Your security key is usually on a sticker on your router or in your router's settings menu
The network security key is the password that lets devices connect to your Wi-Fi. It is not something you create separately — it comes with your router. Most routers have it printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can find it in your router's settings through a web browser or mobile app.
The key itself is a string of letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols. It is usually between 8 and 63 characters long. Your router generates this automatically when it ships from the factory, but you can change it to something you remember more easily.
Finding it takes less than five minutes. The location depends on whether you still have the physical router or need to dig into its settings.
Key Takeaways
- Your network security key is printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of your router — this is the fastest place to look first.
- If the sticker is missing or worn away, log into your router through a web browser using the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and your admin password.
- The security key and the admin password are two different things — you need the admin password to change the security key, but not to connect devices.
- If you have forgotten both the security key and the admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all your settings.
- Change your security key to something you can remember, but keep the security type as WPA2 or WPA3 — never use WEP or WPA, which are outdated.
Check the sticker on your router first
Walk to your router and look at the back and bottom. Most routers have a white or gray sticker with the network name (called the SSID) and the security key printed on it. The security key may be labeled as "Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or "Security Key" — the label varies by manufacturer.
Write down the exact string of characters, including capital and lowercase letters. Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyNetwork123" is different from "mynetwork123". If the sticker is faded or peeling, take a photo of it with your phone before it becomes unreadable.
If the sticker is completely gone or illegible, move to the next section. You will need to access your router's settings instead.
Log into your router's settings if the sticker is missing
Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi or plugged into your router with an Ethernet cable. Type the router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Press Enter.
A login page will appear. You need your admin password, which is different from the Wi-Fi security key. The admin password is often printed on the same sticker as the security key, or it may be a default password like "admin" or "password". If you changed the admin password when you first set up the router, use that one instead.
Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", "Network", or "Security". The exact name depends on your router brand. Inside that section, you will see the network name (SSID) and the security key or password field. Write down the security key exactly as it appears.
If the login page does not appear, try the other common IP address. If neither works, your router may use a different address — check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model.
Use your router's mobile app as an alternative
Many modern routers come with a mobile app that lets you view and change settings from your phone. Apps from manufacturers like TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear, and Linksys often display the security key on the home screen without requiring you to remember the admin password.
read the app from your phone's app store and sign in with the account you created when you set up the router. If you do not remember the account password, most apps have a "Forgot Password" option that sends a reset link to your email.
Once you are in the app, look for a section labeled "Wi-Fi", "Network", or "Security". The security key should be visible there, sometimes with an option to show or hide it. This method is often faster than using a web browser, especially if you do not remember the admin password.
Reset your router if you have forgotten everything
If you cannot find the sticker, do not remember the admin password, and cannot access the app, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including any password changes you made, and returns the router to the state it came in.
Locate the small reset button on the back of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink, and it will restart. This takes about two minutes.
Once the router restarts, the security key will be back to the factory default printed on the sticker. If the sticker is still missing, use the web browser method described above with the default admin password (usually "admin" or "password") to find it in the settings.
After you reset the router, you will need to reconnect all your devices to Wi-Fi and reconfigure any other settings you had changed, such as port forwarding or parental controls.
Change your security key to something you can remember
Once you have found your security key, you may want to change it to something easier to remember. Log into your router's settings using the method above, find the wireless or Wi-Fi section, and look for an option to edit the password or security key.
Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using dictionary words, names, or dates that someone could guess. Write it down and store it somewhere safe, like a password manager.
Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3 — never use WEP or WPA, which are old and insecure. WPA3 is the newest standard and is more find, but WPA2 is still acceptable and works with older devices. After you save the new password, you will need to reconnect your devices using the new key.
What to do if your router does not have an IP address you recognize
Some routers, especially those provided by your internet service provider, use a different IP address than the common ones. If 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 do not work, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct address.
You can also find the IP address by checking your device's network settings. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for "Default Gateway" — that is usually your router's IP address. On Mac, go to System Preferences, select Network, and click Advanced, then look for the router address under TCP/IP.
If you still cannot access the settings, contact your internet service provider or the router manufacturer's support line. They can walk you through the process or provide the default security key if the sticker is missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the network security key the same as the admin password?
No. The network security key is the Wi-Fi password that devices use to connect. The admin password is what you use to log into the router's settings to change that key. You need the admin password to change the security key, but you do not need it to connect to Wi-Fi.
Can I see my security key if I am already connected to the Wi-Fi?
Yes, on most devices. On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings, select Network and Internet, then Wi-Fi, then Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties — the password will appear if you check "Show". On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, and check "Show password".
What if I changed my security key and now I cannot remember it?
Log back into your router's settings using the admin password and change the security key again to something you remember. If you also forgot the admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the original security key printed on the sticker.
Do I need to change my security key regularly?
You do not need to change it often, but changing it every few months is a good practice if you are concerned about security. More importantly, make sure it is strong — at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols — and that your router is set to WPA2 or WPA3.