It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but forget the password. Apple device owners may have difficulty remembering this code, as macOS hides the characters with asterisks by default for security purposes. However, the operating system stores this information in a secure vault that can be accessed using standard tools.
You don't need to install any third-party programs or use complex terminal commands to complete this task. System utility Keychain allows you to manage saved passwords, including wireless network data. Understanding how this works will help you quickly restore access and configure guest devices.
Let's take a detailed look at the process, which applies to most modern versions of macOS. We'll cover both the standard method via the graphical interface and the nuances of working with access keys in different versions of the operating system.
Using the Keychain Access utility
The primary tool for managing saved credentials in the Apple ecosystem is the app Bunch of keysThis is where macOS stores website passwords, certificates, and, most importantly in this context, Wi-Fi network access keys. To get started, launch this app using the built-in Spotlight search or by finding it in the Applications folder.
After opening the utility window, you'll see a list of all saved objects. To avoid sifting through thousands of entries, use the search bar in the upper right corner. Enter the name of your wireless network (SSID), which appears in the list of available connections. This will allow you to instantly filter the desired entry among system processes and other data.
Find the entry with your network name in the list. Note that the object type must be "Wireless Network Password" or "AirPort." Double-click the entry to open the properties window. In the dialog box that opens, find the "Show Password" checkbox and enable it.
⚠️ Note: The system will ask for identification. You will need to enter your Mac administrator password or use Touch ID to authorize changes to security settings.After successful authentication, the password field, which previously contained dots, will change to readable text. You can now copy the character combination or rewrite it for use on another device.
📊 What version of macOS is installed on your device?macOS Ventura or latermacOS MontereymacOS Big SurOlder versions (Catalina and below)View your password in macOS System Preferences
In newer versions of the operating system, such as macOS Ventura And SonomaThe Settings interface has undergone significant changes. Apple has moved many network management functions directly into the main System Preferences menu, making the process more intuitive for users accustomed to mobile interfaces.
To access network information, go to the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." In the sidebar, find the "Wi-Fi" section. If your MacBook is currently connected to a network, you'll see its name at the top of the window. Next to the network name or in the "Known Networks" section, you may see a button with three dots or an information icon.
Click the action button or information icon next to the active network. In the menu that appears, select "Copy Password" or "Show Password." The security mechanism will remain the same: biometric authentication or entering your account login code will be required.
- 🔑 Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- 📡 Go to the "Wi-Fi" section in the sidebar.
- 📋 Find the desired network in the "Known networks" list.
- 👁️ Click the eye icon or the copy button.
This method is particularly convenient because it eliminates the need to search for a separate utility. All necessary functions are concentrated in one place, reducing the likelihood of errors when navigating the file system.
Alternative methods via Terminal
For advanced users who prefer the command line, there is a way to get network information via TerminalThis method can be useful when the graphical interface isn't working correctly or when automation is required. However, it requires precision in entering commands.
Open the Terminal app via Spotlight search or the Utilities folder. To get information about the current connection, you can use a command that queries system logs. Enter the following line:
security find-generic-password -wa "YourNetworkName"Replace "YourNetworkName" with the exact name of your SSID. After entering the command, press Enter. The system will ask for permission to access the security key. Once confirmed, the password will be displayed in plain text directly in the terminal window.
⚠️ Important: When working in Terminal, it's important to maintain proper letter case and quotation marks. A command syntax error will result in a no-result message rather than the password being displayed.Using the command line provides direct access to the key database without unnecessary interface elements. This may be faster for experienced specialists, but requires careful typing.
What to do if the command doesn't work?
If the system returns an error, make sure the network was previously saved on this Mac. Also, check that the network name is entered accurately, including spaces and special characters.
Features of working in different versions of macOS
The interface and layout of controls can vary significantly depending on the version of the operating system installed. Apple regularly updates the design and functionality of system utilities, which can be confusing for users upgrading from older models.
In versions prior to macOS Catalina, the settings path looked different. Users had to navigate to System Preferences -> Network -> Wi-Fi -> Advanced. From there, they could find the desired connection in the list of preferred networks, select it, and click the lock button to display the password via Keychain.
With the release of macOS Big Sur and subsequent versions (Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma), the menu structure has changed. Deeper integration with iCloud Keychain and simplified data access have been introduced. Below is a table to help you navigate the menu depending on the software version.
macOS version Primary access path Location of the Keychain macOS Sonoma / Ventura System Preferences -> Wi-Fi Via Spotlight search macOS Monterey / Big Sur System Preferences -> Network Programs -> Utilities macOS Catalina and below System Preferences -> Network -> Wi-Fi Programs -> Utilities All versions Command in Terminal Via the security command Regardless of the system version, the underlying storage mechanism remains the same. Only the way the user interacts with the interface changes. If you can't find the option in one place, try using the global system search.
Syncing passwords via iCloud
One of the key features of the Apple ecosystem is the ability to sync saved access keys between devices. If you already have a password for the desired network saved on your iPhone or iPad, it will automatically appear on your MacBook, provided syncing is enabled.
For this feature to work, you must be signed in to the same Apple ID on all your devices. iCloud Keychain must also be enabled. You can check this in your user profile settings under iCloud. Make sure the switch next to Keychain is green.