The fastest way: Keychain Access

Your Mac stores every WiFi password you have ever connected to in Keychain Access, a built-in password manager. To retrieve a password, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command+Space, typing "keychain", and pressing Enter), then search for the network name in the search box at the top right.

When you find the network, double-click it. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box labeled "Show password" at the bottom — your Mac will ask for your user account password to confirm. Type it in, and the WiFi password appears in plain text in that same field.

This method works for any network your Mac has connected to before, even if you are not currently connected to it. It is the most direct route and takes about 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Keychain Access stores every WiFi password your Mac has ever used, and you can view any of them by searching for the network name and checking "Show password".
  • Your Mac will ask for your user account password before revealing a stored WiFi password, as a security measure.
  • If you cannot find the network in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it, and you will need to ask the network owner or check the router itself.
  • System Settings also shows your current network password, but only if you are already connected to that network.

Using System Settings if you are already connected

If you are currently connected to the WiFi network and just need to see its password, System Settings is faster than Keychain Access. Click the Apple menu, select System Settings, then go to WiFi in the sidebar.

Find your current network in the list and click the "Details" button next to it. A window opens showing network information. Click "WiFi Security" to expand that section, then check the box next to "Show password". Your Mac asks for your user account password, and the WiFi password displays in the field below.

This route only works for the network you are actively using right now. If you need a password for a different network, Keychain Access is the better choice.

What to do if the password is not in Keychain Access

If you search Keychain Access and cannot find the network name, your Mac has never connected to it before. Keychain only stores passwords for networks you have joined at least once. In this case, you have two options: ask whoever set up the network for the password, or check the router itself.

To check the router, look for a sticker on the device that usually shows the network name and password printed on it. If the password has been changed since the router was set up, the sticker will be outdated. You can also log into the router's admin panel by opening a web browser, typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and signing in with the admin credentials — these are often printed on the router as well, or you can contact your internet provider.

Viewing passwords for networks you have forgotten about

Keychain Access shows every network your Mac has ever connected to, including ones you may not use anymore. This is useful if you are trying to reconnect to an old network or help someone else join a network you set up years ago.

Open Keychain Access, make sure "Passwords" is selected in the left sidebar, and type the network name (or part of it) in the search box. All matching networks appear in the list. If you have many networks stored, you can narrow the search by typing just a few letters of the name.

Security: why your Mac asks for your password

When you reveal a stored WiFi password, your Mac requires your user account password as a security checkpoint. This prevents someone who briefly uses your computer from seeing all your network passwords without your knowledge.

If you are the only person who uses your Mac and you find this step annoying, you can disable it — but this is not recommended. To do so, open Keychain Access, go to Edit menu, select Change Settings for Keychain "login", and uncheck "Ask for Keychain password". However, leaving it enabled protects you if your Mac is ever stolen or borrowed.

Passwords stored on other devices

If you need a WiFi password but do not have access to the Mac that originally connected to the network, you can check an iPhone or iPad instead. Open Settings, go to WiFi, find the network in the list, tap the information icon next to it, and tap "Show Password". Your device asks for Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

If you use iCloud Keychain, passwords sync across your Apple devices, so the same network password appears on all of them. If you have not set up iCloud Keychain, each device stores its own separate list of passwords.

Resetting a forgotten password entirely

If you have forgotten the password and cannot retrieve it from Keychain Access or any other device, you will need to reset it at the router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory settings. This erases the current password and returns the network to its default name and password (usually printed on the router).

After resetting, you can set a new password by logging into the router's admin panel. The exact steps depend on your router model — check the manufacturer's website or the manual that came with it. Once you set a new password, your Mac will ask you to enter it the next time you try to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I am not connected to that network?

Yes, if your Mac has connected to it before. Keychain Access stores every password your Mac has ever used, whether you are currently connected or not. Search for the network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your user account password.

What if I forgot my Mac user password and cannot unlock Keychain?

You cannot view stored WiFi passwords without your Mac user password, because that password protects Keychain. You will need to reset your Mac user password through System Settings (Apple menu > System Settings > General > Login Items, or use Recovery Mode if you cannot log in at all).

Do WiFi passwords sync between my Mac and iPhone?

Yes, if you use iCloud Keychain. Passwords sync automatically across all your Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. If iCloud Keychain is off, each device keeps its own separate list.

Is it safe to write down or share a WiFi password I found in Keychain?

Writing it down is fine for your own use. Sharing it depends on the network — if it is your home network, you can share it with anyone you want to give access to. If it is a work or shared network, check with whoever manages it before giving the password to others.

Why does my Mac not show the password even after I check the box?

The most common reason is that you did not enter your user account password correctly when prompted. Try again and make sure Caps Lock is off. If it still does not work, the network entry in Keychain may be corrupted — delete it and reconnect to the network to create a fresh entry.