TL;DR
To find a saved Wi-Fi password on a Mac:
- Open Spotlight, type Keychain Access, and launch the app.
- In the left pane, select System, then click the Passwords tab.
- Double-click your Wi-Fi network from the list.
- Check the Show password box and enter your Mac’s username and password.
- 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
Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.
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:
- Open Spotlight, type Keychain Access, and open the application.
- In the left pane, select System and click the Passwords tab at the top of the right pane.
- Double-click your Wi-Fi network in the list.
- It will open a new window. Check the Show password checkbox on this window.
- You might need to enter your Mac’s username and password to reveal the Wi-Fi password.
- Right-click the password and select Copy to copy your Wi-Fi password.
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:
- Open Terminal from the Finder > Applications > Utilities folder or via Spotlight.
- 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.
- You might be prompted to enter your Mac’s username and password.
- 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:
- Look for the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password on the back or bottom of the router.
- 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.
- Enter the default admin username and password (often found on the router or in the manual).
- Go to Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Settings and look for the password.
- 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:
- If you’ve forgotten your Mac password, you can easily reset your Mac password to regain access to your device.
- If you’re the only user, consider removing the password for convenience.
- If your password isn’t working, try restarting, resetting the password, NVRAM, or SMC. As a last resort, factory reset your Mac.