How to View a Saved Wi-Fi Password on MacOS: All the Methods

Forgot your home or office Wi-Fi password, but your MacBook or iMac automatically connects to the network? The situation is familiar to many: the router was set up a long time ago, the password was entered once, and now you need it to connect a new device. Fortunately, macOS stores all saved Wi-Fi passwords in a secure storage and can be retrieved without resetting the router.

In this article - three working methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password MacOS (relevant for Ventura, Sonoma, Monterey and earlier versions). The first method is suitable for beginners, the second is for advanced users, and the third is for those who don't use the standard tools. We'll also look at why your password might not be displayed and how to fix it.

Important: All methods require administrative rights on the device. If you are using a desktop Mac With corporate restrictions, access to passwords may be blocked by security policies.

Method 1: Via Keychain Access (the easiest)

Keychain Access - built-in password storage in macOS, where data from Wi-Fi, websites, apps, and even bank cards is stored. To find the network password:

  1. Open Spotlight (combination Command + Space) and enter Bunch of keysSelect the app from the results.

  2. In the left menu, select System (or Local elements, if the password is saved only for your user).

  3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID).

  4. Double-click on the found network and check the box. Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

If the password field remains empty or returns an error, check:

  • 🔹 Correct network name - Sometimes macOS saves multiple entries for one Wi-Fi (for example, for 2.4 and 5 GHz bands).
  • 🔹 Storage type — the password can be in iCloud (if synchronization is enabled) or in System.
  • 🔹 Access rights - If you are not an administrator, ask the owner for the password. Mac.

IN macOS Sonoma and newer Apple has added additional protection: the first time you request a password, you may be asked to confirm it via Touch ID or Apple Watch. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, the system will request a code from a trusted device.

Method 2: Via Terminal (for advanced users)

If the graphical interface does not work, you can extract the password via command lineThis method is faster, but requires precise command entry. Open Terminal (Programs → Utilities → Terminal) and run:

security find-generic-password -wa "YOUR_NETWORK_NAME"

Replace YOUR_NETWORK_NAME on the exact name of Wi-Fi (Case-sensitive!) After entering, the system will ask for an administrator password—enter it. The Wi-Fi password will be displayed on the next line.

If the command returned an error Could not find password, try an alternative option:

security find-generic-password -D "AirPort network password" -a

This command will list all saved networks. Find the one you need and copy it. acct (network name), then use the first command with the exact name.

Make sure the network name is entered correctly.

Spaces in the Wi-Fi name are replaced with "\" (e.g. "My\WiFi")

The terminal is launched as administrator.

The network connection is active (otherwise the password may not be displayed)

-->

⚠️ Attention: Commands in Terminal are case-sensitive and character-sensitive. If the network name contains spaces or special characters (e.g., #, !), wrap the name in quotation marks: "My WiFi!".

Method 3: Third-party utilities (if nothing works)

If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized programsThey are convenient when you need to export passwords from several networks at once or if macOS blocks access to Keychain.

Popular utilities:

  • 🔧 WiFi Password Revealer — a free app that displays all saved Wi-Fi passwords in one window. Works without installation.
  • 🔧 Keychain Access Explorer — Advanced Keychain viewer with filters and export.
  • 🔧 MacPass — an open source password manager compatible with KeePass, can import data from Keychain.

How to use (using example) WiFi Password Revealer):

  1. Download the utility from Mac App Store or the official website.
  2. Launch the program - it will automatically scan your Keychain.
  3. Find your network in the list and click Show Password.
  4. Confirm access with the administrator password.
⚠️ Attention: Download utilities only from trusted sources (Mac App Store, official developer websites). Some password crackers may contain malicious code.

Via Keychain Access

Via the Terminal

Third-party utilities

I don't know, I haven't tried it yet-->

Why might the password not be displayed?

Sometimes, even after correct actions, the password isn't displayed. Common causes and solutions:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The password field is empty The password is not saved in Keychain (for example, the network was added via WPS) Reconnect to the network and enter the password manually.
Access Denied Error Insufficient rights (you are not an administrator) Request access from the owner Mac or temporarily get administrator rights
The Terminal command doesn't find the network. Incorrect network name or network saved under a different name Check the exact title in Settings → Wi-Fi
The password is displayed as dots This is character masking (but the password is copied to the clipboard) Click Command + C, then insert (Command + V) in a text editor

If you connected to the network via guest access (for example, in a cafe or hotel), the password may not have been saved. In such cases, try:

  • 🔄 Reconnect to the network and enter the password again.
  • 📱 View password on another device (for example, on Android-smartphone, if it was connected to this network).
  • 🔧 Reset your router settings (extreme case, if it’s your network and there are no other methods).

