In today’s digital age, WiFi has become an essential part of our daily lives. We rely on it to stay connected with the world, access important information, and get work done on the go. However, have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to share your WiFi password with someone, but you can’t recall it? Or maybe you’ve inherited a Mac from someone else and want to access the WiFi network, but the password is unknown. Worry not, dear reader! This article will guide you through the process of revealing the hidden WiFi password on your Mac.
Why You Need to See WiFi Password on Mac
Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s explore some scenarios where knowing your WiFi password becomes crucial:
Sharing WiFi with Guests
Imagine you’re hosting a party, and your friends or family members ask to use your WiFi. You’d want to share the password with them, but you can’t remember it. By knowing how to see the WiFi password on your Mac, you can easily share it with your guests.
Inheriting a Mac or Device
As mentioned earlier, if you’ve inherited a Mac from someone else, accessing the WiFi network might be a challenge. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can retrieve the WiFi password and enjoy seamless internet connectivity.
Troubleshooting WiFi Issues
Sometimes, your WiFi connection might be slow or unstable. Knowing the WiFi password can help you troubleshoot issues, such as resetting the router or changing the password to improve network security.
Method 1: Using Keychain Access to Find WiFi Password
Mac’s built-in Keychain Access application is a powerful tool that stores and manages your passwords, including WiFi credentials. Here’s how to use it to see your WiFi password:
Step 1: Open Keychain Access
Click on the Applications/Utilities folder and select Keychain Access. Alternatively, you can use Spotlight to search for “Keychain Access” and open it from there.
Step 2: Select the “login” Keychain
In the Keychain Access window, select the “login” keychain from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Search for WiFi Network
In the search bar at the top right corner, type the name of your WiFi network (SSID). This will help you locate the corresponding password entry.
Step 4: Double-Click the WiFi Network Entry
Select the WiFi network entry from the search results and double-click on it.
Step 5: Check the “Show Password” Box
In the ” Attributes” tab, check the box next to “Show password.” You will be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator password to authenticate.
Step 6: View Your WiFi Password
Once authenticated, the password will be revealed in the “Show password” field. You can now copy and share the password with others.
Method 2: Using Terminal to Retrieve WiFi Password
If you’re comfortable with using the Terminal application on your Mac, you can use a command-line approach to retrieve your WiFi password.
Step 1: Open Terminal
You can find Terminal in the Applications/Utilities folder or use Spotlight to search for it.
Step 2: Run the `security` Command
Type the following command and press Enter:
security find-generic-password -wa <WiFi_Network_Name>
Replace
Step 3: Enter Administrator Password
You will be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator password to authenticate.
Step 4: View Your WiFi Password
The WiFi password will be displayed in the Terminal window. You can copy and share the password as needed.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
If you’re not comfortable using Keychain Access or Terminal, you can rely on third-party applications to retrieve your WiFi password. One such application is WiFi Password Revealer.
Step 1: Download and Install WiFi Password Revealer
Download the WiFi Password Revealer application from the official website or the App Store.
Step 2: Launch the Application
Launch the WiFi Password Revealer application on your Mac.
Step 3: Select Your WiFi Network
Select your WiFi network from the list of available networks.
Step 4: View Your WiFi Password
The application will display your WiFi password. You can copy and share the password as needed.
Best Practices for WiFi Password Management
Now that you know how to see your WiFi password on your Mac, it’s essential to follow best practices for managing your WiFi credentials:
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Ensure that your WiFi password is strong, unique, and not used elsewhere. A strong password should be a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Enable WPA2 Encryption
Make sure WPA2 encryption is enabled on your router to ensure secure data transmission.
Regularly Update Your Router’s Firmware
Regularly update your router’s firmware to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
Limit Access to Your WiFi Network
Set up a guest network or limit access to your WiFi network to prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
In conclusion, retrieving your WiFi password on a Mac is a relatively straightforward process. By using Keychain Access, Terminal, or third-party applications, you can easily view and share your WiFi password. Remember to follow best practices for WiFi password management to ensure the security of your network.
How to view WiFi password on Mac?
To view the WiFi password on your Mac, you can follow these steps:
Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.
Then, click “Network” and select the WiFi network you want to view the password for.
Click the “Advanced” button and then click the “TCP/IP” tab.
Click the “Renew DHCP Lease” button and then click “OK”.
Open the Keychain Access app, which can be found in the Applications/Utilities folder.
Select “System” under Keychains and “Passwords” under Category.
Find the network you want to view the password for and double-click it.
Click the “Show password” checkbox and enter your administrator password to authenticate.
By following these steps, you should be able to view the WiFi password for your Mac. This can be helpful in situations where you need to remember the password or share it with someone else.