Your network security key is the password that lets devices connect to your Wi-Fi router

The network security key is the password you type when you connect a phone, laptop, or tablet to your home Wi-Fi. It is not the same as your router's admin password (which you use to change router settings). Your security key protects your network from people outside your home joining your Wi-Fi and using your internet.

If you have never changed it, your security key is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router. If you changed it at some point and forgot it, you can find it in your router's settings or reset the router to its factory defaults — which means starting over with the password that came on the sticker.

Key Takeaways

  • Your network security key is printed on a sticker attached to your router; check the bottom or back first.
  • On Windows, you can view your saved security key by opening Settings, going to Network & Internet, selecting Wi-Fi, then choosing your network and clicking "Manage known networks."
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click Wi-Fi, select your network name, and click "Details" to see the password stored in Keychain.
  • If you cannot find the key anywhere, you can reset your router to factory settings, which restores the password printed on the sticker but erases any custom settings you made.

Check the sticker on your router first

Most routers come with a sticker on the bottom, back, or side that lists the default network security key. The sticker usually shows the network name (called the SSID) and the password next to it. Look for labels like "Network Key," "Wi-Fi Password," "Passphrase," or "Security Key."

This sticker is still there even if you have changed the password since — it just shows the original one. If you are trying to reconnect a device and you changed the password months ago, the sticker will not help you. But if you have never changed it, the sticker is the fastest way to find it.

Find your security key in Windows settings

If you have a Windows computer already connected to your Wi-Fi, you can see the security key without looking at the router. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click Wi-Fi on the left side, then scroll down and click Manage known networks.

Find your network name in the list and click it. A window will open showing network details. Click Security type and security key to expand that section. Windows will show you the password in plain text. You can now copy it and use it on another device.

Find your security key on a Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings and click Wi-Fi. Find your network name in the list on the left and click it. A details panel will open on the right side. Look for a section labeled "Security" or scroll down until you see password information.

Click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it. Your Mac may ask you to enter your computer password to confirm. Once you do, the network security key will display in plain text. You can copy it from there to use on another device.

Reset your router if you cannot find the key anywhere

If you have changed your security key and cannot remember it, and it is not saved on any of your devices, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. This erases all your custom settings — including the password you created — and restores the original password from the sticker.

To reset most routers, hold down the small reset button on the back or bottom for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots back up, use the password from the sticker on the bottom to reconnect. You will need to set up your Wi-Fi name and password again from scratch.

Before you reset, check whether your router has a reset button or whether you need to use a paperclip or pin to press it. Some routers do not have a physical reset button and require you to hold a different combination of buttons or access the settings through a web browser. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact steps.

What to do if your router does not have a sticker or the sticker is worn away

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can log into your router's settings through a web browser. Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Your router may ask for a username and password — often both are "admin" by default, but this varies by brand.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Network Settings. The security key (sometimes called the passphrase or pre-shared key) should be listed there. If you do not know the router's admin password, resetting the router is usually your only option.

Why your security key matters

Your network security key prevents people outside your home from connecting to your Wi-Fi without permission. Without it, anyone in range could join your network, use your internet, and potentially see data moving between your devices and the internet.

A strong security key is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If your router's default password is short or straightforward, you can change it to something stronger through the router's settings. The stronger your key, the harder it is for someone to guess or crack it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, they are the same thing. "Network security key" and "Wi-Fi password" are two names for the same password you type when connecting a device to your home Wi-Fi. Some devices or routers may use one term or the other, but they refer to the identical password.

Can I change my network security key?

Yes. Log into your router's settings through a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), find the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section, and look for an option to change the password or passphrase. After you change it, all your devices will need to reconnect using the new password.

What if I reset my router and now I cannot remember my new password?

If you set a new password after resetting and forgot it, you can reset the router again. This will restore the original password from the sticker. You will lose any custom settings you made, but you can then set up a new password you will remember.

Do I need to change the default security key that came on the sticker?

It is a good idea to change it to something only you know, especially if your router is visible to neighbors or people passing by. The default password is the same for every router of that model, so anyone with the same router model could potentially guess it. A unique password is more find.

Why does my computer say "security key mismatch" when I try to connect?

This means the password you typed does not match the password set on your router. Double-check that you typed it correctly — security keys are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If you are sure you typed it right, your router's password may have been changed by someone else, or the router may have reset.