Every device that connects to a wireless network must authenticate before gaining access. Most networks require a network security key, which plays a role in wireless network security by working with encryption protocols to protect data and block unauthorized users.

Keep reading to learn:

• What a network security key is and why it matters
• How to find your network security key on different devices
• Steps to change your network security key for improved security

What is a network security key?

A network security key is the password that lets devices connect to a wireless network. It’s what keeps your Wi-Fi locked down so that random neighbors—or worse, hackers—don’t jump onto your connection. Without it, anyone nearby could hop on, use your internet, and potentially mess with your network.

What is the difference between a network security key and a Wi-Fi password?

A network security key and a Wi-Fi password are technically the same thing, but the term "network security key" is more commonly used in device settings. It refers to the encryption method securing the connection, while "Wi-Fi password" is the term most users recognize.

Network security keys work with encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3 to scramble data as it moves between your devices and the router. That way, even if someone manages to intercept the data, all they’ll see is gibberish instead of your private information.

Think of it like the secret code for an exclusive party. If you know the password, you get in. If not, you're stuck outside, peeking through the window. And if the security is good (like WPA3), even if someone eavesdrops on the conversation inside, they won’t understand a thing.

Most Wi-Fi networks use one of a few different security standards—WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA3. Older ones, like WEP, are about as secure as leaving your front door unlocked. WPA2 is the most common, while WPA3 is the gold standard if your router supports it.

If you’re setting up a new network or wondering why your Wi-Fi is asking for a “network security key” instead of a “password,” it’s essentially the same thing. However, the key provides an extra layer of encryption working behind the scenes to keep your connection safe.

Types of network security keys

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Not all network security keys use the same encryption. Over time, security protocols have evolved to provide stronger protection against hacking attempts. We’ve already mentioned the acronyms but here you’ll get a more in-depth overview.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

WEP was one of the first encryption methods for Wi-Fi networks. It uses a static key, making it vulnerable to attacks. Modern network devices no longer support WEP because of its weak security.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

WPA improved security over WEP by introducing dynamic keys and stronger encryption. It was a step forward, but it still had vulnerabilities that made it less secure over time.

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II)

WPA2 became the standard for most modern networks. It introduced stronger encryption using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), making it significantly more secure than its predecessors. However, WPA2 networks can still be susceptible to brute-force attacks if weak passwords are used.

WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access III)

WPA3 is the latest and most secure encryption standard. It prevents many of the common attacks that targeted WPA2, including brute-force attempts and offline dictionary attacks. WPA3 also adds stronger encryption for public networks, making it the best option for securing Wi-Fi connections.

What is the best type of network security key?

WPA3 provides the highest level of security for Wi-Fi networks. It strengthens encryption, protects against password-guessing attacks, and makes public networks safer. Keep in mind that unsecured public Wi-Fi is especially vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. If your router supports WPA3, enabling it is the best way to secure your network.

Locating your network security key

Finding your network security key isn’t complicated, but the location depends on the device you’re using. Whether you're setting up a new device or troubleshooting a connection, here’s where to look.

Where to find your network security key on a router

Your router is the easiest place to find your Wi-Fi password—unless, of course, someone changed it and didn’t tell you. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back with the default network security key. It might be labeled as “Wi-Fi Password,” “WPA Key,” or “Network Security Key.” If it’s been changed, then you’ll need to log into the router’s settings to find it.

Where to find your network security key on Windows

Windows saves Wi-Fi passwords for networks you’ve connected to, but they’re not exactly sitting in plain sight.

For Windows 10 and earlier:

• Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
• Click your active Wi-Fi connection.
• Select Wireless Properties, then open the Security tab.
• Check Show characters to reveal the network security key.

For Windows 11 (because Microsoft had to move things around):

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type out this exact command:
  “netsh wlan show profile name="Wi-Fi Name" key=clear”
  (and replace "Wi-Fi Name" with the actual network name).
• Look under Security settings for Key Content—that’s your Wi-Fi password.

Where to find your network security key on Android

Android won’t just hand over your saved Wi-Fi passwords. However, QR code sharing is a way around that:

• Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
• Tap on the network you’re connected to.
• Select Share—your phone will generate a QR code.
• Scan the code with another device to see the password.

If you’re using an older Android version (pre-Android 10), you won’t find this option. In that case, you’ll need to check your router settings instead.

Where to find your network security key on macOS

If you’ve connected to a network before, your Mac has probably saved the password. Here’s how to find it:

• Open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities.
• Click on System in the left panel and find your Wi-Fi network in the list.
• Double-click the network name and check “Show password” (you’ll need your Mac’s admin password).

Where to find your network security key on iOS

For years, iPhones refused to show saved Wi-Fi passwords, but that changed with iOS 16. Now, you can finally see them:

• Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
• Tap the connected network.
• Hit “Password” (Face ID or Touch ID required), and there it is.

For older iOS versions, there’s no way to view the password directly. But if another Apple device is nearby and signed into iCloud, you can share the Wi-Fi password with a single tap.

How to change your network security key

Updating your network security key is an easy way to improve security and prevent unauthorized access.

