The fastest way: use AirDrop if both devices are Apple

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or another Mac nearby, AirDrop is the quickest method. The device with the WiFi password sends it directly to your MacBook without typing. Both devices must be signed into the same iCloud account, have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on, and be within about 30 feet of each other.

On the device that knows the password, go to Settings (iPhone/iPad) or System Settings (Mac), then WiFi. Tap or click the network name, then look for a Share Password button or option. Select the MacBook from the AirDrop list. The MacBook will receive the password automatically and connect to the network.

If you don't see a Share Password button, the sending device may not have the password stored in its keychain, or both devices aren't signed into the same iCloud account. Check that both are using the same Apple ID.

Key Takeaways

  • AirDrop works only between Apple devices on the same iCloud account and requires both Bluetooth and WiFi to be on.
  • If AirDrop isn't available, you can read the password from your router's settings or ask the network owner for it.
  • Typing the password manually into the MacBook's WiFi menu is the most reliable method when other devices aren't available.
  • Once connected, the MacBook stores the password in its keychain and will reconnect automatically when in range.

Reading the password from your router

If you own the router, you can find the WiFi password in its settings. Most home routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the network name and password printed on it. Look for labels like "WiFi Name" or "SSID" and "WiFi Password" or "Passphrase".

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can log into the router's admin panel through a web browser. Open a browser on any connected device, type the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, and sign in with the admin username and password. Look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network to find the password.

Once you have the password, open System Settings on the MacBook, go to WiFi, select the network name, and type the password when prompted.

Asking the network owner or administrator

If you're connecting to someone else's network, the simplest approach is to ask them directly for the password. They can either tell you the password over the phone or text, or they can use AirDrop if they have an Apple device.

At a business or public location, ask staff or check for a posted sign with the network name and password. Some cafes, libraries, and offices print this information on receipts or display it near the entrance.

Typing the password manually on your MacBook

Once you have the password, connecting is straightforward. Click the WiFi icon in the menu bar at the top right of your screen, find the network name in the list, and click it. A dialog box will appear asking for the password.

Type the password exactly as it was given to you — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If the password contains special characters like @ or #, make sure you type them correctly. Click Join when done.

The MacBook will store this password in its keychain and will reconnect automatically whenever it's in range of that network in the future. You won't need to type it again unless you change the network password or reset the MacBook's network settings.

What to do if the password isn't working

If you've typed the password correctly but the MacBook won't connect, the password may have been changed recently. Ask the network owner to confirm the current password, or check the router settings again if you own it.

If the password is definitely correct, try "forgetting" the network on your MacBook and reconnecting. Click the WiFi icon, select WiFi Settings, find the network in the list, click the information icon next to it, and choose Forget This Network. Then select the network again and type the password fresh.

Restart your MacBook if the problem persists. Sometimes a network connection glitch clears after a reboot. If the network still won't connect, the router itself may need to be restarted — ask the network owner to unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in.

Why your MacBook stores passwords and how to manage them

When you connect to a WiFi network, macOS saves the password in your Keychain, which is Apple's password storage system. This is why you only have to type the password once — the MacBook retrieves it automatically the next time you're near that network.

If you want to see all your saved WiFi passwords, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), select Passwords in the left sidebar, and look for entries labeled with your network names. Double-click any entry and check the Show password box to reveal it.

To remove a saved password, right-click the network entry in Keychain Access and select Delete. This is useful if you've changed your network password and want to remove the old one, or if you're selling your MacBook and want to clear saved credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a WiFi password from my MacBook to another Mac?

Yes, if both Macs are signed into the same iCloud account. On the Mac with the password, go to System Settings > WiFi, click the network name, and look for a Share Password option. Select the other Mac from the AirDrop list. Both must have Bluetooth and WiFi enabled.

What if I forgot my own WiFi password?

If you own the router, check the sticker on the back or log into the router's admin panel at 192.168.1.1 (or your router's IP address). If you've forgotten the admin password too, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all custom settings. Contact your internet provider if you need help.

Does the MacBook need to be plugged in to receive a WiFi password via AirDrop?

No, the MacBook can be on battery power. Both devices just need Bluetooth and WiFi turned on, an active internet connection on the sending device, and both must be signed into the same iCloud account.

Can I share a WiFi password to a MacBook from an Android phone?

No, AirDrop only works between Apple devices. You'll need to ask for the password directly or read it from the router settings yourself. Once you have it, type it into the MacBook's WiFi menu.

Why does my MacBook keep asking for the WiFi password even though I typed it correctly?

The password may have been changed on the router since you last connected. Ask the network owner for the current password. If it's the same, try forgetting the network on your MacBook and reconnecting fresh, or restart your MacBook and try again.