It's quite common to need to connect a new device to the network, but you've forgotten the password while your MacBook is already connected to the internet. Fortunately, the operating system macOS Stores data on all successful connections in a secure vault, making it easy to retrieve a forgotten password. This built-in security feature eliminates the need to reset the router or search for a sticker on the bottom of the device.
There are several proven methods for restoring access, and the specific method you choose depends on the version of the operating system installed on your computer. In the latest updates Apple We've significantly simplified the settings interface, making viewing passwords more intuitive, whereas older versions required the Keychain utility. In any case, you won't need any third-party programs or complex technical knowledge.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods in detail, including using the command line for advanced users. You'll learn how to find information for your current network and how to view the history of all saved connections. It's important to understand that you'll need administrator account access to perform these steps, as the system will prompt you to verify your identity.
Using Keychain Access on macOS Ventura and later
Since version macOS Ventura, company Apple We've moved password management to a separate system application, making it more accessible and intuitive for the average user. Now you don't have to dig deep into system utilities to find the data you need. This method is the simplest and most secure, as the interface is entirely graphical and doesn't require complex commands.
To get started, open the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences." In the window that opens, find the "Wi-Fi" section in the sidebar or search for it in Settings. This displays the current wireless connection status and a list of known networks.
Find the name of the network you need to find the password for. Next to the network name or (if you tap "More info"), there should be a button or icon that allows you to copy the password or reveal it. In some interface versions, you need to tap the three dots or the information icon to reveal the hidden data. The system will automatically request confirmation via Touch ID or the user account password.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a corporate MacBook with profile restrictions (MDM), the password viewing feature may be blocked by the system administrator. In this case, standard methods won't work, and you'll need to contact your organization's IT department.
After successful authentication, you'll see your password in plain text. You can copy it or simply rewrite it. This method works reliably on all modern devices, including MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M1, M2 and M3.
It's important to note that iCloud Keychain must be enabled for this method to work, although recent versions of macOS store data locally and sync via iCloud. This ensures data security even if the device is lost, since the information is encrypted.
Finding a password using Keychain on older versions of macOS
If your computer has an operating system version Monterey, Big Sur or earlier, the interface will be different. In these versions macOS All passwords, including Wi-Fi keys, certificates, and app keys, are stored in a special utility called Keychain Access. This is a powerful tool that requires careful handling.
To open the utility, press the key combination Command + Space to open Spotlight and type "Keychain Access." Launch the app. On the left side of the window, select the "Passwords" category to filter out unnecessary entries, such as system certificates or application keys.
Find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the list. It will be displayed in the "Name" column. Right-click or double-click it to open properties. In the window that opens, check the "Show password" box. The system will immediately request an administrator password or confirmation via Touch ID.
☑️ Checking Keychain Access
After entering the correct information, the password you're looking for will appear in the text field. If the system returns an access error, make sure you're logging in using the same account that originally saved the password. This can sometimes be a problem on computers used by different people.
What should I do if my Keychain is damaged?
If the utility does not open or returns database errors, try repairing the Keychain using Disk Utility or creating a new login keychain, but this may require you to re-enter all your passwords.
Using the Terminal to retrieve data
For users who prefer to work with the command line, or in cases where the graphical interface does not work correctly, there is a method using TerminalThis method allows you to quickly obtain a password without unnecessary mouse clicks, but it requires precision when entering commands. A syntax error may prevent the command from executing.
Open the Terminal app via Spotlight or find it in the Applications → Utilities folder. Enter the following command, replacing NETWORK_NAME to the exact name of your Wi-Fi:
security find-generic-password -wa"NETWORK_NAME"After entering the command, press EnterThe system will request permission to access the key in a system dialog box. You will need to click "Always allow" or enter the administrator password. If the network name is entered correctly and the data is in the database, the terminal will immediately display the password in plain text.
This method is especially useful if you need to quickly copy a password to paste into a configuration file or transfer to another device. The command works on all versions of macOS, including the latest ones, making it a versatile tool in your arsenal. administrator.
| Command parameter | Description of action | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
security |
The main utility for working with keys | security find-generic-password |
-w |
Flag to display only the password value | security... -wa"Name" |
-a |
Specifying an account name (usually not required) | security... -a"user" |
"Name" |
The exact name of the Wi-Fi network in quotation marks | "Home_WiFi" |
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful when copying the network name. Capitalization is important, and extra spaces at the beginning or end of the name will result in a "Password not found" error.
How to view your iPhone or iPad password using iCloud
If you don't have a Mac at hand, but you have Mac-based devices iOS or iPadOS, you can use iCloud syncing. Passwords saved on one Apple device are automatically available on other devices if the corresponding setting is enabled. This is convenient when you need to urgently connect a guest but your computer is offline.
On a device with iOS 16 or later (or iPadOS 16+), go to Settings → Wi-Fi. Tap the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle) next to the network you need a password for. In the menu that appears, find the "Password" line and tap the hidden dots.
The system will request biometric verification (Face ID or Touch ID) or the device's passcode. Upon successful verification, the passcode will be displayed in text format and can be copied. This method is instant and does not require an internet connection, as the data is stored in the processor's secure enclave.
It's worth noting that on older versions of iOS, viewing saved passwords through Wi-Fi settings was not possible, and you had to use a computer. Now, the ecosystem Apple allows you to manage access completely from your mobile device, which increases mobility user.
Reset network settings and create a new password
If none of the software methods work, or if you want to completely secure your network from unauthorized connections, you can resort to a more radical approach: resetting the router. This will restore the device to factory settings, and the Wi-Fi password will either be the one on the sticker on the device, or you'll have to set a new one.
To do this, find a small hole with the inscription on the back panel of the router. Reset or RestorePress it with a paperclip or needle and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the lights flash. After rebooting, the router will operate with factory settings.
After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection. Connect to the router via cable or an open network (if available) and go to the address listed on the bottom of the device (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). In the wireless network setup menu (Wireless Settings) ask a new one SSID and a complex password.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will erase all user settings, including connection type (PPPoE, L2TP), static IP addresses, and DNS settings. Make sure you have a valid ISP contract or login credentials before resetting.
This method is recommended only in extreme cases when other methods have been exhausted or there is a suspicion that the network has been hacked. Regularly changing the password on your router is a good practice for maintaining cybersecurity home network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the Mac is not currently connected to this network?
Yes, it's possible. macOS keeps a history of every network you've ever connected to. You can find your password using Keychain Access or Terminal, even if you're currently located anywhere in the world, as long as the data hasn't been manually deleted from the system.
What should I do if the system reports "Error searching for element"?
This error means there's no record with that name in the database. Check the spelling of the network name (case and spaces). It's also possible that the password was saved only for the current user, and you're logged in under a different profile on this Mac.
Is it safe to store passwords in Keychain?
Yes, this is one of the most secure storage methods. Data is encrypted and accessible only after biometric verification or entering a master password. Even with physical access to the hard drive without the user's password, decrypting Keychain is extremely difficult.
How to find the password for a guest Wi-Fi network?
Guest networks often have a separate password, which is set in the router settings. If you've previously connected to it from a Mac, you can find the password using the same methods (Keychain Access) by searching for the guest network name. If you haven't connected, the only thing you can find is the router or a sticker on it.