The fastest way: Keychain Access

Your Mac stores every WiFi password you've 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 Access", and pressing Enter), then search for the network name in the search box at the top right.

When you find your network listed, double-click it. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask for your user account password — enter it, and the WiFi password appears in plain text. You can now copy it and share it with guests or use it on another device.

This method works for any network your Mac has connected to before, even if you connected years ago. The password stays in Keychain until you manually delete it.

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 entering your user account password.
  • System Settings also shows your current network password, but only for the network you are currently connected to.
  • If you forgot your WiFi password and cannot find it in Keychain, you can reset it through your router's admin panel using the router's default login credentials.
  • Passwords in Keychain are encrypted and protected by your Mac user account password, so only someone with access to your Mac can view them.

Finding the password through System Settings

If you only need the password for the network you are currently connected to, System Settings is faster than Keychain. Click the Apple menu in the top left, select "System Settings", then go to "WiFi" in the sidebar.

Next to your current network name, click "Details". A window opens showing network information. Look for the "Password" field — it will show dots instead of the actual password. Click "Show" next to the password field, enter your user account password when prompted, and the password appears in plain text.

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

Resetting your WiFi password through the router

If you cannot find the password in Keychain or System Settings — perhaps because you connected on a different device and never on this Mac — you can reset it by logging into your router. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Most home routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual to be sure.

You will be asked to log in. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is either "admin", "password", or blank — again, check your router's label. Once logged in, look for a "WiFi" or "Wireless" section in the settings menu. From there you can view the current password or create a new one.

Resetting the password will disconnect all devices currently using that network, so warn anyone else in your household before you do this. They will need to reconnect using the new password.

What to do if you do not remember your router login

If you cannot log into the router because you do not remember the admin password, you can perform a factory reset. Most routers have a small reset button (sometimes recessed) on the back or bottom. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings, including the default admin password printed on the label.

A factory reset erases any custom settings you made — including the WiFi network name and password — so the router will revert to whatever name and password were set at the factory. Check the label on the router for these defaults. After the reset, you can log in with the default credentials and create a new WiFi password of your choice.

Why your Mac might not show the password

If you search Keychain Access and do not see your network listed, it means your Mac has never connected to that network before. Keychain only stores passwords for networks you have actually used on this specific Mac. If someone else set up the network on a different device, or if you connected on your iPhone but never on your Mac, the password will not be in Keychain.

In this case, your only option is to reset the password through the router itself, as described above. You will need physical access to the router and either the admin login credentials or the ability to perform a factory reset.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Because Keychain stores passwords in plain text once you unlock them, be careful who has access to your Mac. Anyone who can log into your user account can view all your saved passwords, including WiFi, email, and banking passwords. If you share your Mac with others, consider creating separate user accounts so each person has their own Keychain.

When you share your WiFi password with guests, you do not need to give them the actual password — on newer Macs and iPhones, you can share the connection directly. Have the guest open WiFi settings on their device, select your network, and tap "Share Password" on your Mac. Their device connects without ever displaying the password itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I am not the one who set it up?

Yes, as long as your Mac has connected to that network before. The password is stored in your Keychain regardless of who created the network. If your Mac has never connected to it, you will need the router admin login or access to the router itself to view or reset the password.

What if I see the network in Keychain but the password field is blank?

This occasionally happens with older network entries or corrupted Keychain data. Try deleting the entry from Keychain and reconnecting to the network — your Mac will ask you to enter the password again, and it will store a fresh copy. If the network requires a password and you do not know it, you will need to reset it through the router.

Does viewing a password in Keychain leave any record or notification?

No. Viewing a password in Keychain does not alert anyone or create a log that others can see. However, anyone with access to your Mac user account can do the same thing, so physical security of your device matters.

Can I change my WiFi password from my Mac without accessing the router?

No. Your Mac only stores and displays passwords — it cannot change them. You must log into the router through a web browser to create a new WiFi password. After you change it, update the password on all your devices so they can reconnect.