It's quite common for computer owners to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but have hopelessly forgotten the password. Apple find themselves in this situation no less often than users of other platforms, but the interface macOS hides this data more deeply than Windows does. Fortunately, the Mac operating system stores access keys in a secure vault, and it's quite possible to retrieve them using standard tools without installing third-party software.
Restoring access to network settings This requires careful attention, as macOS's security system is designed to protect data from prying eyes. We'll cover several methods, from the standard graphical interface to the command line for advanced users. Each method has its own characteristics and is suitable for different operating system versions.
Before you start manipulating system files, make sure that your iMac connected to the router or at least previously successfully authorized on this network. Without first saving the key in the system database, it will be impossible to recover it by any method. The encryption key is stored locally on your device and is not automatically transferred to other devices without your knowledge.
Using iCloud Keychain to Recover Access
The most reliable and secure way to retrieve a forgotten password is to use macOS's built-in password manager, Keychain. This utility stores all your login information, including Wi-Fi network keys, in encrypted form. To access it, you'll need to enter your computer's administrator account password, ensuring your information is protected from unauthorized access.
Launch a system search by pressing the combination Command + Space, and enter the name of the utility "Keychain Access." In the window that opens on the left, select the "Passwords" category, and then find the name of your wireless network in the list. This is usually the same as your router's SSID, unless you manually renamed it during initial setup.
⚠️ Note: If you use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, the system may request a code from a trusted device before displaying saved data. This is a normal security procedure designed to protect your account.
Once you've found the desired network, double-click it or right-click and select "Properties." In the window that opens, check the "Show password" box. The system will again ask you to verify your identity—enter the username and password of the current Mac user. Once verified, the desired character combination will appear in the text field.
Finding a password through system settings in newer versions of macOS
In more recent versions of the operating system, such as macOS Ventura And SonomaApple has redesigned the System Preferences interface, bringing it closer to iOS mobile devices. Viewing saved data is now more intuitive and doesn't require launching separate utilities. This simplifies the process for those who don't want to delve into the depths of system settings.
Open the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen and go to "System Preferences." In the sidebar, find "Wi-Fi" and click it. If you're currently connected to a network, you'll see an "Advanced" button or an icon with three dots next to its name. In older interfaces, look for a "Details" button.
In the menu that opens, find the "Password" field. Next to it, usually hidden by asterisks, is a "Copy" button or an eye icon. Clicking this element will require confirmation. Touch ID or enter the user password. After authentication, you can copy the key to the clipboard or view it on the screen.
☑️ Check before resetting network settings
Using Terminal to obtain the network key
For users who prefer the interface or encounter problems with the graphical shell, there's a powerful tool: Terminal. This method allows you to extract the password for a specific network using a built-in utility. securityIt works quickly and doesn't require menu navigation, which is especially convenient for remote control or scripted automation.
Open the Terminal app via Spotlight or find it in the Applications → Utilities folder. To retrieve the password, enter the command, specifying the exact network name. The syntax is as follows:
security find-generic-password -wa"Your_Network_Name"After entering the command, press EnterThe system will ask for permission to access the security key. In the dialog box that appears, click "Always allow" or enter the administrator password. If the network name is entered correctly and the key is saved in the system, Terminal will display it in clear text on the next line.
Analysis of the comparison table of restoration methods
The appropriate method depends on your macOS version, your comfort level with technical tools, and your specific situation. Below is a comparison of the methods described to help you determine the best course of action for your situation.
| Method | Complexity | Requires Mac password | macOS versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunch of keys | Average | Yes | All versions |
| System Preferences | Low | Yes (Touch ID) | Ventura, Sonoma+ |
| Terminal | High | Yes | All versions |
| Router (reset) | High | No | It doesn't depend |
As you can see from the table, the System Preferences method is the simplest, but is only available on newer computers. The classic Keychain remains the universal solution for any iMac, regardless of the year of release. Using the Terminal provides the greatest control, but requires precision in entering commands.
Restoring access via the router's web interface
If none of the computer-side methods work, it's possible the password simply wasn't saved in your Mac's memory. In this case, the only solution is to check the router's settings. To do this, connect to the router via an Ethernet cable or, if you're already online, open a browser and enter the gateway address.
In the address bar of your browser, enter the IP address of your router, most often it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device. After logging into the control panel (you'll need the router's administrator login and password, often admin/admin), go to the wireless network section. Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces vary significantly between manufacturers (Asus, TP-Link, Zyxel, Keenetic). Look for tabs labeled Security, WPA, or simply a lock icon. Don't change other settings unless you're sure of their meaning, as this may disrupt your internet connection.
On the security settings page, you'll see a field with your current password. If it's hidden by dots, try clicking the eye icon or temporarily changing the encryption type to reveal the characters. Be sure to save your changes if you've made any changes, although this isn't usually necessary for simple viewing.
Common problems and their solutions
Even following the instructions, users may encounter technical issues. For example, if you changed your Mac account password but didn't update your keychain, the system may endlessly prompt you for the old password. In this case, creating a new keychain will help, although this will require you to re-enter your passwords for all services.
Another common issue is network name conflicts. If you have two routers at home with the same name (SSID), your Mac may confuse their keys. In this case, it's best to temporarily rename one of the networks in the router settings to clearly identify the correct device in the list of saved profiles.
It's also worth considering that corporate networks often use certificates and complex authentication protocols (802.1x). In such cases, a simple password may not exist explicitly, as access is achieved through a domain login and password or an installed configuration profile.
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the Mac is not currently connected to this network?
Yes, this is possible. macOS keeps a history of all the networks you've ever connected to. You can find them in Keychain Access or through Terminal, even if your computer is currently connected to a different network or doesn't have an active internet connection, as long as the network profile was previously saved.
What should I do if I forgot my Mac account password for viewing keys?
For security reasons, accessing stored keys in Keychain is impossible without the user's password. You'll need to reset your Apple ID account password or use recovery mode to change your login password. Afterward, access to Keychain can be restored or a new one created.
Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored on iPhone if I don't have my Mac handy?
On an iPhone with iOS 16 or later, you can go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the "i" icon next to the network name, and tap the hidden password field. The system will ask for Face ID or Touch ID, after which it will display the code and allow you to copy it. This only works for networks the phone is currently connected to or has previously connected to.