What Is the Network Security Key for Wi-Fi & How to Find It

Ever heard of a network security key? Or, in other words, a Wi-Fi password? (yeah, the second name sounds much more familiar). If you forgot the password to your network and need to find it asap, we’ve got you covered. Learn how to locate a network security key and boost your network’s security in this article.

What is a network security key? 

A network security key is the password to the Wi-Fi network. It protects the network from outsiders and creates a secure connection between users and a Wi-Fi router. If you have a Wi-Fi router at home, you’ll need a code (that is, a network security key) to connect your devices to it. Other terms for a network security key include password, network key, wireless password, WPA key. 

How to find a network security key?

When your network is set up, it’s protected by a string of randomized numbers and letters. Which can be easy to forget. Want to find out what your network security key is? There are several ways to do so. Read along to find out. 

How to find a network security key on router

Finding your network security key through a router is the easiest and fastest way. If you haven’t changed the default password since you’ve set up the router, find the key labeled on the back of the device. It’s usually marked as the “security key,” “WEP key”,” WPA key,” or “ passphrase.” You can also get it from the manual that comes with the router.

Note: It’s recommended you instantly change the default security key to your own unique password. 

How to find a network security key on Windows

You can also find your Wi-Fi password via the devices you use. It just takes knowing your network’s name. No technical know-how. Here’s how to do that on Windows 10 and 11: 

• On Windows 11, click on Start, type control panel, then select Control Panel > Network and Internet  > Network and Sharing Center.
• On Windows 10, click on Start, then select Settings  > Network & Internet  > Status  > Network and Sharing Center.

1. In Network and Sharing Center, next to Connections, click on the name of the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
2. In Wi-Fi Status, select Wireless Properties.
3. Under the Security tab, check Show Characters to see the Wi-Fi password displayed in the Network security key box.

How to find a network security key on Mac

It’s a similar process for macOS. 

1. Navigate to Keychain Access via the search tool. 
2. Search for your Wi-Fi network and double-click on it.
3. Check Show Password.
4. Enter your Mac password, if you’ve set up one, to confirm your access rights.
5. Click OK. 

How to find a network security key on a phone

The process takes even less time on Android and iOS. 

Finding a network security key on Android

Finding a Wi-Fi password takes just a few steps on an Android phone. But note that these steps may slightly vary depending on your device manufacturer.

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on your current network.
3. Scan the QR code to see your Wi-Fi password.

Finding a network security key on iOS

The iOS 16 update came with a useful feature. Now you can use Face and Touch ID to see and copy Wi-Fi passwords in no time. 

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Wi-Fi.
3. Find the Wi-Fi network you need and then tap the Info (“i”) icon next to it. 
4. Tap on the hidden password.
5. Use Face ID or Touch ID to see the password.

You can also share the Wi-Fi password with others:

1. Connect your device to the Wi-Fi network (the password to which you want to share).
2. Select the Wi-Fi network on the device you want to connect.
3. On your device, tap Share Password and Done.

And you are done! So find your router under the couch or go to your phone’s/PC’s settings to find out your network security key — whatever seems the fit – and jump straight into action. 

How to create a strong network security key

As we’ve already covered above, the default password you can find on the back of your router is a no-go. Most often, it’s a string of random letters and numbers, yes. But it can also be something obvious, like 12345678. Which makes it easy for outsiders to access your network,  use your Internet for free, or even hack your device. But don’t worry. You can keep your network secure by following these tips. 

1. Create a long password. Most Wi-Fi networks have a default 8-character password. Use a password of more than 10 characters to boost security.
2. Use a password generator. It’ll get you a random string of letters and numbers, which will be hard to remember (this also means you should write it down and keep the note somewhere safe).
3. Pick unique and unrelated words. Don’t use obvious stuff, like your name and birth date. 
4. Change your network security key regularly. Go for at least every three months.

Wrong password? Here’s how to fix network security key mismatch

When trying to connect to a network, we can all stumble across a mismatch error. Those daunting words about the incorrect network security key most often come from the wrong password you’ve typed (duh). But… if you’re sure you’re entering the correct one (Caps Lock is off, the password is visible when you’re typing it, and so on), there might be a bug that needs fixing. Here are some things you can try out.

1. Restart your router (and your device, for that matter)

Router crash happens more than you’d think. It’s usually flagged up by a flashing or unusual light on the router. Going with the good old restart method can do the trick. Turn the device off and back on to see if this does the trick.

2. Update your device 

This may be an issue if you connect to Wi-Fi for the first time from the device you haven’t updated yet. Hopefully, you can resolve it by going with a necessary operating system update. If it doesn’t work, you may have to contact your router’s tech support.

3. Disable antivirus 

Third-party antivirus can interfere with the wireless network, which can lead to a network security key mismatch. If you have a third-party antivirus up and running in the background, try disabling it temporarily. If the issue disappears with the antivirus disabled and appears when enabled, consider changing the software. 

4. Change your router’s security type 

Leveling up the security settings may also get the job done. Here’s how to do that: 

1. Login to your router admin center using the IP address (find more details in the router’s manual).
2. Locate and select Wireless Security Settings.
3. Change the Security Mode to something other than the existing one.
4. Click on Apply Changes.
5. Sign out of the router admin center and see if there are any improvements.

So yeah, a strong network security key is a must when it comes to protecting your network. But…there also may be more cards up your sleeve. 

How to keep your network secure with VeePN

There is no such thing as too much security. That’s why you should take extra measures to secure your network. For example, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This software encrypts all of your traffic and prevents hackers and data thieves from seeing what you’re doing online. 

The easiest way to protect your network is to set up VeePN on your router. 

With VeePN installed on your router, you can make sure every device connected to your home network is protected. A standard VeePN account covers up to 10 devices, but your router only counts as one. This means you can connect all of your devices, no matter their number. But besides protecting your home network, you should also connect to a VPN every time you join an open Wi-Fi network. Those can be swarming with dangers, so it’s better to make sure your data is under wraps.

What other benefits does VeePN bring? 

• No Internet throttling. Avoid your Internet service provider snooping in on your connection and slowing it down.  
• 2,500+ servers in 89 locations. Choose from plenty of locations and get the best possible VPN connection.  
• Top-grade AES-256 encryption. Make sure no one snoops on your traffic. Have your data encrypted with the AES-256 method — a gold standard in the industry. 
• Hidden location. Cloak your IP address to mask your location and web activity from third parties. 
• Dedicated apps and browser extensions. Protect your devices outside of home. Run VeePN on most popular operating systems and platforms and keep your data safe on all Wi-Fi networks. 

The Internet can be a murky place. But take a strong network security key, add a solid VPN encryption to protect the entire network, and you should be just fine.

FAQ

How do I find the network security key?

The fastest way is to look at the back of your router to find the password labeled there (that’s if you still have the default password). You can also easily check what your network security key is on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Learn how in this article. 

Is network security key the same as password?

Basically, yes. A network security key is the password to the Wi-Fi network. Other terms for it include password, network key, wireless password, WPA key. 

What is a network security key on a router?

The router’s default network security key is usually labeled on the hardware. It can be marked as the “password,” “security key”, “WEP key”,” or WPA key.” You can find it in the manual that came with your router.

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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