How to Retrieve your Saved Passwords on Mac (All macOS)

In one of my recent tutorials, I discussed how to find any saved passwords on your Mac running macOS Monterey, alter the passwords by either changing the passwords or deleting them entirely; all within your Mac. Thus; without visiting the actual website login page to initiate the change of password.

While the previous tutorial works extremely fine and flawless and easier too, it does not work with all Mac. It is only suitable for those Mac users that are running macOS Monterey or later versions of the macOS that are shipped with that feature. In this tutorial however, I am going to show you how to find saved passwords on a Mac regardless of the installed macOS version.

In this tutorial, we would be utilizing the Keychain Access app that comes pre-installed on all Mac. Using the Keychain Access app, you cannot only find just your passwords but also other information including credit card numbers and other similar information that are stored in the Keychain Access app.

So, how exactly can you retrieve your saved passwords on Mac via the Keychain Access app?

How to Retrieve your Saved Passwords on Mac

1. Switch "On" your Mac and Boot macOS

   First, if your Mac is not currently running, you'll need to switch it "On". And if you're currently running multiple OS on your Mac, ensure you boot into macOS.

   
   

2. Open Applications Folder on your Mac

   Once your Mac is booted, now is the time to open Applications Folder. You can do this by opening a Finder window and from there, select Applications in the left sidebar. Alternatively, you can right-click on your desktop and press the Command + Shift + A keys on your keyboard simulteneously thus; all at the same time.

   
   

   Hints:

   Finder on Mac uses windows and icons to show you the contents of your Mac, iCloud Drive, and other storage devices. It's called the Finder because it helps you to find and organize your files on a Mac.

3. Open Utilities Folder

   After opening the Applications Folder as instructed in the previous step, the next page should display a bunch of icons with corresponding labels beneath each of them. From this bunch of icons, locate Utilities and click on it.

   
   

4. Locate "Keychain Access" and Click on it

   Again, after opening Utilities folder by the instruction from the previous step, here again; you would be greeted by another bunch of icons with labels beneath each of them. From among this bunch of icons, locate Keychain Access and click on it.

   
   

5. Now, Click Passwords

   The page that opens after clicking the Keychain Access should look similar to what is seen in the image below. All you'll have to do from here is to click on Passwords.

   
   

   NOTE:

   If you are with a newer Mac, you'll most likely see this at the top of the window while an older Mac user should expect to see the Passwords link in the left sidebar under Category.

6. Next, Use the Search Bar to Find the Password

   Because most likely, your Mac already has so many data saved here, scanning through that many data for the website, username or the exact password you are looking for in the long list would be tedious hence; your best option would be to search for the website or your username (whose password you are looking for) using the search bar.

   
   

   Once the username or website is found, simply double-click on it to open it.

   
   

   Note:

   To find your WiFi password from the list, you will need to search for your WiFi network name.

7. Click "Show Password"

   Now, if you wish to reveal the password, then click "Show Password".

   
   

8. At the Prompt, Enter your Mac Password

   At this stage your Mac asks for a password. Here, just enter the same password you use for your Mac lockscreen.

   
   

9. Your Password is Now Revealed

   Finally, you can now see your password displayed next to or just in front of Show Password text.