Needing to connect a new device to a network but forgetting the Wi-Fi password is a fairly common situation. Apple device owners might encounter this when friends come over or need to connect a smart lamp or printer. Fortunately, the operating system macOS By default, it saves wireless network login data for automatic future connections. This means the information is securely encrypted and accessible to users with administrator rights and physical access to the device.
There are several proven ways to extract this information. You can use the graphical interface via the Keychain Access app, use the command line for quick searching, or access the system preferences in recent versions of macOS. It is important to understandPlease note that all of these methods require verification of your identity, as Apple places great emphasis on user data security. Below, we'll cover each option in detail so you can choose the most convenient option for your situation.
Using Keychain Access on macOS
The most reliable and standard method is to access the system password storage. Bunch of keys (Keychain) is a built-in password manager that encrypts and stores logins, website passwords, credit cards, and Wi-Fi data. To find the information you need, you need to launch the appropriate app. This can be done through Spotlight by pressing a key combination. Cmd + Space and entering the name of the program, or finding it in the “Applications” → “Utilities” folder.
After opening the app, you'll see a list of all your saved entries. The interface may seem cluttered, but finding the one you need is easy. In the left column, select the "Passwords" category, then sort the list by name to quickly find your network. Double-clicking on your Wi-Fi network will open the properties window, where you should check the "Show password" box.
⚠️ Note: The system will ask you to enter your macOS account password (or use Touch ID) to confirm that you are the owner of the device. This is a security measure to prevent data theft by unauthorized persons.After entering the password, a hidden field will display the required character combination. You can copy it or simply remember it. This method works on all current versions of the operating system, from macOS Mojave to macOS SonomaIf you have a very old version, the interface may differ slightly, but the logic will remain the same.
Finding a password via Terminal
For users who prefer command line If you can't find the desired menu item, there's a quick way to do this using Terminal. This method allows you to get results in just a few seconds if you know the exact network name. Open the Terminal app via Spotlight search or from the Utilities folder. You'll need to enter a special command that will query the system for saved data.
Enter the following command, replacing "NetworkName" with the name of your Wi-Fi:
security find-generic-password -wa"Network_Name"After pressing the key
EnterThe system may ask for permission to access the security key. Click "Always Allow" or enter your administrator password. If the network name is entered correctly and has ever been used on this Mac, the password will be displayed in plain text. This method does not work for networks to which the computer is currently connected in guest mode without saving the key.The advantage of this method is its speed and automation potential. However, be careful when entering commands: incorrect syntax can cause the system to return an access error. Make sure you use quotation marks correctly, especially if the network name contains spaces.
What to do if the command returns an error?
The error "security: SecKeychainSearchCopyNext: The specified item could not be found in the keychain" means that a network with that name was not found in memory. Please check the spelling of the network name, including the case of the letters.
View in Settings on macOS Ventura and later
In modern versions of the operating system, such as macOS Ventura, Sonoma And Sequoia, Apple has significantly redesigned the settings interface, making it more similar to iOSYou can now view your password directly in the Wi-Fi menu, without opening separate apps. Go to System Preferences via the Apple menu or the Dock, then select "Wi-Fi."
Find a known network you've connected to before in the list. Next to the network name or by clicking the "More" button or the "i" icon, you should see an option to view the password. Unlike older versions, this interface is more user-friendly. Click the eye icon or the "Show" button, and the system will ask you to authenticate via Touch ID or user password.
This method is most convenient for those who don't like to delve into system utilities. It's visually clear and requires minimal steps. However, keep in mind that on older Mac computers that don't support newer versions of macOS, this interface is unavailable, and you'll have to use the Keychain Access method.
📊 What version of macOS are you using?macOS Sonoma / SequoiamacOS VenturamacOS Monterey and laterI don't knowSynchronization via iCloud and iPhone
If you have devices from the Apple ecosystem, for example iPhone or iPad, and synchronization is enabled via iCloud Keychain, passwords are available on all devices. This means if your Mac is turned off or unavailable, you can view the password on your phone. On iOS 16 and later, the process is extremely simple: go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the "i" icon next to the network, and tap the hidden password field.
After authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID, your password will be displayed and can be copied. Thanks to the magic of the ecosystem, text copied on your iPhone instantly becomes available for pasting on your MacBook via the Universal Clipboard, as long as the devices are nearby and use the same Apple ID. This eliminates the need to manually enter long characters.
This integration significantly improves usability, but requires configuration. Make sure two-factor authentication and Keychain sync are enabled on all devices. Without this, passwords won't be transferred between devices, and each device will store only its own data.
⚠️ Note: The Wi-Fi settings interface and menu item layout may change with new software updates. If you don't see the described items, check the latest Apple documentation for your system version.Comparison of access methods
The choice of method depends on your current situation, operating system version, and personal preference. Some people are accustomed to a graphical interface, while others prefer the speed of a console. Below is a table to help you compare the key features of each method to help you choose the best one.
Method Complexity Speed Requirements Bunch of keys Average Average Access to utilities Terminal High High Knowledge of commands macOS Settings Low High macOS Ventura+ iPhone / iPad Low High iCloud Sync As the table shows, for most new MacBook users, the built-in Settings menu will be the easiest. For owners of older models or those who prefer full control, Terminal is the better choice. Universal The solution remains Keychain Access, as it has been present in all versions of macOS for many years.
Possible problems and their solutions
Sometimes, viewing a password can be challenging. For example, if you've changed your Mac account password but haven't updated your login keychain, the system may return access errors. In this case, resetting your keychain may be necessary. However, this will result in the loss of all saved passwords, so it should only be used as a last resort.
Another common issue is a missing network. This happens if you connected to the network in Guest mode without saving the key, or if the network profile has become corrupted. In such cases, you won't be able to recover the password from your Mac, so you'll have to look it up on the router or ask the network owner. Also, make sure you have enough disk space, as a full system partition can impede security services.
If none of these methods work, try restarting your computer. Sometimes, simple glitches in background processes can cause the problem. SystemUIServer or loginwindow Block access to the data storage. After rebooting, try using Keychain again.
☑️ Diagnosing access issues
Completed: 0 / 4Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the Mac is not connected to it right now?
Yes, you can. If you've ever connected to this network and saved the password (which happens by default), it remains in your Keychain. You can find it in the Keychain app or Terminal, even when you're in another location without internet access.
Will the guest network password be visible?
Usually not. Guest networks often don't require a password to connect or use temporary keys that aren't saved in the system for permanent access. If the password isn't saved manually, it won't be recoverable using standard tools.
What should I do if Keychain Access requires a password that I don't remember?
This is the password for your macOS account (the login you use when logging in). If you forget it, you'll need to reset your user password through Apple ID or recovery mode. Without the administrator password, access to saved security keys is impossible for data security reasons.
Does this method work on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro?
Yes, the method is exactly the same for all Apple computer models running macOS. There are no differences between MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac or Mac mini There is no access to Keychain in the software part.