What a network security key is and where to find it

Your network security key is the password that lets devices connect to your Wi-Fi network. It is usually a string of letters, numbers, and symbols that you set up when you first installed your router, or one that came with the router by default. You need it whenever you want to connect a phone, laptop, tablet, or other device to your home or office Wi-Fi.

The fastest way to find it depends on what you still have access to. If you can log into your router's settings from a computer already connected to the network, you can see the key there. If you have the original paperwork or box the router came in, the default key is often printed on a sticker. If neither of those works, you can reset the router to its factory settings, though that will disconnect all your devices temporarily.

Key Takeaways

  • Your network security key is printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router, or in the paperwork that came with it.
  • You can view your current key by logging into your router's settings page from any device already connected to the network.
  • If you cannot find it and do not remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings, which will restore the default key printed on the device itself.
  • Resetting the router will disconnect all devices from Wi-Fi, so plan to reconnect everything afterward.

Check the router itself for a printed sticker

Most routers come with a sticker on the bottom, back, or side that shows the default network name and security key. Look for labels that say "Wi-Fi Password", "Network Key", "PSK" (pre-shared key), or "WPA Key". The sticker usually also shows the network name (SSID), which is what you see when you search for Wi-Fi networks on your phone.

If you have the original box or paperwork the router came in, the same information is often printed there as well. Keep in mind that if you changed the password after setting up the router, the sticker will show the original default key, not your current one.

Log into your router to see the current key

If you have a computer or phone already connected to your Wi-Fi, you can view the current network security key by logging into the router's settings page. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password — these are different from your Wi-Fi password and are usually printed on the router sticker or in the manual.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "Wi-Fi Settings", "Security", or "Network". The security key should be displayed there, sometimes labeled as "Passphrase" or "Pre-shared Key". Different router brands organize these pages differently, so you may need to explore a few menus. If you cannot find it, the router's manual (often available as a PDF on the manufacturer's website) will show you exactly where to look.

If you do not know the router login password, check the sticker on the device — it usually shows both the Wi-Fi password and the admin password. If that does not work, you will need to reset the router.

Reset the router to restore the default key

If you cannot find the key any other way, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This will restore the default network name and security key that are printed on the sticker. To do this, locate the small reset button on the router — it is usually recessed and requires a paperclip or pen to press. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on.

The router will restart and all its lights will blink. This process takes a few minutes. Once it is done, the network name and security key will be back to the defaults shown on the sticker. You will need to reconnect all your devices to the network using that default key. After everything is reconnected, you can log back into the router settings and change the key to something new if you want to.

Resetting the router will also erase any other settings you customized, such as port forwarding or parental controls. Only do this if you are comfortable reconfiguring those things afterward, or if you do not have any custom settings.

View the key on devices already connected to your network

On Windows, you can see saved Wi-Fi passwords through the Settings app. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, click Properties, and scroll down to "Security". Check the box next to "Show" to display the password.

On Mac, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), find your network name in the list, double-click it, check the box for "Show password", and enter your computer's login password when prompted. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the information icon next to your network name, and the password will appear at the top.

Android does not show saved Wi-Fi passwords in the same way, but if you have a QR code for your network (some routers generate one in their settings page), you can share that code with other devices to connect them without typing the password.

What to do if you still cannot find it

If none of these steps work, contact your internet service provider or the router manufacturer's support line. Have the router model number ready — it is usually on the sticker or in the manual. They can sometimes help you recover the key or walk you through a reset. If the router is very old and you cannot find any documentation, replacing it with a newer model may be simpler than troubleshooting further.

Write down your network security key somewhere safe once you find it, or store it in a password manager. This saves you from having to search for it again later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, they are the same thing. "Network security key" and "Wi-Fi password" refer to the same string of characters you use to connect devices to your network. Different devices and router brands use different names for it, but they all mean the password you type when joining the network.

Will resetting my router delete my internet connection?

No, resetting the router will not delete your internet connection itself. Your internet service provider's connection remains active. However, all devices will be disconnected from Wi-Fi and will need to reconnect using the default network key after the reset is complete.

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

Yes. Log into your router settings (as described above), find the wireless or Wi-Fi security section, and change the passphrase to whatever you want. Make sure it is at least 8 characters long. After you save the change, you will need to reconnect all your devices using the new key.

What if I see multiple network names when I search for Wi-Fi?

Some routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network, or they may have a guest network. Check the sticker on your router to see which network name matches your setup. All of them may use the same security key, or the guest network might have a different one — your router settings will show which is which.

Is it safe to write down my network security key?

It is safer to write it down and keep it in a secure place than to forget it and have to reset the router repeatedly. You can also store it in a password manager on your computer or phone. The main thing is to keep it away from people you do not want on your network.