Your Mac remembers every Wi-Fi network you have ever joined, so the password is almost certainly stored on your machine even when you cannot recall it. That is handy when a friend asks for your network key or when you need to log a new device into the same router. Our GetMyPassword team put together the reliable, built-in ways to reveal a saved Wi-Fi password on macOS — no shady apps required — plus how to do it from an iPhone signed in to the same Apple Account.
Method 1: Keychain Access (works on every Mac)
- Press Command + Space, type Keychain Access, and open it.
- In the search box (top right), type the name of the Wi-Fi network you want.
- Double-click the network entry, then tick Show password.
- Enter your Mac’s administrator (login) password to confirm — the Wi-Fi key appears in plain text.
Keychain Access stores network passwords under the “Passwords” or “Local Items” category, so it works even for networks you joined years ago, as long as you saved them.
Method 2: Passwords app on macOS Sequoia and later
Newer macOS versions add a dedicated Passwords app that is faster than Keychain Access. Open it from the Applications folder or System Settings, authenticate with Touch ID or your login password, then choose Wi-Fi in the sidebar. Click any network to reveal its key, and use the copy button to share it without typing a single character.
Method 3: Terminal for a one-line answer
If you are comfortable with the command line, open Terminal and run the line below, replacing NETWORK with your network name:
security find-generic-password -ga NETWORK | grep password
macOS will prompt for your administrator password, then print the Wi-Fi key. It is the same data Keychain holds, just shown instantly.
Get the password from your iPhone instead
If your iPhone is signed in with the same Apple Account, it has the key too. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to the connected network, then tap the hidden Password field and authenticate with Face ID. This is often the quickest route when your Mac is across the room.
Revealing a saved key requires your device login — that is the safety net. If anyone else can unlock your Mac, they can read your Wi-Fi passwords too, so keep that login strong.
Time to upgrade a weak network key?
If revealing your password shows something short or guessable, replace it in your router admin panel (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). A long, random key is the single best defence against neighbours and drive-by attackers. Spin one up with our password generator — aim for 16+ characters — and store it so you never have to dig through Keychain again.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see a Wi-Fi password on Mac without the admin password?
No. Keychain Access, the Passwords app and Terminal all require your Mac’s administrator login before they reveal a stored key. This is a security feature, not a bug — it stops anyone with brief physical access from harvesting your passwords.
Why is my Wi-Fi network missing from Keychain Access?
Keychain only stores networks you actually joined and chose to remember. If you connected on a different Apple Account, used a guest session, or removed the network, there will be no saved entry — you will need to get the key from the router or another device.
Is it safe to share my Wi-Fi password this way?
Sharing with people you trust is fine. For visitors, a better option is a separate guest network on your router, which keeps your main devices isolated. Either way, use a long random key so the password staying on multiple phones is not a risk.