How to Enter New Wifi Password on Mac

Android / By

Being connected to the internet is crucial in today’s world, and with wifi technology being so widespread, it has become even more important. However, sometimes we face connectivity problems, and it might be the case that the issue is with our wifi password.

Updating or entering a new wifi password on your Mac might sound simple, but it could be quite challenging if you don’t know how to do it properly. Therefore, in this blog post, we will guide you step-by-step on how to enter a new wifi password on your Mac and provide additional tips to ensure a smooth and seamless process.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Entering a New Wifi Password on Mac

Entering a new wifi password on your Mac might seem overwhelming at first, but it is quite simple once you know the steps involved. The main challenge when entering a new wifi password is getting the steps right and avoiding any mistakes that can make the process more tedious. To help with this, we will guide you through the essential things you should prepare for.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before entering a new wifi password on your Mac, here are some things you should prepare for:

  • Double-check the new wifi password with your internet service provider to ensure accuracy.
  • Make sure you have admin access to your Mac.
  • Verify that you are within the range of the network you wish to connect to.

Method 1: Using Wifi Menu

If you want to enter your new wifi password manually, you can do so using your Wifi Menu. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click on the Wifi icon in the menu bar located in the top right corner of your screen.
  2. Select "Open Network Preferences" from the drop-down list.
  3. In the Network preferences window, select "Wifi" located on the left sidebar.
  4. Click on "Advanced" located at the lower-right corner of the window.
  5. Select the network you want to connect to.
  6. Click on the "-" button located at the bottom of the list of networks on the right side of the window.
  7. Enter the new wifi password and click "OK."
  8. Click "Apply" and close the window.

Pros:

  • Allows you to enter the new password manually.
  • Accessible from the menu bar at the top of your screen.

Cons:

  • Requires going through several steps that can be confusing for some users.
  • If entered incorrectly, the process can be time-consuming.

Method 2: Using Keychain Access

Using Keychain Access is an excellent alternative to the Wifi menu method as it is quick and simple. Follow these steps:

  1. Open "Spotlight Search" by pressing Command + Spacebar.
  2. Type in "Keychain Access" and open the app.
  3. In the search bar located in the upper right corner of the app screen, type in the name of the network you wish to join.
  4. Select the network name and double-click on it.
  5. Click on "Show Password" and enter your Mac Admin password when prompted.
  6. Enter the new wifi password and click on "Save Changes."

Pros:

  • Requires minimal steps compared to the Wifi menu method.
  • Accessible through the Spotlight Search feature.

Cons:

  • You need administrator access to your Mac to use this method.
  • If you forget your Mac admin password, you won’t be able to enter the new wifi password.

Method 3: Using Command Line

This method involves using a command line, which some users might find intimidating. However, it is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the "Terminal" app on your Mac.
  2. Type the following command: networksetup -setairportnetwork [interface] [SSID] [password]
  3. Replace [interface] with the name of your wifi interface (e.g., "en0").
  4. Replace [SSID] with the name of the wireless network you want to connect to.
  5. Replace [password] with your new wifi password.
  6. Press enter to execute the command.

Pros:

  • A quick and straightforward method for experienced users.

Cons:

  • Could be intimidating for novice users who have not used the command line before.
  • If you make a mistake in the command, you could cause issues with your Mac’s performance.

Method 4: Using AppleScript

If you want to enter the new wifi password using a script, you can use AppleScript to automate the process. Follow these steps:

  1. Open "Script Editor" on your Mac.
  2. Copy and paste the following script into the editor:


    do shell script "networksetup -setairportnetwork en0 'SSID' 'password'"
  3. Replace ‘en0’ with the name of your wifi interface, ‘SSID’ with the name of the network you want to connect to, and ‘password’ with your new wifi password.
  4. Click on the "Play" button to execute the script.

Pros:

  • Allows users to automate the process.

Cons:

  • Requires some technical understanding of AppleScript.

Why Can’t I Enter my New Wifi Password on Mac?

If you face any issues when trying to enter a new wifi password on your Mac, the following reasons could be causing them:

1. Network Security:

A network with high-security features could block your Mac from accessing the new wifi password. Try connecting to a different network or temporarily disable your security settings.

2. Outdated OS:

An outdated OS could cause connectivity issues. Ensure that your Mac is up-to-date and compatible with the network you want to connect to.

3. Incorrect Login Credentials:

If you enter the wrong login credentials more than three times, your Mac might prevent you from accessing the network. Restart your Mac and enter the correct login credentials.

Additional Tips

To ensure a smooth and stress-free process when entering a new wifi password on your Mac, here are some additional tips:

  • Make sure that your Mac is within the range of the network you want to connect to.
  • Restart your Mac to refresh the network settings before entering the new password.
  • Keep your wifi password safe and secure by using a password manager.

5 FAQs About Entering a New Wifi Password on Mac

Q1: Can I change my wifi password using my iPhone?

A: Yes, you can. Go to Settings > WiFi > tap on the network you want to join > tap on "Forget This Network" > enter your new password in the password field.

Q2: I forgot my wifi password. How can I retrieve it on my Mac?

A: You can retrieve your wifi password on your Mac using the Keychain Access method mentioned earlier in this post.

Q3: Why can’t I connect to the new wifi password even after entering it correctly on my Mac?

A: Your security settings could be blocking your Mac from connecting to the network. Try turning off your firewall security temporarily to see if it is the issue.

Q4: Can I connect to a hidden wifi network?

A: Yes, you can. To connect to a hidden wifi network, open your Wifi Menu > select "Join Other Network" > enter the network name > select the security type > enter the password.

Q5: Is it secure to connect to a public wifi network?

A: Public wifi networks can be risky as they can expose your data to malicious actors. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to secure your connection and protect your data.

In Conclusion

Entering a new wifi password on your Mac can be a daunting task, but it should not be. We hope that this guide has helped you learn different methods for entering a new wifi password on your Mac, along with tips and precautions to ensure a headache-free process. Have you ever encountered any issues while entering a new wifi password on your Mac? Which method worked best for you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.