iKeePass Chrome Extension

The iKeePass Chrome Extension seamlessly connects your browser with the iKeePass macOS app. Passwords are automatically filled into login forms – no manual copying needed.

Features

Auto-Fill

  • Inline dropdown appears directly in the login field
  • Automatic detection of username, email and password fields
  • Two-step search: First subdomain, then base domain as fallback
  • Dynamic forms detected (Single Page Apps, AJAX)
  • Keyboard shortcuts: Enter to fill, Escape to close

HTTP Basic Auth

  • Automatic interception of HTTP Basic Authentication dialogs
  • Custom auth dialog with iKeePass integration
  • Save credentials – add new login data directly to your database
  • Loop protection prevents infinite login attempts with wrong credentials
  • Popup search via the toolbar icon
  • Real-time search across the entire database
  • Status display (connected/disconnected, locked/unlocked)
  • One-click fill directly from search results

Security

  • No cloud – communication only local via TCP (localhost:19722)
  • Native Messaging – Chrome standard protocol for secure communication
  • Shadow DOM – UI elements isolated from website CSS
  • No tracking – no data leaves your Mac

Architecture

iKeePass Chrome Extension Architecture

Communication Flow

  1. Chrome Extension detects a login form on the website
  2. Content Script sends search request via the Background Service Worker
  3. Background.js forwards the request via Native Messaging (stdin/stdout) to the Native Host
  4. Native Host (Swift binary) connects via TCP to the iKeePass macOS app
  5. iKeePass App searches the opened database and returns matching entries
  6. Chrome Extension displays the results in the inline dropdown

Requirements

Requirement Details
Browser Google Chrome or Chromium-based (Edge, Brave, Helium, etc.)
macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or newer
iKeePass App Must be open and unlocked
Chrome Bridge Enable in iKeePass under Settings → Security

Installation

1. Install Chrome Extension

The extension is available via the Chrome Web Store. It will be available there shortly.

2. Enable Chrome Bridge in iKeePass

Open the iKeePass macOS app and navigate to Settings → Security. Enable the Chrome Bridge toggle.

Usage

Filling Login Forms

  1. Navigate to a website with a login form
  2. Click into the username or password field
  3. The iKeePass dropdown appears with matching entries
  4. Select an entry – fields are filled automatically
  1. Click the iKeePass icon in the Chrome toolbar
  2. Enter a search term
  3. Select the desired entry
  4. Password is filled on the current page

HTTP Basic Auth

For websites with HTTP Basic Authentication:

  1. The standard Chrome dialog is replaced by the iKeePass auth dialog
  2. Stored credentials are automatically suggested
  3. Optional: Save new credentials to iKeePass via the checkbox

Technical Details

Manifest V3

The extension uses the modern Chrome Manifest V3 format:

Component Technology
Service Worker background.js (Event-driven)
Content Script content.js (Shadow DOM)
Popup popup.html/js/css
Protocol Chrome Native Messaging

Permissions

Permission Purpose
nativeMessaging Communication with the Native Host
activeTab Access to active tab for AutoFill
storage Store local settings
webRequest Intercept HTTP Basic Auth
scripting Dynamically inject content scripts
Two-Step Domain Search

FAQ

Why is no dropdown appearing?

  • Check that the iKeePass app is open and unlocked
  • Check that Chrome Bridge is enabled in settings

Does the extension work with other Chromium browsers?

Yes, the extension is compatible with all Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Brave, Helium, Vivaldi and Opera.

Can I use the extension with the iOS app?

No, the Chrome Extension requires the macOS app as a backend. On iOS, use the native AutoFill feature instead.