Find Your Wi-Fi Password

How to find the password for a Wi-Fi network you're connected to or have saved

You know you've connected to your Wi-Fi before, but now you need the password – maybe for a new device, a guest, or a printer. Every major platform lets you look up saved Wi-Fi passwords. Pick yours below.

If none of the methods below work, skip to the check your router section at the bottom.

Run the Network Test

Current network (System Settings)

Open System Settings
Click Wi-Fi in the sidebar
Find your connected network and click the info (i) button next to it
Click the Password field – you'll need to authenticate with Touch ID or your Mac password
The password appears. Click the copy icon next to it to grab it

Saved networks (Passwords app)

Open the Passwords app (search for it in Spotlight with Cmd + Space)
Authenticate with Touch ID or your password
Click Wi-Fi in the sidebar
Find the network and click it
The password is shown – click to copy

Terminal

If you prefer the command line, open Terminal and run:

security find-generic-password -w -D "AirPort network password" -a "YourNetworkName"

Replace YourNetworkName with your actual SSID. You'll need to enter your Mac password to authorize it.

Sharing with nearby Apple devices

If someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac is nearby and they need your Wi-Fi password, you can share it without revealing it. Both devices need Bluetooth on, and the receiving device needs to have your Apple ID in their Contacts. When they try to connect to your network, a prompt appears on your Mac asking if you want to share the password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will viewing my Wi-Fi password change or break anything?▾

No. Looking up a saved password is read-only. It doesn't change the password, disconnect you, or affect other devices on the network.

What if the password shown doesn't work on a new device?▾

The saved password might be outdated – someone may have changed the Wi-Fi password on the router since you last connected. Log into your router's admin page to check the current password, or ask whoever manages the network.

Can I find passwords for networks I've connected to before but am not currently on?▾

On Mac (Passwords app), Windows (netsh command), Linux (nmcli), iOS (Passwords app), and Android (gear icon on saved networks) – yes, you can view passwords for previously saved networks, not just the one you're on right now.

Is it safe to share my Wi-Fi password?▾

Sharing your home Wi-Fi password with trusted guests is fine. If you're concerned about security, most routers let you set up a separate guest network with its own password, which keeps visitors off your main network. See our Securing Home Wi-Fi guide for more.

What if I can't find the password anywhere?▾

If no device has the password saved and you can't log into the router, your last option is to factory reset the router (usually a small pinhole button on the back). This resets the password to the default on the sticker. You'll need to reconnect all your devices afterward.