It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but forget the password. Fortunately, macOS has a powerful credential storage tool that makes it easy to retrieve this information. You don't need to be a system administrator or have access to the router to do so. restore access to the network if you are already connected to it from your computer.
In this article, we will discuss several methods in detail: from using the built-in graphical interface to more advanced methods through TerminalThese instructions are valid for most versions of macOS, including the latest updates. The key is to have administrator rights on your device.
Before you begin, make sure your Mac is connected to the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to find out, or that it has previously connected to it and saved the data in a profile. This is critical to the successful completion of this procedure.
Using iCloud Keychain
The most reliable and standard way to view saved passwords in the Apple ecosystem is the utility Bunch of keysThis tool acts as a secure storage for all your logins, passwords, and certificates. The system encrypts this data, making it accessible only after authorization.
To get started, you need to open the program. The easiest way to do this is through Spotlight: press the keyboard shortcut Command + Space, enter the name of the utility and press Enter. Alternatively, you can find it in the folder Programs → Utilities.
After launching the app, you'll see a list of all saved entries. To avoid sifting through hundreds of entries, use the search bar in the upper right corner. Enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID). From the results list, select the entry with the "AirPort" or "Wi-Fi Password" type.
Double-click the found entry to open its properties. In the window that opens, find the check mark. Show password and activate it. The system will ask you to verify your identity: you will need to enter your Mac user account password or use Touch ID.
⚠️ Attention: If you use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID and iCloud Keychain, your password may sync across devices. Make sure you're viewing the data on the device that has local storage.
After successful authentication, the required access code will appear in plain text in the field next to the checkbox. You can copy it or rewrite it. This is the most secure method, requiring no additional software.
Finding a password using the macOS Terminal
For users who prefer the command line or don't have access to the graphical interface, there is a quick way through TerminalThis method allows you to obtain a password with a single command, avoiding lengthy searches through the utility's lists.
Open Terminal (also found in Programs → Utilities (or via Spotlight). You'll need to enter a special query into the command line that will access the system key database. The command syntax requires precision, so check the network name carefully.
security find-generic-password -wa"Your_Network_Name"Replace Your_network_name with the exact name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID). Note that the name must be enclosed in quotation marks if it contains spaces. After entering the command, press Enter.
The system will ask for permission to access the key. In the system dialog that appears, click Always allow or enter the administrator password. If the information is correct, Terminal will immediately display the password in cleartext.
Wi-Fi settings in macOS Ventura and Sonoma
In new versions of Apple's operating system (macOS 13 Ventura and later), the company significantly redesigned the System Preferences interface. Network management now more closely resembles the iPhone or iPad interface, making password access easier for many users.
To find your password, go to the Apple menu (the apple in the upper left corner) and select System PreferencesIn the sidebar, find the section Wi-FiIf you're already connected to a network, its name will be displayed at the top of the window.
An information icon (the letter "i" in a circle) will appear next to the active network name or in the list of known networks (the "More" button or three dots). Clicking on it will display connection details. In the field Password there will be hidden text.
Click on the hidden dots or the "Copy" button, and the system will ask you to confirm the action using Touch ID or your user password. This is a modern and convenient method that doesn't require diving deep into system utilities.
| Method | macOS version | Complexity | Necessary rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunch of keys | All versions | Average | Administrator |
| Terminal | All versions | Low | Administrator |
| System Preferences | Ventura+ | Very low | User |
| iCloud (iPhone) | iOS 16+ | Low | Apple ID owner |
Using iPhone to view password
If you don't have a Mac at your fingertips, but have an iPhone with the same iCloud account, you can find your password on your phone. This feature became available with the release of iOS 16 and works thanks to Keychain syncing.
Open on iPhone Settings and go to the section Wi-FiFind the network whose password you need to find out in the list. Click the blue information icon (the letter "i") to the right of the network name.
In the menu that opens, find the field Password, where the characters are hidden by dots. Tap this field. Face ID or Touch ID will instantly recognize you and display the password in plain text. You can copy it with one tap.
⚠️ Attention: For this method to work, iCloud Keychain sync must be enabled on both devices (Mac and iPhone). Check this in your Apple ID settings.
This method is especially convenient when you need to quickly connect a guest or a new device, and the Mac itself may be closed or in sleep mode.
What should I do if my password isn't syncing?
Make sure both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID. Check for internet access. Sometimes you may need to restart both devices to force the key database to sync.
Reset network settings and restore access
In rare cases, when the system crashes or the key file is corrupted, standard methods may fail. In these cases, you may need to reset the network settings or delete the specific network profile and recreate it with the known password.
To delete a profile, go to Keychain Access, find your network entry, right-click and select DeleteAfter this, your Mac will "forget" the network. When you reconnect, the system will prompt you for the password again.
If you know the router password (found on a sticker on the bottom of the device), you can simply enter it. If the password has been changed and is unknown, and it's not in your keychain, the only legal way is to access the router's admin panel through a browser.
To do this, connect to the router (if possible via cable or you know the password for the guest network) and enter the gateway address in the browser, usually this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1You can view or change the password in the wireless settings.
☑️ Check before resetting the network
Security measures for storing passwords
While the ability to simplify passwords is convenient, it also carries risks. If someone gains physical access to your unlocked Mac, they could discover passwords for all your networks. Therefore, it's important to follow basic rules. cyber hygiene.
Always set a password to log in to your user account. Never leave your computer unlocked and unattended in public places. Use the automatic screen lock feature when you close the lid.
Regularly review the list of saved passwords in Keychain and delete those you no longer use or those associated with networks you don't trust. This will reduce your potential attack surface.
It's critical to understand: Keychain encrypts your data, but its protection is removed by your account password. If your Mac login password is weak (e.g., "123456"), all Keychain protection becomes useless.Use strong passwords to log in and enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID. This will create a secure barrier even if your device is lost.
Frequently 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 your Mac has ever connected to this network and saved the profile (which happens by default), the password will remain in Keychain. You can find it in the Keychain utility even without an active connection.
What should I do if Keychain Access requires a password that I don't remember?
If you don't remember your macOS account password, you won't be able to restore access to Keychain using standard tools. This is a security measure. You'll need to reset the user password using your Apple ID or recovery mode.
Where are Wi-Fi passwords physically stored on the drive?
The data is stored in an encrypted database along the path /Library/Keychains/login.keychain-db (for local users) or in system keys. Direct editing of these files is not possible and may result in system corruption.
Will my password be visible if I use a third-party antivirus?
Antivirus software typically doesn't block access to Keychain, as it's a system function. However, some enterprise security profiles (MDM) may prohibit viewing or exporting passwords. In this case, you'll see a restriction message.