# SecKeychainOpen(_:_:) Opens a keychain. ``` func SecKeychainOpen(_ pathName: UnsafePointer, _ keychain: UnsafeMutablePointer) -> OSStatus ``` ## Parameters `pathName` A constant character string representing the POSIX path to the keychain to open. `keychain` On return, a pointer to the keychain object. You must call the `CFRelease` function to release this object when you are finished using it. ## Return Value A result code. See [Security Framework Result Codes](/documentation/Security/security-framework-result-codes). ## Discussion Use this function to retrieve a pointer to a keychain object given the path of the keychain. You don’t need to close the keychain, but do release the memory that the pointer occupies when you are finished with it. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)