Wireless networks have become an essential part of our lives, connecting us to the internet in our homes, offices, and other public places. However, frequently, we might forget the password to our Wi-Fi network, making it hard to connect to our Wi-Fi devices. In some cases, we might need to share the password to our Wi-Fi network with our friends and relatives, and we may have forgotten the password. But don’t worry, as you can find your Wi-Fi password in several quick and easy ways on your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Macs
There could be many reasons why you might need to find your Wi-Fi password on your Mac. Suppose you have just purchased a new device and require access to your Wi-Fi. Or, you might have a new friend visiting, and they need Wi-Fi access. Maybe you want to share access with others and want to retrieve your Wi-Fi password. Or you are changing devices and need to input the password again. Regardless of the reason, regaining access to your Wi-Fi password can save you a lot of hassle.
Method 1: Using Keychain Access to find Wi-Fi password on Mac
If you’re unsure about your Wi-Fi password, don’t fret. Listed below are some of the methods for finding Wi-Fi passwords on Macs.
The first method requires using Keychain Access on your Mac, and it’s one of the simplest ways to retrieve a password. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open your Mac’s Spotlight by pressing the command (⌘) + Spacebar key combination.
2. Type "Keychain Access," and the application will appear in the search results.
3. Open Keychain access, and you will see all of your saved passwords.
4. In the search bar on the top right, type in the name of the Wi-Fi network you are trying to find the password for.
5. You will see a few entries come up in the results list. Look for "AirPort network password" and double-click on it.
6. Click on the checkbox next to "Show password." You may need to enter your administrative credentials. So enter your Apple ID password if asked.
7. You will see the Wi-Fi password in the pop-up box.
Pros:
– The Keychain Access method is a safe and simple way to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords.
– It’s one of the most straightforward methods that doesn’t require any technical knowledge.
Cons:
– It’s not feasible to use this method when you don’t have administrative credentials.
– Only works if the password is saved on your Mac.
Method 2: Using Wi-Fi Sync to find Wi-Fi Password on Mac
If you’ve synced your Wi-Fi settings between your iOS device and your Mac, then this method should work for you:
1. Open the "System Preferences" application on your Mac.
2. Click on "Network."
3. On the left-side menu, select the Wi-Fi network you want to find the password for.
4. Click the "Advanced" button at the bottom right of the screen.
5. Click on the "Wi-Fi" tab and select the "Sync with [device name]" box at the top of the panel.
6. Enter your Apple ID password if prompted.
7. Your Mac should then reverse sync, which will download the Wi-Fi password from your mobile device.
Pros:
– It’s a straightforward method, especially if you’ve already synced your devices.
– It works across all Apple devices that have Wi-Fi credentials synced up.
Cons:
– Only will work if your iOS device and Mac are synced up.
– Only works if you have saved the Wi-Fi password on your iOS device.
Method 3: Using Terminal to Find Wi-Fi Password on Mac
Another way to retrieve the password to a Wi-Fi network is by using Terminal, an application used to enter commands into the macOS command-line interface.
However, this method is only recommended for advanced users who know their way around the Terminal.
1. Open the "Terminal" application on your Mac via Spotlight or Applications.
2. Enter the following command:
"`security find-generic-password -ga WIFI_NETWORK_NAME | grep "password: " | sed ‘s/password: "\(.*\)"/\1/’"`
3. Replace WIFI_NETWORK_NAME with your network’s name.
4. Press Enter, and the password for the Wi-Fi network should be presented.
Pros:
– It’s a straightforward method if you are familiar with the Terminal.
– It gives you easy access to the Wi-Fi password without much difficulty.
Cons:
– This method is only recommended for expert users who are familiar with the Terminal.
– A negligible chance of making an error while entering the command may cause issues.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Mac?
If you can’t find your Wi-Fi password using the mentioned methods, you can use the device’s manual or contact your ISP for support. Wi-Fi routers usually come with manuals that contain the Wi-Fi password for instances like these. Alternatively, you may contact your internet provider, and they should assist you in retrieving your Wi-Fi password.
Bonus Tip: Using a Password Manager on Mac
Using a password manager like 1Password is an excellent way to keep track of all your passwords. It allows you to store and retrieve all your passwords securely and helps you with essential tasks like generating strong passwords for all your accounts.
5 FAQs on Finding Wi-Fi Password on Mac
Q1: Can I find the password to a Wi-Fi network on a Mac without administrative credentials?
A: Without administrative credentials, it is not possible to retrieve the Wi-Fi password on a Mac.
Q2: Can I find the password for a Wi-Fi network I’m not currently connected to?
A: Yes, you can find the password for a Wi-Fi network you’ve previously connected to using any of the methods outlined above.
Q3: Can I reset my Wi-Fi password using any of the above methods?
A: No, the methods mentioned above will only help you retrieve the existing password. You’ll need to access the Wi-Fi router’s settings to reset the password.
Q4: Will I lose my Wi-Fi connection if I retrieve the password using any of the above methods?
A: No, retrieving the password will not interrupt your Wi-Fi connection.
Q5: Can I use any of the above methods to retrieve the Wi-Fi password for a non-Apple device?
A: The methods mentioned above are designed to work with Apple devices, but you can try using your Mac as a root user and see if it works.
Final Thoughts
Retrieving your Wi-Fi password on Mac is not challenging and can quickly be achieved using any of the methods mentioned above. Using a password manager is also advised to avoid such issues in the future. We hope that this blog has helped you find a solution to your Wi-Fi password problems!