Keychains

What is Keychains?

Keychains is a system folder in macOS that stores keychain databases used outside a single user account. Items in /Library/Keychains can include system-wide certificates, network credentials, trust settings, and other security material that macOS and installed software use for authentication and encryption tasks. Administrators may encounter this folder when managing certificates for Wi-Fi, VPN, websites, mail, enterprise services, or device security policies. Some entries support login workflows, secure connections, code signing, and certificate trust decisions across the Mac. Because this data is shared at the system level, it is different from personal keychains stored in a user account and can affect multiple users or services on the same Mac.

Safety overview

Status: Use with caution

This folder contains sensitive security data, including certificates and trust information that macOS and apps may rely on. Deleting or changing its contents can break Wi-Fi, VPN, website trust, mail security, enterprise authentication, code signing, or other secure connection features. Treat the contents as private because keychain-related data can expose account or certificate details. Changes here should only be made if you know which specific keychain item is no longer needed and have a backup or a clear recovery path.

Recommendation: Keep /Library/Keychains in place. If you are troubleshooting certificates or removing an old managed credential, review the specific keychain item first in Keychain Access or your device-management tools instead of deleting the whole folder. Remove only clearly obsolete entries you can identify, and expect some services to ask for credentials again or lose trust settings after changes.

File path

• /Library/Keychains

Related apps

• Keychain Access

Related processes

• securityd
• trustd

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