It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but forget the password. Apple device owners can be confused, as the standard system interface doesn't always allow easy access to stored data. However, macOS stores all necessary authentication information in a secure vault.
To access this data you will need administrative access to the computer. This is done for security purposes, preventing attackers from stealing saved credentials. The process of data recovery varies depending on the operating system version installed, but the basic principles remain the same.
In this article, we'll cover all available methods, from standard graphical utilities to the command line. You'll be able to restore access You can connect to the network even if you don't remember the key combination. The main thing is to follow the instructions carefully and have physical access to a device that's already connected to the network.
Using iCloud Keychain in newer versions of macOS
Starting with macOS Ventura and later Sonoma updates, Apple changed its approach to password management. This is now handled by the iCloud Keychain app, which replaces the classic utility. This tool allows you to sync data between devices but also provides access to locally stored passwords.
To find the information you need, open System Preferences from the Apple menu. Select "Passwords" in the sidebar. You'll be prompted to verify your identity using Touch ID or an administrator password. Once successfully authenticated, a list of all your saved accounts will appear.
Find the name of your wireless network in the list. Click the information icon next to the name or double-click the line. In the window that opens, you'll see a field with hidden characters. Click it or the "Show" button to view it. saved password in the open.
- 🔑 Open System Preferences via the Apple menu in the upper left corner.
- 🔑 Go to the "Passwords" section and log in with biometrics or a code.
- 🔑 Find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the list.
- 🔑 Click on the eye icon or password field to display the data.
☑️ Checking Keychain Access
It is worth noting that if you use iCloud Keychain, the password can be synced across your other devices. This means you'll need to change it on all your devices if you decide to change your network access key.
Finding a password using the classic Keychain (macOS Mojave and later)
For users who haven't updated to the latest operating system versions, the process is slightly different. macOS Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey use a separate Keychain app. It's a database that stores certificates, keys, and passwords.
You can launch the utility via Spotlight search. Click Command + Space and enter "Keychain Access." In the window that opens, select the "Passwords" category on the left. In the central list, find the name of your wireless network. It may appear as local name networks.
⚠️ Note: If you can't find the network in the "Passwords" list, try switching to the "All Items" tab or using the search in the upper-right corner of the utility window.
Double-click the found network name. A properties window will open. Go to the "Options" tab and check the "Show password" box. The system will again ask for administrator permissions. Enter your Mac account password, and the password will appear in the field.
What should I do if the system does not accept the administrator password?
If entering your password doesn't work, make sure your keyboard layout matches the one used during installation. Also, check that Caps Lock isn't enabled. In rare cases, you may need to reset access rights through Terminal.
Sometimes it's useful to know the technical details of a connection. In the same properties window, you can see the security type (for example, WPA2 Personal) and other settings that may be needed for configuring complex equipment.
Using the Terminal Command Line for Advanced Users
For those who prefer the speed and precision of the command line, macOS provides a powerful tool - TerminalThis method allows information to be accessed without navigating through graphical menus, which is especially convenient for remote control or script automation.
Open Terminal via Spotlight or find it in the Applications → Utilities folder. To get the password, use the command securityThe syntax requires the key name (network SSID) and the keychain name.
security find-generic-password -wa"YourNetworkName"After entering the command, the system will ask for permission to access the key. Click "Always Allow" or enter the administrator password. You will receive a clear text password in response. This is one of the fastest methods if you know the exact network name.
- ⚡ Open the Terminal application.
- ⚡ Enter the command security find-generic-password -wa"SSID".
- ⚡ Replace SSID with the exact name of your Wi-Fi network.
- ⚡ Confirm the action in the system security window.
It's important to maintain capitalization when entering the network name. If the name contains spaces, be sure to enclose it in quotation marks, as shown in the example above. Otherwise, the command may be interpreted incorrectly.
View saved networks in system settings
In the latest versions of macOS, Apple added the ability to manage known networks directly in the Wi-Fi menu. This doesn't always allow you to see the password right away, but it does allow you to quickly copy it or share it with another Apple device.
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. If you're already connected to a network, there may be a "Copy Password" button next to its name (depending on your OS version). To see a list of all known networks, go to System Preferences → Wi-Fi.
In the "Known Networks" section, you'll see a list of all access points your computer has connected to. Click the information icon (three dots or the letter "i") next to a network to view its details. In some cases, especially when using Family Sharing, a quick connection option is available here without entering a password.
| Action | Where to find | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Copying | Wi-Fi menu (status bar) | Password in the clipboard |
| View list | System Preferences → Wi-Fi | List of all known networks |
| Network details | The "More" or "i" button | IP address, MAC address, security type |
| Removing a network | List of known networks → Minus | Forgetting the network and password |
The "Password Share" feature only works between Apple devices. If you have an iPhone or iPad nearby with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, simply bring it close to your Mac. A pop-up window will appear on your mobile device's screen offering to share access.
Login to the router's web interface to reset or view
If none of the software methods on the Mac itself help (for example, the computer has never connected to this network, or the data is corrupted), the only other solution is to access the router settings. To do this, you'll need any browser and network access, or a direct cable connection.
Open your browser and enter your router's IP address into the address bar. This is most often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the device. You'll need to enter the router administrator login and password (not to be confused with the Wi-Fi password).
After logging in, find the section related to the wireless network. It may be called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." The Security settings will show the network name (SSID) and the access key (Password/Key). Here you can not only view but also change password to a more complex one.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic, MikroTik) vary significantly. If you can't find the tab you need, refer to the manual for your specific model or look for screenshots of the interface for your device.
Be careful when changing security settings. If you change the encryption type (for example, from WPA2 to WPA3), all devices may lose connection and require reconnection. Make sure your devices support the selected standard.
Possible problems and solutions
Even following the instructions, users may encounter errors. Often, the problem stems from iCloud Keychain desyncing. If your password isn't displayed or the system displays an error, try signing out of iCloud and signing back in, but make sure you have a backup of your important data before doing so.
Another common issue is access rights. If you're working on a corporate Mac or a device with profile-based management (MDM), password viewing functionality may be blocked by the administrator. In this case, there's no way to legally bypass the restriction.
It's also worth keeping in mind that if the network uses a corporate security protocol (WPA2-Enterprise), a simple password may not be available. Access requires a certificate or domain login and password. In this case, contact your organization's IT department.
- 🛠 Check the date and time on your Mac—out of sync may be blocking access to your keys.
- 🛠 Make sure your disk isn't full, Keychain needs space to work.
- 🛠 Restart the "keychainaccess" process via Activity Monitor.
- 🛠 Check for macOS updates that may fix security bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if a Mac has never connected to it?
No, the operating system doesn't store passwords for networks the device has never connected to. In this case, the only solution is to access the router settings via a cable or know the password for another device that is already connected.
Is it safe to store passwords in Keychain?
Yes, Keychain uses strong encryption. Data is protected by biometrics (Touch ID/Face ID) and your account password. However, if someone gains access to your unlocked computer, they will be able to see your passwords.
What to do if you forgot your Mac administrator password?
Without an administrator password, you won't be able to view saved Wi-Fi passwords via Keychain. You'll need to either remember the password or reset it, which may require access to the Apple ID associated with the device.
Where can I find the password if I'm using a guest network?
Guest networks often have separate passwords, which are configured in the router settings. On a Mac, they are saved as a separate entry in Keychain with the name of the primary network and the prefix "Guest" or something similar.
Can a virus steal passwords from Keychain?
Theoretically, yes, if malware gains administrator rights. Therefore, it's important not to enter the administrator password when prompted by unknown programs and to keep your antivirus software up to date.