Are you tired of asking your friends or family members for their WiFi password every time you visit their place? Do you struggle to remember the intricate sequence of characters and numbers that make up your own WiFi password? Worry no more! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of retrieving a WiFi password on your Mac, so you can finally have access to the internet whenever and wherever you need it.
Why Do You Need to Know How to Get WiFi Password in Mac?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of retrieving a WiFi password, let’s talk about why it’s essential to know how to do so. Here are a few scenarios where knowing how to get WiFi password in Mac can come in handy:
- You’re visiting a friend or family member, and you need to access the internet on your Mac. Instead of asking them for the password, you can use these methods to retrieve it yourself.
- You’ve forgotten your own WiFi password, and you can’t seem to remember it no matter how hard you try.
- You’re at a public hotspot, and the password is not displayed prominently. You can use these methods to retrieve the password and gain access to the internet.
Method 1: Using the Keychain Access App
The Keychain Access app is a built-in utility on Macs that allows you to store and manage your passwords, including WiFi passwords. Here’s how to use it to retrieve a WiFi password:
Step 1: Open the Keychain Access App
Click on the Spotlight search icon in the top right corner of your screen and type “Keychain Access.” Select the app from the search results to open it.
Step 2: Select the “System” Tab
In the Keychain Access app, you’ll see two tabs: ” login” and “System.” Select the “System” tab.
Step 3: Find the WiFi Network
In the “System” tab, you’ll see a list of all the WiFi networks you’ve connected to in the past. Find the network you want to retrieve the password for and click on it.
Step 4: Check the “Show Password” Box
Click on the “Attributes” tab and check the “Show password” box. You may be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator password to proceed.
Step 5: Retrieve the Password
Once you’ve entered your administrator password, the WiFi password will be displayed in the “Attributes” tab. You can copy and paste it into your browser or notes app for future reference.
Note: Make sure you’re using a Mac with macOS High Sierra or later to access the WiFi password using the Keychain Access app. If you’re using an earlier version of macOS, you may not be able to retrieve the password using this method.
Method 2: Using the Terminal App
If you’re comfortable using the command line, you can use the Terminal app to retrieve a WiFi password. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Terminal App
Click on the Spotlight search icon in the top right corner of your screen and type “Terminal.” Select the app from the search results to open it.
Step 2: Enter the Command
Type the following command into the Terminal app and press Enter:
security find-generic-password -ga <WiFi Network Name>
Replace <WiFi Network Name> with the name of the WiFi network you want to retrieve the password for.
Step 3: Enter Your Administrator Password
You’ll be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator password to proceed.
Step 4: Retrieve the Password
Once you’ve entered your administrator password, the WiFi password will be displayed in the Terminal app. You can copy and paste it into your browser or notes app for future reference.
Warning: Be careful when using the Terminal app, as incorrect commands can cause damage to your system. Make sure to type the command exactly as shown above, and replace <WiFi Network Name> with the correct network name.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
If you’re not comfortable using the Keychain Access app or the Terminal app, you can use third-party apps to retrieve a WiFi password. Here are a few options:
Method 3.1: WiFi Password Manager
WiFi Password Manager is a free app that allows you to view and manage your WiFi passwords. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install WiFi Password Manager from the App Store.
- Launch the app and select the WiFi network you want to retrieve the password for.
- Click on the “Show Password” button to display the password.
Method 3.2: WiFi Explorer
WiFi Explorer is a paid app that provides detailed information about nearby WiFi networks, including their passwords. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install WiFi Explorer from the App Store.
- Launch the app and select the WiFi network you want to retrieve the password for.
- Click on the “Security” tab and look for the “Password” field.
Note: WiFi Explorer requires macOS High Sierra or later to function properly. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the app’s accuracy, so use it with caution.
Conclusion
Retrieving a WiFi password on your Mac is easier than you think. Whether you use the built-in Keychain Access app, the Terminal app, or third-party apps, you can easily access the internet whenever and wherever you need it. Just remember to use these methods responsibly and only access networks you have permission to use.
Remember: It’s always a good idea to keep your WiFi password secure and only share it with trusted individuals. If you’re concerned about the security of your WiFi network, consider changing your password regularly and using a strong, unique password.
What is the Keychain Access app on Mac?
The Keychain Access app is a built-in utility on Mac that allows users to store and manage passwords, credit card information, and other sensitive data. It’s a secure vault that protects your login credentials, Wi-Fi passwords, and other confidential information.
Keychain Access is a powerful tool that can help you retrieve forgotten passwords, including Wi-Fi passwords. By default, Mac encrypts and stores Wi-Fi passwords in the Keychain Access app. You can access the app by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications/Utilities.
Do I need administrative privileges to access Wi-Fi passwords?
Yes, you need administrative privileges to access Wi-Fi passwords on a Mac. This is because Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the System Keychain, which is a secure repository that requires admin access.
As an administrator, you can access the System Keychain and view the passwords for all Wi-Fi networks your Mac has connected to. However, if you’re using a managed Mac or a MacBook provided by your organization, you might not have admin privileges. In such cases, you may need to contact your system administrator for assistance.
How do I find the Wi-Fi password in Keychain Access?
To find a Wi-Fi password in Keychain Access, follow these steps: Open Keychain Access, select “login” under Keychains, and then click on “Passwords” in the Category section. Scroll through the list of saved passwords, find the Wi-Fi network you want, and double-click on it. Check the box next to “Show password” and authenticate with your admin credentials.
Once you’ve authenticated, the Wi-Fi password will be displayed in plain text. Make sure to note it down securely, as you’ll need it to connect to the network again. Remember to always handle passwords with care and avoid sharing them with unauthorized individuals.
Can I reset my Wi-Fi password if I forget it?
Yes, you can reset your Wi-Fi password if you forget it. To do so, follow these steps: Open Keychain Access, select “login” under Keychains, and then click on “Passwords” in the Category section. Find the Wi-Fi network you want to reset, select it, and click the minus (-) button at the bottom of the list.
Confirm that you want to delete the password, and then reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. You’ll be prompted to enter a new password, which will be saved in the Keychain Access app. Remember to update the password on all your devices to ensure seamless connectivity.
Is it safe to store Wi-Fi passwords in Keychain Access?
Yes, it’s safe to store Wi-Fi passwords in Keychain Access. The app uses robust encryption and secure storage mechanisms to protect your sensitive data. Keychain Access is designed to safeguard your passwords, credit card information, and other confidential data from unauthorized access.
As long as you keep your Mac and its software up-to-date, the risk of data breaches or password theft is significantly reduced. Additionally, make sure to set a strong password for your Mac and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.
Can I use Keychain Access to manage passwords on multiple devices?
Yes, you can use Keychain Access to manage passwords on multiple devices. If you have multiple Macs or iOS devices, you can use iCloud Keychain to sync your passwords across all devices. This allows you to access your passwords, credit card information, and other data from any device connected to your iCloud account.
To set up iCloud Keychain, go to System Preferences > Apple ID, and select “iCloud” on your Mac. Then, enable iCloud Keychain and follow the prompts to set it up. This will allow you to access your passwords on all devices connected to your iCloud account.
Are there any alternative methods to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords on Mac?
Yes, there are alternative methods to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords on Mac. One method is to use the Terminal app to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords using the “security” command. You can also use third-party password managers like 1Password or LastPass, which can store and retrieve Wi-Fi passwords.
However, these alternative methods may require more technical expertise and may not be as user-friendly as using Keychain Access. Additionally, third-party password managers may require subscriptions or have limitations, so be sure to evaluate your options carefully before choosing a method that suits your needs.