Your network security key is printed on your router or in your internet provider's account portal

Your network security key is the password that lets devices connect to your Wi-Fi. It is not the same as your internet account password. You will find it either on a sticker attached to your router itself, or by logging into your internet provider's website or app.

The sticker is usually on the bottom or back of the router and lists the network name (called the SSID) next to the password. If the sticker is worn off or missing, your provider can show you the key through their online account portal, or you can reset the router to its factory default and create a new key yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • The network security key is printed on a sticker on your router's bottom or back, usually next to the network name.
  • If you cannot find the sticker, log into your internet provider's account portal to view or reset the key.
  • You can also reset the router to factory defaults and create a new security key through the router's settings page.
  • The security key is different from your internet account password and different from any password you set for the router's admin panel.

Check the sticker on your router first

Most routers come with a label on the bottom or back that shows the default network name and security key. The label usually lists them as "SSID" and "Password" or "Network Key" or "Passphrase". Write down the exact text — it is case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters matter.

If the sticker is faded or the text is hard to read, take a photo with your phone's flashlight on and zoom in. If the sticker is completely missing or unreadable, move to your provider's account portal instead of guessing.

Find it through your internet provider's website or app

Log into your internet provider's account portal using the username and password you use to pay your bill. Most providers have a section labeled "My Devices", "Connected Devices", "Network Settings", or "Wi-Fi Settings" where you can view your router's network name and security key.

Common providers and where to look: Comcast Xfinity has a "Manage My Devices" section in the Xfinity app or website. Verizon Fios shows it under "Network" in the My Fios app. AT&T U-verse displays it in the "Network" tab of the AT&T mobile app. Charter Spectrum lists it under "My Services" on the Spectrum website. If you cannot find it, call your provider's customer service number — it is on your bill — and ask them to read you the security key over the phone.

Reset the router and create a new security key

If you want to change the security key to something you will remember, or if you cannot find the original one, you can reset the router and set up a new one. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's manual or the sticker to be sure. Log in using the default username and password (often "admin" and "admin", or printed on the router).

Once you are in the router's settings, look for a section called "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", or "Network Settings". You will see a field for the network name (SSID) and a field for the security key or password. Change the password to something at least 12 characters long, using a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down or save it in a password manager, then click "Save" or "explore". Your router will restart, and all devices will need to reconnect using the new key.

What to do if you cannot access the router's settings page

If you forget the router's admin password (the one that lets you into the settings page), you will need to perform a factory reset. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. This erases all your custom settings and returns the router to its factory defaults, including the default security key printed on the sticker.

After a factory reset, the router will use the original network name and security key again. You can then log back into the settings page using the default admin credentials and change both the network name and security key to something new. Be aware that a factory reset will disconnect all your devices, and you will have to reconnect them one by one.

Difference between security key, admin password, and account password

These three passwords do different things and are not interchangeable. Your network security key is what you type into your phone, laptop, or tablet when you select your Wi-Fi network — it is the password to use the internet. Your router admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change the network name or security key — most people never need this unless they are troubleshooting. Your internet account password is what you use to log into your provider's website to pay your bill or view your account.

If you change the network security key, your internet account password and router admin password stay the same. If you forget the network security key, you can look it up or reset it without affecting your internet service or your ability to pay your bill online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my router does not have a sticker with the security key?

Log into your internet provider's account portal and look for a "Network" or "Wi-Fi Settings" section. If you cannot find it there, call your provider's customer service number and ask them to provide the security key. You can also reset the router to factory defaults, which will restore the original key printed in the manual.

Can I use the same security key on multiple routers?

Yes, you can set any security key you want on any router. However, if you have two routers in your home, using the same network name and key on both can confuse your devices about which one to connect to. Most people give each router a slightly different name, like "Home-2.4GHz" and "Home-5GHz", even if they use the same password.

Is the security key the same as the Wi-Fi password?

Yes, they are the same thing. "Security key", "Wi-Fi password", "passphrase", and "network password" all refer to the same text you type in when connecting a device to your network. The term varies depending on which device or router brand you are using.

What happens if I change the security key?

All your devices will when ready disconnect from Wi-Fi. You will have to reconnect each one by selecting the network name and typing in the new security key. Your internet service will not be interrupted — only the Wi-Fi connection is affected.

Can someone else see my security key?

Anyone with physical access to your router can see the key on the sticker. Anyone with access to your internet provider's account portal can also view it. If you are concerned about security, change the key to something only you know, and avoid writing it down in places others can find it.