What Is a Network Security Key? How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password

By Allen · Updated

what is a network security key
On this page
  1. Where to find your network security key
  2. Find it on Windows 11 and 10
  3. Find it on Mac, iPhone and Android
  4. Types of network security key
  5. "Network security key mismatch": how to fix it
  6. How to change your network security key
  7. Keep your Wi-Fi secure
  8. FAQ

A network security key is simply the password for a Wi-Fi network. Windows uses the term when it asks you to "Enter the network security key"; routers call it the Wi-Fi password, WPA key, WPA2 passphrase or pre-shared key (PSK). It's the same thing: the code that lets a device join the network and encrypts the traffic between them.

Where to find your network security key

WhereHowWorks when
Router labelSticker on the back or bottom: "Wi-Fi Key", "WPA Key", "Network Key" or "Password"The password has never been changed
Windows 11Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → [your network] properties → View Wi-Fi security keyThe PC is connected to that network
MacSystem Settings → Wi-Fi → ⋯ next to the network → Copy Password, or Keychain Access / the Passwords appThe Mac has joined it before
iPhone/iPadSettings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network → tap Password (Face ID)iOS 16 or later
AndroidSettings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → gear icon → Share: shows a QR code and usually the passwordAndroid 10 or later
Router settingsLog in to the router app or admin page → Wireless / Wi-Fi settingsYou have the router's admin login

Find it on Windows 11 and 10

Windows 11 (easiest)

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi.
  2. Click your network's properties (or Manage known networks → the network).
  3. Next to View Wi-Fi security key, click View.

Windows 10

  1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
  2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Status → Wireless Properties → Security tab.
  3. Tick Show characters.

Any saved network (Command Prompt)

netsh wlan show profiles
netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear

The password is shown next to Key Content. This works for networks the PC has joined before, even if you're not connected now.

Find it on Mac, iPhone and Android

  • Mac (macOS Sonoma and later): System Settings → Wi-Fi → click ⋯ next to the network → Copy Password. On macOS Sequoia and later, the Passwords app → Wi-Fi also lists them; on older macOS, use Keychain Access and search the network name.
  • iPhone/iPad: Settings → Wi-Fi → tap (i) → tap the hidden password and authenticate.
  • Android: Settings → Network & internet (or Connections) → Wi-Fi → tap the gear next to the network → Share. Another phone can scan the QR code to join without typing.

Types of network security key

TypeSecurityUse it?
WPA3-Personal (SAE)Strongest; resists password-guessing attacksYes, if all your devices support it
WPA2/WPA3 mixed (transition)Good; lets older devices joinYes, the best default for most homes
WPA2-Personal (AES)Good with a strong passwordYes, for older routers
WPA / WPA2 with TKIPWeak and slowNo
WEPBroken; can be cracked in minutesNever
Open (no key)No encryptionOnly for guest networks with care

Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 networks on the 6 GHz band require WPA3. Choose the security type in your router's Wi-Fi settings.

"Network security key mismatch": how to fix it

This Windows error means the password you typed doesn't match what the router expects. Try these in order:

  1. Retype it carefully. Keys are case-sensitive; check for 0/O and 1/l confusion. Tick "Show characters".
  2. Forget the network (Settings → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks → Forget) and connect again. An old saved password often causes this after the key was changed.
  3. Restart the router and the PC.
  4. Check the security type: some older laptops can't join WPA3-only networks; switch the router to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.
  5. Update the Wi-Fi driver (Device Manager → Network adapters) from the laptop maker's site.
  6. Reset network settings: Windows 11 Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.

How to change your network security key

  1. Open your router's app (many ISPs and brands such as TP-Link, Netgear, ASUS and Eero have one) or its admin page, often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
  2. Go to Wireless or Wi-Fi settings.
  3. Enter a new password of at least 12–16 characters, ideally a passphrase of several random words, and save.
  4. Reconnect each device with the new key.

See also how to change your Wi-Fi password and how to reset a router password if you can't log in to the router.

Keep your Wi-Fi secure

  • Use WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed, never WEP.
  • Use a long, unique password; test it with our password strength checker.
  • Change the router's admin password, not just the Wi-Fi key.
  • Turn off WPS PIN if your router allows it (see what the WPS button does).
  • Give visitors a guest network instead of your main key.
  • Keep the router's firmware updated.

FAQ

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

Yes. For home Wi-Fi they're the same thing.

Where is the network security key on my router?

On the label on the back or bottom, usually next to the network name (SSID). If the password has been changed since, the label won't work; find it on a connected device instead.

Can I find the security key on a phone?

Yes. iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) → Password. Android 10+: Wi-Fi → network → Share.

What does "Enter the network security key" mean on a hotspot?

It's the hotspot's password, shown in the hotspot settings of the phone sharing it.

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