Requirements

Silicon Secure requires iOS 18.0 or later on iPhone or iPad. The Mac version requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later and runs as a Mac Catalyst app — no separate download needed if you have it via the App Store.

Step 1 — Install Silicon Secure

1. Download from the App Store

   Search for Silicon Secure on the App Store, or tap the download link on the Silicon Secure page. The app is a universal purchase — one download covers iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

2. Open the app

   Tap the Silicon Secure icon on your home screen. The first time you open it, the app will prompt you to create a master password. This is the only password you need to remember.

Step 2 — Create Your Master Password

Your master password is the key that encrypts and decrypts everything in your vault. Silicon Secure never transmits it — it stays on your device.

1. Choose a strong master password

   Use a passphrase you can remember but wouldn't guess — ideally four or more random words strung together (e.g. "purple-fence-orbit-maple"). Aim for at least 14 characters. Avoid using passwords you use elsewhere.

2. Confirm your password

   Enter it a second time to confirm. If they match, your vault is created and encrypted. The app will open to your (empty) vault.

Step 3 — Enable Face ID or Touch ID

Once your vault is created, you can enable biometric unlock so you don't have to type your master password every time.

1. Open Settings in the app

   Tap the Settings tab (gear icon) at the bottom of the screen.

2. Tap "Enable Face ID" (or Touch ID)

   Silicon Secure will ask for biometric permission from iOS. Accept the system prompt. Your master password is then stored securely in the device Keychain — it's only retrieved when biometrics pass, and Apple manages all the cryptographic protection.

3. Set your auto-lock timeout

   Also in Settings, you can configure how long the app stays unlocked when you switch away from it. Options typically range from immediately to 5 minutes. Shorter timeouts are more secure; longer ones are more convenient.

Step 4 — Add Your First Password

1. Tap the + button

   From the main vault view, tap the + button in the top-right corner. A new entry form opens.

2. Fill in the details

   Enter a title (e.g. "Gmail"), your username or email, and the password. You can tap the wand icon next to the password field to generate a strong password on the spot — see the Password Generator guide for details.

3. Add a URL (optional but recommended)

   Adding the website URL (e.g. https://mail.google.com) lets AutoFill match the entry to the right login form automatically.

4. Tap Save

   The entry is saved and encrypted immediately. It appears in your vault list.

Step 5 — Set Up AutoFill (Recommended)

AutoFill lets Silicon Secure fill usernames and passwords directly in Safari and other apps without opening the app manually. It takes about 30 seconds to enable.

1. Open iOS Settings

   Go to your iPhone or iPad's Settings app — not the Silicon Secure settings, but the system Settings.

2. Navigate to Passwords → AutoFill Passwords

   Scroll down and tap Passwords, then tap AutoFill Passwords & Passkeys.

3. Select Silicon Secure

   Make sure the toggle is on, then select Silicon Secure from the list of password providers. You can keep iCloud Keychain enabled alongside it if you'd like.

From now on, when you tap a login field in Safari or another app, iOS will suggest credentials from your Silicon Secure vault. See the full iOS AutoFill guide for more details.

What to Do Next

You're set up. Here are some natural next steps depending on what matters most to you:

• Coming from another password manager? Check out Import & Export to bring your existing passwords in from Bitwarden.
• Want two-factor codes too? Read the TOTP / 2FA guide to add authenticator codes directly to your vault entries.
• Using a Mac? See the Mac Catalyst guide for keyboard shortcuts and the Safari extension.
• Want to back up your vault? Learn about encrypted .ssvault exports and iCloud sync.