The fastest way: Keychain Access

Your Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in password manager. To view a password you've already connected to, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command-Space, typing "Keychain Access", then pressing Enter), then search for your 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 that window — your Mac will ask for your user account password to confirm. Once you enter it, the WiFi password appears in plain text.

This method works on any Mac running macOS 10.15 or later. You need to know your Mac's login password, but you do not need to be connected to the network at that moment.

Key Takeaways

  • Keychain Access is the built-in tool on every Mac where stored WiFi passwords live, and you can view any password you've connected to before.
  • You must enter your Mac user account password to reveal a stored WiFi password, even if you are the only person who uses the computer.
  • If you cannot remember your Mac password, you cannot view stored WiFi passwords through Keychain — you'll need to reset the network or contact your router's administrator.
  • Viewing a password through Keychain does not change it, disconnect you from the network, or alert anyone else on that network.

What to do if Keychain doesn't show your network

If you search Keychain and your network name does not appear, it means your Mac has never saved that password — either because you've never connected to it, or because you chose not to save the password when you first joined.

In that case, you'll need to contact whoever set up the router or network. For a home network, that's usually the person who installed the router. For a work or apartment network, contact your IT department or building management. They can tell you the password or reset it if needed.

Viewing passwords for networks you're currently on

If you're already connected to a WiFi network and want to see its password without opening Keychain, you can also check System Settings. Click the Apple menu in the top left, 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. This shows you information about the connection, but not the password itself — you still need Keychain Access for that. System Settings is useful if you want to check the network name, security type, or channel, but for the actual password, Keychain is the only built-in option.

Security and privacy when viewing passwords

When you reveal a password in Keychain, your Mac requires your user account password first. This is a security measure: it means someone who borrows your computer cannot casually view your WiFi passwords without knowing your login credentials.

However, if someone has physical access to your Mac and knows your password, they can view any stored password. This is by design — Keychain is meant to protect against casual snooping, not against someone with full access to your computer. If you share your Mac with others and want to keep WiFi passwords private, consider using a separate user account for them, which keeps their login separate from yours.

Resetting a forgotten WiFi password

If you've forgotten your WiFi password and cannot view it in Keychain (because you never saved it), you'll need to reset it at the router itself. Most home routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom. Holding it for 10 to 15 seconds resets the router to factory settings, which usually means the password reverts to a default printed on a sticker on the router.

After a factory reset, you'll need to set up the network again from scratch, including choosing a new password. If this is a work or shared network, do not reset the router — contact the person who manages it instead. Resetting a shared router will disconnect everyone and may cause problems for other users.

Viewing passwords on older Macs

On Macs running macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or earlier, the process is nearly identical, but the path to Keychain is slightly different. Open Keychain Access the same way (Command-Space, type "Keychain Access"), then look for your network in the list. The steps to reveal the password are the same: double-click the network, check "Show password", and enter your Mac password.

If you're using a Mac so old that it's no longer receiving security updates, consider updating to a newer version of macOS if your hardware supports it. Older systems are more vulnerable to security problems, and viewing passwords on an unpatched Mac carries more risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view a WiFi password if I don't remember my Mac login password?

No. Keychain requires your Mac user password to show any stored password. If you've forgotten your Mac password, you'll need to reset it through Apple ID or use Recovery Mode. Until you regain access to your Mac account, you cannot view stored WiFi passwords.

Does viewing a password in Keychain disconnect me from WiFi?

No. Viewing a password in Keychain does not change anything about your connection. You stay connected, and the network is unaffected. The password itself is not changed, and no one else on the network is notified.

What if my Mac says "access denied" when I try to open Keychain?

This usually means your user account does not have permission to access Keychain, which is rare on a personal Mac. If you're on a work computer, your IT department may have restricted access. Contact them for help. On a personal Mac, try restarting and trying again, or create a new administrator account.

Can I view WiFi passwords for networks I'm not connected to?

Yes, as long as your Mac has connected to that network before and saved the password. Keychain stores passwords for all networks you've ever joined, whether you're currently connected or not. Search for the network name in Keychain Access and follow the same steps.

Is it safe to write down a WiFi password after viewing it in Keychain?

Yes, but keep the written password in a find place — the same place you'd keep other important passwords. Writing it down is useful if you need to give it to a guest or share it with someone who needs to connect. Just avoid leaving it visible on a desk or posting it publicly.