What a network security key actually is

A network security key is the password that protects your Wi-Fi network from people connecting to it without permission. It is the same thing as a Wi-Fi password. When you set up your home router, you create this key — a string of letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols — and anyone who wants to join your network has to type it in first.

The confusion happens because different manufacturers call it different things. Your router's manual might call it a "passphrase," "pre-shared key," "PSK," or just "password." Your phone or laptop calls it a "password" when you are connecting. But they all mean the same thing: the secret code that lets a device onto your network.

You need this key when you are connecting a new device to your Wi-Fi, when someone asks you for your password, or when you have forgotten what you set it to and need to look it up.

Key Takeaways

  • Your network security key is printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router, usually labeled "Network Key," "Wi-Fi Password," or "PSK."
  • If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can log into your router's settings page using its IP address and your admin password to view or change the key.
  • The router's IP address is usually printed on the same sticker as the network key, or you can find it by checking your device's network settings.
  • If you have forgotten your router's admin password, you will need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Check the sticker on your router first

The fastest way to find your network security key is to look at the physical sticker on your router. Most routers have a label on the bottom or back that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the network security key or password right next to it. The sticker might say "Wi-Fi Password," "Network Key," "PSK," or "Passphrase" — the label varies by manufacturer.

If the sticker is still readable, write down the key exactly as it appears, including capital letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. The key is case-sensitive, meaning that "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If the sticker is faded, scratched, or missing, move to the next step.

Log into your router to find or change the key

If you cannot read the sticker, you can view your network security key by logging into your router's settings page. First, you need the router's IP address, which is also usually printed on that same sticker — it looks something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If the sticker does not have it, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website.

Open a web browser on any device connected to your network and type the IP address into the address bar. Press Enter. The router will ask you to log in with a username and password — these are different from your network security key. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin" or "password," but this varies. Check your router's manual or the sticker for the correct defaults.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Network," or "Security." Inside that section, you should see a field labeled "Network Key," "Passphrase," "Password," or "Pre-shared Key." That is your network security key. If you want to change it to something you will remember better, you can type a new one here and save the changes.

What to do if you have forgotten your router's admin password

If you cannot log into your router because you have forgotten the admin password, you will need to reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your network security key, and returns everything to the defaults that came from the manufacturer.

To reset your router, look for a small reset button, usually recessed into the case so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights on the router will blink and it will restart. Once it boots back up, you can log in using the default admin username and password from the manual, and you will see the default network security key.

After you reset the router, you will need to set up your network again from the beginning — choose a new network name, create a new network security key, and reconnect all your devices. This is why it is worth writing down your admin password somewhere safe the first time you set up the router.

Finding the key on your connected devices

If you are already connected to your Wi-Fi on a phone or computer, you can sometimes view the network security key from that device's settings, though the steps vary by operating system.

On Windows, go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then Wi-Fi, then Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. Click "Properties" and scroll down to "Security." The network security key will be there, but it will be hidden by default — click "Show" to reveal it.

On Mac, open System Preferences, then Network, then Wi-Fi, then Advanced. Find your network in the list and click it. Click the "Wi-Fi" tab and look for "Password" — you will need to enter your Mac's admin password to see it.

On iPhone or iPad, the process is more limited. You cannot view the actual password, but you can share your Wi-Fi with another Apple device by holding it nearby while you are in Wi-Fi settings. Android phones also cannot display the password directly, but you can generate a QR code that another device can scan to join the network.

Why you might need to change your network security key

Sometimes you will want to change your network security key even though you remember it. Common reasons include suspecting that someone has connected to your network without permission, wanting a password that is easier to remember, or setting up a guest network with a different key for visitors.

To change the key, log back into your router using the steps above, find the network security key field, delete the old key, and type in a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers — this makes it harder to guess. Avoid using personal information like your name or birthday. When you save the change, your router will restart and all your devices will disconnect. You will need to reconnect each one using the new key.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, they are the same thing. "Network security key" is the technical term, and "Wi-Fi password" is what most people call it. Your router's manual might use either term, or others like "passphrase" or "pre-shared key," but they all refer to the same password you type in when connecting a device to your network.

Can I see my network security key if I am not connected to the network?

Not from the device itself. You can only view the key from a device that is already connected to the network, or by logging into your router directly using its IP address and admin password. If you have no connected devices and have forgotten your admin password, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings.

What should I do if I think someone is using my Wi-Fi without permission?

Change your network security key to a new one that only you know. Log into your router, change the key to something completely different, and save the changes. Your router will restart and disconnect everyone. Then reconnect your own devices with the new key. Anyone who was connected without permission will no longer be able to access your network.

Does changing my network security key affect my internet speed?

No. Your network security key only controls who can connect to your network — it does not affect how fast your internet runs. If you are experiencing slow speeds, the problem is somewhere else, like your internet plan, your router's location, or interference from other devices.

Can I use the same network security key for multiple routers?

You can, but it is not recommended. Each router should have its own unique key so you can control which devices connect to which network. If you have a mesh network with multiple routers that you want to appear as one network, your router's setup instructions will tell you how to configure that properly.