In today’s world, staying connected to the internet all the time is very important. If you’re a Mac user, you might have connected to numerous WiFi networks over time. But what happens when you need to retrieve a WiFi password you’ve previously connected to? Whether it’s for connecting a new device or sharing with a friend, knowing how to find saved WiFi passwords on your Mac can be extremely helpful. This blog post will guide you through the steps to uncover those hidden passwords seamlessly.
1. Using macOS Keychain Access: The Direct Approach
Why Use It: The Keychain Access application stores a variety of passwords, including WiFi passwords. It’s a built-in feature on all Macs.
How to Find WiFi Passwords Using Keychain Access:
- Navigate to the Applications folder, then go to Utilities and open Keychain Access.
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The “System” option should be highlighted on the left pane, and the checkbox at the bottom that says “Show Passwords” should be ticked.
- In the search box, type the name of your WiFi network.
- Double-click on the network name from the results, which will open a new window.
- Check the “Show Password” box at the bottom. You might need to enter your Mac’s username and password to reveal the WiFi password.
2. Using Terminal: For the Tech-Savvy
Why Use It: The Terminal is a powerful tool that allows users to execute a variety of commands. It’s best suited for those comfortable with command-line interfaces.
How to Find WiFi Passwords Using Terminal:
- Open the Terminal application (you can find it in Applications > Utilities or search for it using Spotlight).
- Type in the following command: security find-generic-password -ga WIFI_NAME | grep “password:” (Replace “WIFI_NAME” with the name of your network).
- Press Enter. You may be prompted to input your Mac’s username and password.
- The WiFi password will be displayed next to “password:” in the terminal window.
Tips for Keeping Track of Passwords
While the above methods will help you retrieve saved WiFi passwords, it’s always a good practice to manage and store your passwords effectively.
- Use a Password Manager: Tools like LastPass or 1Password can help you store and manage your passwords securely.
- Regularly Update Passwords: For security reasons, it’s good practice to change your WiFi password occasionally.
- Physical Notebook: Old-school, but effective. Write down essential passwords in a notebook, but ensure it’s kept in a safe place.
Conclusion
Finding WiFi passwords on a Mac is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you prefer the direct approach with Keychain Access or diving into Terminal commands, the steps above will guide you to retrieve those passwords effortlessly. Remember, always handle passwords with care to secure your Wifi connection.
