You just need the right iOS app.
This guide covers the best KeePass-compatible apps for iPhone and iPad, explains how they compare, and walks you through syncing your KeePassXC database to your mobile device.
Why KeePassXC Has No Mobile App
KeePassXC is a community-driven, open-source project built with the Qt framework. Its developers have focused exclusively on creating the best desktop KeePass client for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Building and maintaining native mobile applications would require a different technology stack, different expertise, and significantly more resources than the project currently has.
This is not a limitation of the KeePass ecosystem – it is a deliberate focus. KeePassXC does one thing and does it extremely well: desktop password management with browser integration, SSH agent support, Auto-Type, and hardware key compatibility. Mobile access is left to dedicated iOS and Android apps that specialize in their respective platforms.
The KDBX format makes this separation seamless. Your database file works identically in KeePassXC and in any compatible iOS app. There is no sync service to configure between them – just a shared file.
What to Look for in a KeePass iOS App
Before evaluating individual apps, here are the features that matter most when choosing a KeePass client for iPhone or iPad:
KDBX 4.0 support – The current version of the KeePass database format. If your KeePassXC database uses Argon2 key derivation or ChaCha20 encryption (both are modern defaults), you need an app that supports KDBX 4.0. All three apps reviewed below do.
iOS AutoFill – Apple provides a system-wide credential provider framework that allows password managers to fill usernames and passwords in Safari, apps, and any other context that requests credentials. This is the single most important usability feature on iOS. Without it, you are copying and pasting from the password manager manually.
Face ID and Touch ID – Biometric unlock means you do not have to type your master password every time you need a credential. The app encrypts a key using the Secure Enclave and unlocks your database with a biometric check.
Cloud sync – Your KDBX file needs to be accessible on both your desktop and your iPhone. iCloud Drive is the simplest option for Apple users. Google Drive is a strong cross-platform alternative. Some apps also support Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV, and SFTP.
TOTP support – Many KeePassXC users store time-based one-time passwords (TOTP codes) alongside their credentials. A good iOS app should generate these codes directly, eliminating the need for a separate authenticator app.
Reliability – The app must handle database locking, conflict resolution, and background behavior gracefully. A password manager that corrupts your database or loses edits is worse than no password manager at all.
The Best KeePass Apps for iPhone and iPad
PanicVault
Price: One-time purchase Platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS KDBX support: 3.1 and 4.0
PanicVault is a native Apple password manager built from the ground up with SwiftUI. It is designed specifically for users who live in the Apple ecosystem and want a KeePass-compatible app that feels like a first-party Apple product.
PanicVault supports full KDBX 4.0 read and write, including Argon2 key derivation, AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, groups, custom fields, entry history, and file attachments. Your KeePassXC database opens without modification.
On iOS, PanicVault integrates with Apple’s credential provider framework for system-wide AutoFill. This means it fills credentials in Safari, in native apps, and in any browser or app that uses the standard iOS password autofill prompt. Face ID and Touch ID unlock is built in, and TOTP code generation is supported directly within each entry.
Sync works through iCloud Drive or Google Drive. Place your KDBX file in either service, and PanicVault keeps it synchronized across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. There is no proprietary sync layer – it is your file on your cloud storage, accessible from any KeePass app on any platform.
The pricing model is a one-time purchase with no subscription. You pay once and own the app permanently, including future updates.
Strengths:
- Native Apple design that follows Human Interface Guidelines
- System-wide AutoFill in Safari and all apps
- Face ID and Touch ID biometric unlock
- TOTP code generation
- iCloud Drive and Google Drive sync
- One-time purchase – no subscription
- Full KDBX 4.0 compatibility with KeePassXC databases
Limitations:
- No YubiKey or hardware key support
- Not open source
- Apple platforms only (no Windows, Linux, or Android)
Best for: KeePassXC users on Apple devices who want a polished, native iOS experience with zero configuration complexity. PanicVault bridges the gap between KeePassXC’s data format and a modern mobile password manager.
Strongbox
Price: Freemium (free tier available; Pro via subscription or ~$29.99 lifetime) Platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS KDBX support: KDB, KDBX 3.1, KDBX 4.0
Strongbox is a mature, feature-dense KeePass client that has been on the App Store for years. It offers the broadest feature set of any KeePass app on iOS, covering use cases from basic credential storage to enterprise-level security workflows.
Strongbox supports KDBX 4.0 along with older KDB (KeePass 1.x) and KDBX 3.1 formats. It reads and writes KeePassXC databases without issue. The app integrates with iOS AutoFill, supports Face ID and Touch ID, generates TOTP codes, and even offers an Apple Watch companion app for quick credential lookups.