How to save a password for future use?

To avoid having to search for your password every time, export it to a safe place:

  1. Copy the password from Keychain or Terminal.

  2. Save in Notes (with synchronization enabled via iCloud) or in a password manager (1Password, KeePass).

  3. Print it and store it in a safe place (if you are afraid of it leaking to the cloud).

For corporate networks:

  • 🏢 Clarify your security policy — Some companies prohibit saving passwords on personal devices.
  • 🔐 Use a VPN — if the network requires additional authentication, a Wi-Fi password alone will not be enough.
What should I do if the password on my router has been changed?

If the Wi-Fi password on your router has changed (for example, because your ISP updated the settings), the old password from Keychain will no longer work. In this case:

1. Connect to the router via cable (Ethernet).

2. Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

3. View or change your password in the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network.

4. Reconnect to Wi-Fi to macOS saved the new password.

Security: How to protect your passwords?

Extracting passwords from Keychain is a convenient feature, but it also creates security risks. If your Mac If it's stolen or accessed by an attacker, they'll be able to see all saved passwords. How to minimize the risks:

  • 🔒 Use a strong password for your account. Mac — at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters.
  • 🛡️ Turn on FileVault (disk encryption) in Settings → Security & Privacy.
  • 🚫 Restrict access to guests - Don't let strangers use yours Mac unattended.
  • 🔄 Update regularly macOS — Apple patches vulnerabilities in Keychain with each update.

If you are selling or transferring Mac to another person:

  1. At first delete all Wi-Fi networks V Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
  2. Reset Keychain via Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Sync Options (turn off iCloud Keychain).
  3. Do it full disk cleanup through Disk Utility.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the password for the Wi-Fi that another user connected to on this Mac?

Yes, if you have administrator rights. Passwords for all users are stored in the system Keychain (System (in the left menu). Without admin rights, you'll only have access to your saved networks.

Do these methods work on Macs with M1/M2 chips?

Yes, all methods (including Terminal and Keychain) work the same on Mac with processors Intel And Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3). The chip architecture does not affect access to passwords.

How to view a Wi-Fi password on an iPhone or iPad?

On iOS There is no direct access to Wi-Fi passwords, but you can:

  1. Share password via AirDrop (if you have iPhone With iOS 11 and newer).
  2. Use Mac to extract the password (as in this article) and send it to iPhone.
  3. Install Shortcuts with automation for password extraction (requires iOS 14+).
What should I do if Keychain asks for an old Mac password that I don't remember?

If you've changed your account password, but Keychain is asking for your old one, try:

  1. Update the password of the link via Settings → Keychain → Change Password.
  2. Reset password pair (will delete all saved passwords!): open Disk Utility, select the volume and click Erase (for advanced users only!).

If nothing helps, create a new user with administrator rights and transfer the data.

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without administrator rights?

No, macOS is blocking access Wi-Fi passwords for non-admin users. This is a security measure. If you urgently need the password, ask the device administrator to retrieve it using one of the methods above.

📖 Read also

How to Find Someone Else's Wi-Fi Password: Methods and Network Security Analysis of methods for restoring Wi-Fi access, WPS vulnerabilities, and ways to protect your router from hacking. How to view users connected to a WiFi router: a complete guide Find out who's connected to your Wi-Fi. Detailed instructions for TP-Link, ASUS, and Keenetic. Protection methods. How to Test Your Wi-Fi for Vulnerabilities: Protect Yourself from Hacking Find out how your neighbors can access your Wi-Fi. Test your WPA2 and WPA3 network security. How to Overload a WiFi Network: Vulnerability Analysis and Protection A look at WiFi network overload methods: from DDoS attacks to strength tests. How to protect against deauthentication How to Find a Wi-Fi Password on a Laptop: Windows and macOS Find your laptop's Wi-Fi password in 5 minutes. Detailed instructions for Windows 10, 11, and macOS. How to Pick Your Neighbors' Wi-Fi Password: Ethically and Safely Learn how to restore Wi-Fi access if you've forgotten your password. A breakdown of security methods and WPS vulnerabilities.