How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on a Mac
A friend asks for the Wi-Fi password and you've no idea what it is. If your Mac has joined that network before, it has saved the password. You just need to know where to look.
You'll need your Mac's login password (or Touch ID) to reveal it. That stops anyone else from seeing it.
The method depends on your version of macOS. Check it under Apple menu > About This Mac.
Method 1: System Settings (macOS Ventura and later)
1. Open System Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced…. On some versions you'll instead see your networks listed under Known Networks on the main Wi-Fi page.
3. Find the network and click the ⋯ (More) button next to it.
4. Choose Copy Password.
5. Authenticate with your password or Touch ID.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced…. On some versions you'll instead see your networks listed under Known Networks on the main Wi-Fi page.
3. Find the network and click the ⋯ (More) button next to it.
4. Choose Copy Password.
5. Authenticate with your password or Touch ID.
The password is now on your clipboard. Paste it into a note or message with Command + V.
Method 2: The Passwords app (macOS Sequoia and later)
1. Open the Passwords app. Press Command + Space and type "Passwords".
2. Unlock it with Touch ID or your Mac password.
3. Click Wi-Fi in the sidebar.
4. Select the network. Hover over the dots next to Password to reveal it, or click to copy it.
2. Unlock it with Touch ID or your Mac password.
3. Click Wi-Fi in the sidebar.
4. Select the network. Hover over the dots next to Password to reveal it, or click to copy it.
This method is handy because you can see the password on screen, not just copy it.
Method 3: Keychain Access (older versions of macOS)
1. Open Keychain Access. Press Command + Space, type "Keychain Access" and press Return.
2. In the search box at the top-right, type the name of the Wi-Fi network.
3. Double-click the network in the results.
4. Tick Show password.
5. Enter your Mac's login password when asked, and click Allow.
2. In the search box at the top-right, type the name of the Wi-Fi network.
3. Double-click the network in the results.
4. Tick Show password.
5. Enter your Mac's login password when asked, and click Allow.
The password appears in the box next to Show password.
Even easier: share Wi-Fi without the password
If your friend has an iPhone, iPad or Mac, you may not need the password at all:
1. Make sure you're in each other's Contacts.
2. Keep your Mac unlocked and connected to the Wi-Fi.
3. When their device asks for the Wi-Fi password, your Mac shows a pop-up offering to Share it.
4. Click Share. Their device connects automatically.
2. Keep your Mac unlocked and connected to the Wi-Fi.
3. When their device asks for the Wi-Fi password, your Mac shows a pop-up offering to Share it.
4. Click Share. Their device connects automatically.
Can't find it?
• You've never connected from this Mac. It won't have the password saved. Check the sticker on your router, which often shows the default network name and password.
• The password was changed. Your Mac only knows the version it last connected with.
• Work or school network. These often use individual logins rather than a shared password. Ask your IT department.
• The password was changed. Your Mac only knows the version it last connected with.
• Work or school network. These often use individual logins rather than a shared password. Ask your IT department.
Wrapping up
On a modern Mac, the fastest route is System Settings > Wi-Fi > ⋯ > Copy Password. On macOS Sequoia or later, the Passwords app shows it on screen in seconds.