Where Strongbox distinguishes itself is in sync options and power-user features. It supports iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, WebDAV, and SFTP as sync providers – more than any other iOS KeePass client. It also includes password audit functionality that checks your credentials against known breach databases, YubiKey hardware key support, and automatic database backups.
The trade-off is complexity and pricing. Strongbox’s free tier is limited to read-only access, which makes it impractical as a primary tool without paying. The Pro version unlocks editing, AutoFill, biometric unlock, and other essential features. The interface is more complex than PanicVault’s, reflecting its larger feature surface.
Strengths:
- Most features of any iOS KeePass app
- Multiple sync providers (iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, WebDAV, SFTP)
- YubiKey hardware key support
- Password audit and breach checking
- Apple Watch companion app
- Legacy KDB format support
- TOTP code generation
Limitations:
- Free tier is read-only (effectively requires purchase for real use)
- More complex interface with steeper learning curve
- Higher price point for lifetime license
- Freemium model means some features are gated
Best for: Power users who need multiple sync providers, hardware key support, or password auditing. Ideal if you sync your KeePassXC database through a provider other than iCloud or Google Drive.
KeePassium
Price: Freemium (free tier with limitations; Premium via subscription or lifetime) Platforms: iOS, iPadOS (macOS via Catalyst) KDBX support: KDB, KDBX 3.1, KDBX 4.0
KeePassium is an open-source KeePass client for iOS that emphasizes simplicity and security. Its interface is clean and straightforward, with fewer options than Strongbox but a more focused experience.
KeePassium supports KDBX 4.0 and reads KeePassXC databases without trouble. It integrates with iOS AutoFill, supports Face ID and Touch ID, and works with any cloud storage provider through the iOS Files framework (iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and others).
The app takes a security-first approach. It clears the database from memory when it moves to the background, uses Apple’s Secure Enclave for key protection, and provides clear security indicators throughout the interface. The open-source core means the community can review the code for vulnerabilities.
KeePassium’s free tier is more generous than Strongbox’s – it allows editing and basic AutoFill – but limits the number of databases and imposes a timeout on database access. The Premium tier removes all limits and adds features like YubiKey support, multiple databases, and longer database timeouts.
Strengths:
- Open-source core (community-auditable)
- Clean, focused interface
- Free tier allows editing (unlike Strongbox)
- Security-first design with memory protection
- Face ID and Touch ID support
- AutoFill integration
- Works with any iOS file provider for sync
Limitations:
- Free tier has database timeout and multi-database restrictions
- TOTP support requires Premium
- macOS app is Catalyst-based (not fully native macOS experience)
- YubiKey support requires Premium
- Smaller development team than Strongbox
Best for: Users who value open-source transparency and want a simpler, more focused interface than Strongbox. A good choice for KeePassXC users who prioritize code auditability on mobile as well as desktop.
Other Options Worth Mentioning
AuthPass is a cross-platform, open-source KeePass client built with Flutter. It runs on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. AuthPass supports KDBX 4.0, AutoFill, and biometric unlock. Its cross-platform nature means you get a consistent interface on every device, but the Flutter-based design does not feel native on iOS. Development activity has been slower than the three apps above.
KeePass Touch is an older iOS KeePass client that still appears in the App Store. It supports basic KDBX reading and writing but has not been updated as actively as PanicVault, Strongbox, or KeePassium. Its feature set and interface lag behind the current leaders. It is not recommended for new users.
Comparison Table
| Feature | PanicVault | Strongbox | KeePassium | AuthPass | KeePass Touch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | One-time | Freemium | Freemium | Free | Freemium |
| KDBX 4.0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| AutoFill | Yes | Yes (Pro) | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Face ID / Touch ID | Yes | Yes (Pro) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TOTP | Yes | Yes | Premium | Yes | No |
| iCloud Sync | Yes | Yes | Via Files | Via Files | Via Files |
| Google Drive Sync | Yes | Yes | Via Files | Via Files | No |
| YubiKey | No | Yes | Premium | No | No |
| Open Source | No | Partial | Yes | Yes | No |
| Apple Watch | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| macOS App | Native | Native | Catalyst | Yes | No |
How to Sync Your KeePassXC Database to iPhone
Moving your existing KeePassXC database to your iPhone takes only a few minutes. The process depends on which cloud storage service you use.
Option 1: iCloud Drive (Recommended for Apple Users)
iCloud Drive is the simplest sync method if you use a Mac as your desktop machine. Here is how to set it up:
Locate your KDBX file. Open KeePassXC on your Mac and check where your database file is stored. You can see the full path in the title bar or in KeePassXC’s recent databases list.
Move the file to iCloud Drive. Open Finder and navigate to iCloud Drive. Create a folder (for example, “KeePass” or “Vault”) and move your .kdbx file into it. If you also use a key file, move that as well.
