Where to find your network security key right now

Your network security key is the password that lets devices connect to your Wi-Fi. If you need it, the fastest place to look is the sticker on the bottom or back of your router — the device that broadcasts your Wi-Fi signal. The key is usually labeled "Network Key", "Wi-Fi Password", "Security Key", or sometimes "Passphrase". Write it down exactly as it appears, including capital letters and numbers, because Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive.

If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can find the password through your router's settings page on any device already connected to that Wi-Fi. This takes about two minutes and does not require you to reset anything.

Key Takeaways

  • The network security key is printed on a sticker attached to your router, usually on the bottom or back.
  • If the sticker is illegible, you can view the password through your router's settings page using any device already on that Wi-Fi.
  • Different routers use different names for the settings page — common addresses are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1.
  • Resetting your router erases the old password and creates a new one, so only do this if you cannot find the original key any other way.

Check the physical sticker on your router

Most routers have a label stuck to the bottom or back that lists the network name (called the SSID) and the security key. The label usually looks like a white or gray rectangle with black text and sometimes a barcode. Look for the words "Network Key", "Wi-Fi Password", "Security Key", "Passphrase", or "Pre-Shared Key" — the actual password appears next to one of these labels.

Write down the password exactly as printed, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. A password that reads "MyNetwork123" is different from "mynetwork123", and your device will reject it if the capitalization does not match. If the sticker is faded or peeling, take a photo with your phone so you can read it more clearly later.

Access your router's settings page if the sticker is gone

If you cannot read the sticker or it is missing, you can log into your router and view the password through its settings. On any device already connected to your Wi-Fi — a phone, tablet, or computer — open a web browser and type one of these addresses into the address bar: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Press Enter.

A login page will appear asking for a username and password. These are different from your Wi-Fi password — they are for accessing the router itself. If you have never changed them, try the default combination: username admin and password admin, or username admin and password password. If neither works, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the default credentials. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", "Network", or "Security". The network key will be listed there, often labeled "Pre-Shared Key" or "Passphrase".

Find your router's address if 192.168.1.1 does not work

If typing 192.168.1.1 into your browser does not bring up a login page, your router uses a different address. On a Windows computer, open Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in the Start menu), type ipconfig, and press Enter. Look for the line that says "Default Gateway" — the number next to it is your router's address. On a Mac, open Terminal (search for "Terminal" in Spotlight), type netstat -nr | grep default, and press Enter. The first number in the output is your router's address.

Once you have the correct address, type it into your browser's address bar the same way you would type a website. You will reach the login page, and the rest of the process is the same as above.

Reset your router only as a last resort

If you cannot access the settings page and the sticker is illegible, you can reset your router to its factory defaults. This erases all your current settings, including your Wi-Fi password, and creates a new one. After a reset, you will need to set up your router again from scratch, which takes 10 to 20 minutes.

To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your 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 will blink and the router will restart. Once it is back online, check the sticker again or log into the settings page using the default login credentials to find your new network key.

What to do if you forgot your router's admin password

If you changed the admin password (the one for logging into the router settings) and cannot remember it, you have two options. The first is to reset the router to factory defaults as described above — this also resets the admin password to the default. The second is to contact your internet service provider. They have a record of your account and can sometimes help you regain access to the router remotely, or they can send you a replacement router with a fresh setup.

If you are renting the router from your internet service provider rather than owning it, they may require you to use their method to reset it. Check your service agreement or call their support line to find out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Wi-Fi password on my phone if I am already connected?

On Android, go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, then tap the network name and select "Show password" — you may need to enter your phone's PIN or use your fingerprint. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and look for the password field — iOS 16 and newer let you view it directly. Older iPhones do not display saved passwords this way.

What if I have multiple networks showing up on my router sticker?

Most modern routers broadcast two networks at once: one on the 2.4 GHz band and one on the 5 GHz band. They usually share the same password, but the sticker lists both network names. Connect to whichever one your device supports — older devices may only work with 2.4 GHz.

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

No. Your network security key is the Wi-Fi password for your home network. Your internet password is what you use to log into your internet service provider's account online. They are completely separate.

Do I need to change my network security key?

You do not have to, but many people change it from the default for security reasons. If you want to change it, log into your router's settings page, find the Wi-Fi or Wireless section, and look for an option to edit the password. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you save the change.

What if my router does not have a sticker with the password?

Some older routers or business routers do not come with a printed sticker. In this case, your only option is to log into the router's settings page using the method described above. If you cannot remember the admin password and cannot reset the router, contact the manufacturer or your network administrator for help.