The fastest way to find your WiFi password on Mac

Your WiFi password is stored in Keychain, the password manager built into macOS. You can retrieve it in about 30 seconds without restarting anything or contacting your internet provider. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command+Space, typing "keychain", and pressing Enter), then search for your network name in the search box at the top right. Double-click the network name when it appears, check the box next to "Show password", enter your Mac login password when prompted, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

This method works on any Mac running any recent version of macOS, and you do not need administrator access — only your own login password. If you cannot find your network name in Keychain, it means your Mac has never connected to that network before, and the password was never saved.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password lives in Keychain Access, which you can open by searching for it in Spotlight.
  • Search for your network name in Keychain, double-click it, and check "Show password" to reveal the text.
  • You will need to enter your Mac login password to view the WiFi password — this is a security feature.
  • If your network name does not appear in Keychain, your Mac has never saved a connection to that network.
  • This method works the same way on all recent versions of macOS, including Sonoma, Ventura, and Monterey.

Opening Keychain Access on your Mac

Keychain Access is a system tool that comes with every Mac. The fastest way to open it is through Spotlight, Apple's built-in search. Press Command+Space on your keyboard (or Control+Space if you have an older Mac), and a search box will appear in the center of your screen.

Type "keychain" into the search box. You will see "Keychain Access" appear at the top of the results with a small key icon next to it. Press Enter or click on it to open the process. A window titled "Keychain Access" will open, showing a list of saved passwords and certificates.

Finding your network name in Keychain

Once Keychain Access is open, look at the top right corner of the window. You will see a search box with a magnifying glass icon. Click in that search box and type the exact name of your WiFi network — the name you see when you click the WiFi icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

As you type, Keychain will filter the list below to show only items matching your search. Your network name should appear within a second or two. If nothing appears, your Mac has never connected to that network, or the password was not saved when the connection was made. In that case, you will need to check your router or contact your internet provider.

Revealing the password itself

When you see your network name in the list, double-click on it. A small window will pop up showing details about that network connection. You will see several fields, including one labeled "password" — but the password itself will be hidden, shown as dots or blank.

Look for a checkbox labeled "Show password" near the bottom of this window. Click that checkbox. macOS will then ask you to enter your Mac login password — the same password you use to log into your computer. Type it in and click "Allow" or press Enter. Your WiFi password will now appear in plain text in the password field, and you can read it or copy it to share with someone else.

What to do if Keychain asks for your login password

When you click "Show password", macOS requires you to enter your Mac login password as a security measure. This prevents someone else from sitting down at your computer and viewing all your saved passwords without your knowledge. Enter the password you use to log into your Mac — not the WiFi password you are trying to find.

If you do not remember your Mac login password, you cannot view the WiFi password through Keychain. Your only other option is to reset the WiFi password on your router itself, which usually involves logging into the router's settings through a web browser or mobile app.

Finding your password if your network is not in Keychain

If you search Keychain and your network name does not appear, it means your Mac has never connected to that network, or the connection was made without saving the password. In this case, you will need to check your router directly.

Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default WiFi network name and password printed on it. If you changed the password after setting up the router, you can log into the router's settings page by opening a web browser and typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. You will need the router's admin username and password, which is often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password on the sticker. Once logged in, you can view or change the WiFi password.

Copying and sharing the password safely

Once the password is visible in Keychain, you can select the text and copy it. Right-click on the password field and choose "Copy", or select the text and press Command+C. You can then paste it into a message, email, or document by pressing Command+V.

If you are sharing the password with someone in person, it is safer to read it aloud or show them the screen directly rather than writing it down or sending it in an unencrypted message. If you must send it electronically, consider using a password manager or encrypted messaging app rather than regular email or text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view my WiFi password if I forgot my Mac login password?

No. macOS requires your login password to view saved passwords in Keychain as a security feature. If you forgot your Mac login password, you would need to reset it through Apple ID or contact Apple Support. After resetting it, you can then view your WiFi password in Keychain.

Why does my network name not show up in Keychain?

Your network name only appears in Keychain if your Mac has connected to it before and saved the password. If you are looking for a network you just set up, or one you connected to on a different device, it will not be in your Mac's Keychain. Check your router's sticker or settings page instead.

Is it safe to store my WiFi password in Keychain?

Yes. Keychain is encrypted and protected by your Mac login password. Anyone who wants to view your saved passwords must know your login password. This is why macOS asks for it when you try to view a password in Keychain.

Can I change my WiFi password from Keychain?

No. Keychain only lets you view and copy passwords, not change them. To change your WiFi password, you must log into your router's settings page through a web browser. The router's IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself.

What if I see multiple entries for the same network in Keychain?

This sometimes happens if you changed your WiFi password and your Mac saved both the old and new versions. The most recent one is usually listed last. Try the most recent entry first. If it does not work, try the others until you find the current password.