How to Find a Saved Wi-Fi Password on a Mac: All the Methods (2026)

• Double-click on the found network → check the box Show password.
• Enter your account password Mac (required to confirm rights).
• The password will be displayed in the field. Show password.

If the password field is empty or gray, then the network is using another type of authentication (For example, 802.1X (for corporate networks). In this case, try other methods from this article.

Make sure you are looking for the correct network name (SSID)

Make sure your Mac has connected to this network at least once.

Try logging into Keychain Access as an administrator.

Please restart your Mac and try again-->

⚠️ Warning: If you use Mac At work or school, the Wi-Fi password may be hidden by the network administrator. In this case, it can only be obtained from the IT department.

Method 2: Terminal - for experienced users

If Bunch of keys didn't work or you prefer the command line, use TerminalThis method is faster, but requires precise command entry. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Terminal:
   • 🔍 Through Spotlight: Command + Space → "Terminal".
   • 📁 Through Launchpad: folder Utilities → Terminal.

security find-generic-password -wa "NAZVANIE_VASHIEI_SETI"

Replace NAZVANIE_VASHIEI_SETI on the exact name of your Wi-Fi network (case important!).

• After entering the command, the system will ask for your account password. Mac - enter it.
• The Wi-Fi password will be displayed on the next line after password:.

If the network name contains spaces, enclose it in quotation marks:

security find-generic-password -wa "My Wi-Fi"

If the command returned an error Could not find any matching items, Means:

• 📛 The network name was entered incorrectly (check the case and characters).
• 🔒 The password is not saved in the keychain (for example, if connecting via WPS).
• 🛡️ The network uses non-standard authentication (eg. EAP-SIM for mobile operators).

This will help you find the exact network name if you have forgotten it.-->

Method 3: macOS System Preferences (for newer versions)

IN macOS Ventura And Sonoma Apple has simplified access to Wi-Fi passwords. Through system settings. Now you don't need to dig through Keychain Access—just a few clicks:

1. Open System Preferences:
   • 🍎 Click on the logo Apple in the upper left corner → System Preferences.
   • 🔍 Or through Spotlight: Command + Space → "System Preferences".
2. Go to the "Wi-Fi" section:
   • In the side menu, select Wi-Fi.
   • Click on Additionally… in the lower right corner.

• In the tab Wi-Fi Find your network in the list Well-known networks.
• Click on it → check the box Show password.
• Enter your account password Mac for confirmation.

This method the easiest for beginners, but it only works on macOS 13 Ventura and newer. On older versions (for example, Monterey or Big Sur) use Keychain Access or Terminal.

⚠️ Attention: If the button Show password inactive, which means the network is using dynamic password (For example, in hotels or airports). In this case, the password changes every time you connect and cannot be saved.

Bunch of keys

Terminal

System Preferences

Third-party utilities-->

Method 4: Third-party utilities (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized programsThey're convenient if you need to regularly view passwords (for example, for network administration). Here are some proven utilities:

Advantages of third-party utilities:

• 🔍 Convenient search across all saved networks.
• 📤 Opportunity export passwords to a file (for example, for backup).
• 🛡️ Additional features: password strength check, new password generation.

Flaws:

• 💰 Some programs are paid (although there are free analogs).
• 🔒 The risk of installing unsafe software — Download utilities only from the official App Store or from developer websites.

Method 5: Viewing the password on the router (alternative option)

If none of the methods Mac didn't work, you can Find out the password directly from the routerThis is a universal method that works regardless of device. Here's how to do it:

1. Connect to the router:
   • 🌐 Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (standard IP of most routers).
   • 🔑 Enter your login and password to log in (usually admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).
2. Find the Wi-Fi settings section:
   • 📡 Go to Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network).
   • 🔐 To the submenu Security (Security) find the field Password (Password or Key).

• 📋 The password may be hidden behind asterisks - click Show (or Show).
• 🖱️ Copy it or write it down.

If you don't know your router's IP address:

• 🍎 On Mac open System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced → TCP/IPThe router's IP will be listed next to Router.
• 📱 On iPhone or iPad: Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to your network → Router.

⚠️ Attention: If the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline), access to its settings may be restricted. In this case, the password can only be obtained through support.

Common problems and solutions

Sometimes users encounter errors when trying to view their Wi-Fi password. Here common problems and ways to solve them:

If you use guest network (for example, in a cafe or an airport), her password is usually:

• 📋 Printed on the receipt or at the reception desk.
• 🔄 Changes every day (check with staff).
• 🚫 It is not saved on devices (therefore it cannot be extracted).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions