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How to Find a Saved Wi-Fi Password on a Mac: 2 Best Methods

Mac tricks to recover your Wi-Fi password

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Last updated: September 18, 2024

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TL;DR

To find a saved Wi-Fi password on a Mac:

  1. Open Spotlight, type Keychain Access, and launch the app.
  2. In the left pane, select System, then click the Passwords tab.
  3. Double-click your Wi-Fi network from the list.
  4. Check the Show password box and enter your Mac’s username and password.
  5. Copy the revealed Wi-Fi password.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

Forgetting your Wi-Fi password while setting up a new device is frustrating. Luckily, there are simple ways to find it on your Mac, and I’ll guide you through the process.

How to Find a Saved Wi-Fi Password on a Mac

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While multiple methods exist to find saved passwords on your Mac, always ensure you access and share them responsibly. Let’s explore two best ways to find a saved Wi-Fi password on a Mac:

Disclaimer: Retrieving Wi-Fi passwords is only legal for networks you own or have permission to access. Do not use this method to hack into unauthorized networks.

1. With Keychain Access

Apple’s built-in utility, Keychain Access, serves as a secure vault, storing your user credentials, from website logins to Wi-Fi passwords. Here’s how to use Keychain Access to find a saved Wi-Fi password on a Mac:

  1. Open Spotlight, type Keychain Access, and open the application.
pressing command ⌘ space and type in keychain access
  1. In the left pane, select System and click the Passwords tab at the top of the right pane.
click system and select the passwords tab
  1. Double-click your Wi-Fi network in the list.
double click your wi fi network name
  1. It will open a new window. Check the Show password checkbox on this window.
check the show password checkbox
  1. You might need to enter your Mac’s username and password to reveal the Wi-Fi password.
type your username and password
  1. Right-click the password and select Copy to copy your Wi-Fi password.
right click your wi fi password and click copy

2. Using Terminal

Beyond its complex workings, you can use Terminal for simpler tasks, like retrieving a saved Wi-Fi password. Here’s how to find a saved Wi-Fi password on a Mac using Terminal:

  1. Open Terminal from the Finder > Applications > Utilities folder or via Spotlight.
type terminal in spotlight search
  1. Type the following command and press Enter:
security find-generic-password -ga wifiname | grep “password:

Replace the wifiname with the name of your Wi-Fi network.

type a command to find the wi fi password in terminal
  1. You might be prompted to enter your Mac’s username and password.
  2. The Wi-Fi password will be displayed after password: in the Terminal window.

Alternative Method for Recovering a Forgotten Wi-Fi Password

Most routers have a default Wi-Fi password printed on a label, usually found on the back or bottom of the device. If you haven’t changed the default password, you can use this. If you have, accessing the router’s web interface using a browser can often allow you to view or reset the password.

Here’s how to go about it:

  1. Look for the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password on the back or bottom of the router.
  2. Connect your Mac to the router, then type the router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) into the browser’s address bar.
  3. Enter the default admin username and password (often found on the router or in the manual).
  4. Go to Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Settings and look for the password.
  5. Write it down or copy it, then log out.

Find Saved Wi-Fi Passwords on Your Mac

Finding a saved Wi-Fi password on your Mac is simpler than you think. Whether helping a friend, setting up a new gadget, or just jogging your memory, this guide has got you covered. Just remember always to be careful with passwords.

Here are some more password-related tips for you:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are saved Wi-Fi passwords stored on Mac?

On a Mac, saved Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the Keychain Access utility. This secure tool keeps various credentials, including Wi-Fi passwords. To view or manage these saved passwords, you can access the Keychain Access through Spotlight or the Utilities folder.

Can I see a saved Wi-Fi password on Mac?

Yes, you can see a saved Wi-Fi password on Mac using two methods: Keychain Access and Terminal. Keychain Access stores passwords securely, while Terminal allows command-line retrieval. Both provide efficient ways to access your saved network credentials.

How do I share my Wi-Fi password from my Mac to my iPhone?

To share your Wi-Fi password from your Mac to your iPhone, ensure both devices are signed into the same Apple ID. When the iPhone tries to connect to the Wi-Fi, a notification appears on the Mac. Click Share on the Mac, and the iPhone will connect automatically.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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