Issues relating to the complex have been at the centre of fresh violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
Kerry was speaking after talks in Jordan, the formal custodian of what is known to Jews as the Temple Mount and as Haram al-Sharif to Muslims.
Israel had renewed a pledge to maintain existing rules there, he said.
In the latest upsurge of violence, at least eight Israelis have been killed and dozens wounded in knife or gun attacks by Palestinians, following rumours that Israel was planning to change the rules – something Israel denies.
About 50 Palestinians, including several of the attackers, have been killed in recent weeks.
Kerry, who is on a tour of the region, met Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and King Abdullah of Jordan in Amman on Saturday.