Update KeePassXC. Open KeePassXC and use File > Open Database to open the file from its new iCloud Drive location. KeePassXC will now read and write to the synced copy.
Open the file on iPhone. Install your chosen iOS KeePass app (PanicVault, Strongbox, or KeePassium). When adding a database, browse to iCloud Drive and select your .kdbx file. Enter your master password (and select your key file if applicable).
Enable AutoFill. Go to iPhone Settings > Passwords > AutoFill Passwords and enable your KeePass app as a credential provider.
Your database now syncs automatically between your Mac and iPhone through iCloud Drive. Changes made on either device propagate through iCloud.
Option 2: Google Drive (Best for Cross-Platform)
Google Drive is the better choice if you use KeePassXC on Windows or Linux, or if you share devices across the Apple and non-Apple ecosystems.
Install Google Drive on your desktop. Download the Google Drive desktop client for Windows, macOS, or Linux. This creates a synced folder on your computer.
Move your KDBX file to Google Drive. Place your .kdbx file (and key file, if used) in your Google Drive folder.
Update KeePassXC. Open the database from its new Google Drive location in KeePassXC.
Open the file on iPhone. In your chosen iOS KeePass app, browse to Google Drive when adding a database. PanicVault and Strongbox have built-in Google Drive support. KeePassium accesses Google Drive through the iOS Files app (install the Google Drive app first to register it as a file provider).
Enable AutoFill. Same as above: Settings > Passwords > AutoFill Passwords.
Option 3: Other Sync Methods
Dropbox and OneDrive work similarly to Google Drive. Install the desktop client, move your KDBX file into the synced folder, and open it from the same location on both desktop and mobile. Strongbox has built-in support for both. PanicVault and KeePassium access them through the iOS Files framework.
WebDAV and SFTP are options for users who run their own server or NAS. Strongbox supports these protocols natively. KeePassium supports them through third-party file providers.
Manual transfer via AirDrop or USB is possible but impractical for ongoing use. It works for one-time setup but does not keep your database synchronized as you make changes.
Important Sync Considerations
Avoid editing on two devices simultaneously. KDBX files are single encrypted files, not databases with row-level sync. If you edit the file on your Mac and your iPhone at the same time before either change has synced, you may create a conflict. Most cloud services handle this by saving both versions, but merging them requires manual effort (KeePassXC has a database merge feature that helps).
Back up your database. Before changing your sync setup, make a backup copy of your .kdbx file. Store it somewhere separate from your sync folder – an external drive, a different cloud service, or an encrypted USB stick. See our KeePass database backup guide for best practices.
Key files need to be on both devices. If you use a key file alongside your master password, it must be present on your iPhone as well. Copy it to the same cloud folder as your database, or transfer it once via AirDrop and store it locally on your iPhone.
KeePassXC on Desktop + iOS App: The Best of Both Worlds
The most practical setup for most users is to run KeePassXC on your desktop and a dedicated iOS app on your iPhone. This gives you the full power of KeePassXC – browser extensions, Auto-Type, SSH agent, database merge, YubiKey support – on your computer, and a native, optimized mobile experience on your phone.
Here is what each combination looks like:
KeePassXC + PanicVault – The best balance of desktop power and mobile polish. KeePassXC handles your desktop workflow with browser extensions and advanced features. PanicVault provides native iOS AutoFill, Face ID, TOTP codes, and a clean Apple-native interface on your phone. Sync through iCloud Drive or Google Drive. One-time purchase, no subscription.
KeePassXC + Strongbox – The maximum-features combination. You get KeePassXC’s desktop capabilities plus Strongbox’s extensive iOS feature set, including YubiKey support on mobile, password auditing, multiple sync providers, and an Apple Watch app. Higher cost but the broadest feature coverage.
KeePassXC + KeePassium – The open-source combination. Both KeePassXC and KeePassium have open-source codebases, which means every line of code that touches your passwords can be audited. The free tier of KeePassium covers basic use, making this the lowest-cost option as well.
Making the Decision
If you are a KeePassXC user looking for the best iOS experience and you primarily use Apple devices, PanicVault is the strongest recommendation. Its native design, one-time pricing, iCloud and Google Drive sync, and full KDBX 4.0 compatibility make it the most seamless companion for KeePassXC on desktop.
If you need advanced features like YubiKey on mobile, multiple sync providers, or password auditing, Strongbox is the better fit despite its higher cost and complexity.
If open-source transparency on mobile is important to you, KeePassium delivers that with a clean interface and a usable free tier.
All three apps read and write the same KDBX format. You can try all of them with your existing database and switch at any time without losing data. That is the fundamental advantage of the KeePass ecosystem: your passwords belong to you, in a format that no single app controls.
