Your network security key is usually on a sticker on your router or in your router's settings page

The network security key is the password that protects your Wi-Fi. It is not the same as your internet password (the one your provider gave you to log into your account). When you set up a new device to connect to your home network, you will need this key — it is what you type in when the device asks "Enter password" or "Enter network key".

Most routers print this key on a physical sticker attached to the back or bottom of the device. If the sticker is missing or faded, you can find it in your router's settings page by logging in through a web browser or mobile app. The exact steps depend on your router brand, but the process takes about five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the back or bottom of your router first — the network security key is usually printed on a sticker there.
  • If the sticker is gone or unreadable, log into your router's settings page using the default username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or printed on another sticker).
  • Different router brands use different names for the security key: some call it "Wi-Fi password", others call it "passphrase" or "pre-shared key".
  • If you cannot find it anywhere, you can reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the default key printed on the sticker — but this erases all your custom settings.

Check the physical sticker on your router first

Most routers have a label on the back or bottom that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the security key side by side. The key is usually a string of numbers and letters, often 8 to 16 characters long. Look for labels that say "Wi-Fi Password", "Network Key", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key" — different manufacturers use different terms for the same thing.

If the sticker is there but faded or smudged, try taking a photo with your phone's flash on, or hold it up to a light. Sometimes the text becomes readable at an angle. If the sticker is completely gone or the text is worn away, move to the next section.

Log into your router's settings page to find the key

Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your network. Type one of these addresses into the address bar: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or routerlogin.com. The page that loads will ask for a username and password.

The default username and password are often both admin, or sometimes admin and password. Check the back of your router for another sticker that lists these defaults — many routers print them separately from the network key. If the defaults do not work, look up your specific router model online (for example, "TP-Link Archer C6 default login") to find what your manufacturer uses.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", "Network", or "Security". The network key will be listed there, sometimes under a field labeled "Passphrase", "Pre-Shared Key", or "Password". Write it down or take a screenshot.

What to do if you cannot find it anywhere

If the sticker is gone and you cannot log into the router's settings page, you have one option: reset the router to its factory settings. This will restore the default network key that was printed on the original sticker, but it will also erase any custom settings you have made — including the network name, if you changed it from the default.

To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the back of the router) and hold it down with a paperclip or pen for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it is back online, the network key will be whatever is printed on the sticker on the back of the device. If you changed your network name or password in the past, you will need to set those up again.

Before you reset, consider calling your internet provider's support line. They may have a record of your network key or can walk you through logging into the settings page. This is faster than resetting if you have customized your network.

Why your network security key matters for home security

Your network security key is your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your home network. Without it, anyone within range of your router can connect to your network, see what devices are connected, and potentially access files or devices on that network.

A strong network key is one that is long (at least 12 characters), uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is not a word from the dictionary or a date someone could guess. If your router came with a default key that is short or straightforward, you should change it. Log back into the router's settings page, find the "Change Password" or "Edit Passphrase" option, and create a new one. Write the new key down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook, a password manager, or a note on your phone.

Different router brands use different names for the same thing

When you are looking for your network security key, you may see it labeled differently depending on your router brand. TP-Link and Netgear often call it "Passphrase". Linksys and Asus may call it "Pre-Shared Key" or "WPA2 Password". Eero and other mesh systems sometimes call it "Wi-Fi Password". All of these terms refer to the same thing — the password you need to connect a new device to your network.

If you are searching online for instructions on how to find your key, search for your specific router model and the word "passphrase" or "password" — this will usually bring up the exact page in your router's settings where the key is stored.

Store your network security key somewhere you can find it again

Once you have found your network key, write it down or save it somewhere you will remember. Many people keep it in a notebook near the router, or in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. Do not email it to yourself or text it to someone — if your email or phone is compromised, your network key is compromised too.

If you live with other people, make sure they know where to find the key if they need to connect a new device. If you have guests who ask for the Wi-Fi password, you can give them the network key without worrying — it only lets them connect to your network, not access your files or devices (as long as you have not shared folders or devices across your network).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the network security key the same as my internet password?

No. Your internet password is what you use to log into your provider's account or modem settings. Your network security key is the password for your Wi-Fi network. They are separate. You can change one without changing the other.

Can I change my network security key to something easier to remember?

Yes. Log into your router's settings page, find the wireless or Wi-Fi section, and look for an option to edit the passphrase or password. You can change it to anything you want, but longer and more random keys are harder for someone to guess. A mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols is stronger than a straightforward word.

What if I forgot the password to log into my router's settings page?

Reset the router to factory settings using the recessed reset button. This will restore the default username and password (usually "admin" and "admin"), and you can log in again. You will lose any custom settings you made, but you can set them up again afterward.

Do I need to give my network security key to my internet provider?

No. Your provider does not need your network security key. They may ask for it if they are troubleshooting your connection, but you should never give it to someone you do not trust. If a provider's technician needs it, ask them to explain why and verify their identity first.

What happens if someone else knows my network security key?

They can connect to your Wi-Fi network and use your internet. Depending on how your network is set up, they may also be able to see other devices on your network or access shared files. If you think someone has your key, log into your router and change it to a new one. This will disconnect anyone currently using the old key.