Steps to change your Wi-Fi password:

1. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). If those don’t work, check the router label or your ISP’s instructions.
2. Log in using the router’s admin credentials (default username and password are often printed on the router or provided by your ISP). If you’ve changed them before, enter the updated credentials.
3. Navigate to the Wireless settings or Security settings section. Some routers may have this under Advanced Settings.
4. Find the Network Security Key, Wi-Fi Password, WPA Key, or Pre-Shared Key (PSK) field.
5. Enter a new password that’s at least 12 characters long, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for better security.
6. Save changes and reboot the router if required.
7. Reconnect all devices using the new password. If you have a mesh network, you may need to update the password through the router’s mobile app instead.

Troubleshooting network security key issues

Changing your Wi-Fi password or setting up a new device should be straightforward, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. No matter the issue, there are ways to fix the problem.

Forgotten password

Losing track of your network security key is common, especially if you changed it and didn’t write it down. Fortunately, there are a few ways to recover or reset it.

Check your router

Most routers have a label on the back or bottom with the default Wi-Fi password. If you never changed it, that’s your key.

Retrieve it from a saved device

If another device is already connected to the network, you may be able to find the password there. Steps for your specific OS:

• Windows: Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center, select your network, go to Wireless Properties, then Security and check Show characters to reveal the key.
• Mac: Open Keychain Access, find your Wi-Fi network, and then check “Show password” (admin credentials required).
• Android (newer versions): If the device is connected, go to Wi-Fi settings, tap the network, and choose Share to generate a QR code containing the password.

Log in to your router settings

If you have access to the router, open a browser, enter the router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), log in, and find the Wi-Fi settings page to view or reset the key.

Reset the router

If all else fails and you’re locked out, press and hold the reset button on the router for about 10–30 seconds (depending on the model). This restores factory settings, including the default Wi-Fi password.

Can’t log in to the router

If you’re trying to change your network security key but can’t log into the router’s settings, there are a few possible reasons.

Wrong IP address

Some routers don’t use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. To find the correct address:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for Default Gateway—that’s your router’s IP.
• Mac: Open System Preferences > Network, select your connection, and check Router under details.

Incorrect login credentials

The default username and password (often admin/admin or admin/password) are usually printed on the router. If they’ve been changed and forgotten, resetting the router may be the only option.

Router settings are locked by your ISP

Some internet providers restrict user access to certain settings. If you can’t log in, check your ISP’s documentation or call their support.

If nothing works, resetting the router will restore default login credentials, allowing you to access the settings again.

Devices won’t connect after changing the key

After updating the network security key, every device that was previously connected will need to be updated with the new password. If a device refuses to connect, here's what you can do.

Forget and reconnect

On the device, go to Wi-Fi settings, select the network, and tap Forget network. Then reconnect and enter the new password.

Restart everything

Sometimes a simple restart fixes connection issues. Turn off your router for about 10 seconds, then power it back on. Restart the affected device as well.

Check for security mismatches

If the router is set to WPA3 and an older device only supports WPA2, they may not connect. Try switching to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode in the router settings.

Update device software

Outdated firmware on routers or devices can cause connection problems. Check for updates and install them if available.

Reset network settings on the device

Perform a full network reset on your specific OS:

• Windows: Open Settings > Network & internet > Status, scroll down, and click Network reset.
• Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network, remove the Wi-Fi connection, then reconnect.
• iPhone: Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings (this will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks).
• Android: Open Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

If none of these steps work, double-check that you entered the new password correctly (yes, even small typos matter). If issues persist, resetting the router and setting up the network again may be the best solution.

Why changing your network security key is important

Keeping the same Wi-Fi password forever might seem harmless, but it opens the door to potential security risks. If your network key gets leaked or shared too widely, it could lead to unwanted guests, slower speeds, or worse—cyber threats. While constantly changing your password isn’t necessary, knowing when to update it can keep your network locked down.

Kick out the Wi-Fi freeloaders

Ever notice your internet slowing down for no reason? There’s a chance someone’s piggybacking on your network, streaming movies, or worse—mooching your bandwidth for shady activities.

Updating your network security key is the easiest way to remove unwanted users and make sure only trusted devices stay connected.

Keep hackers guessing

Hackers love weak, outdated passwords. The longer you keep the same key, the higher the chance someone figures it out—especially if it’s something simple like “password123” or your pet’s name.

Changing your password makes brute-force attacks harder and protects against old credentials floating around online.

Guard your private stuff

Your Wi-Fi connects everything—laptops, phones, smart home devices. If an outsider gets in, they could intercept data, install malware, or spy on sensitive information. A fresh, strong network key keeps prying eyes out and your personal and business data safe.

Stop your internet from crawling

Too many users on a network can slow things down. If your Wi-Fi password has been passed around over time—maybe to guests, old roommates, or ex-employees—it’s time for a reset. Updating your network security key clears out unwanted devices and keeps your internet running at full speed.

What’s the best way to make my network security key more secure?

The stronger the key, the harder it is for hackers to crack. A weak Wi-Fi password is an open invitation for trouble. If it’s short, predictable, or easy to guess, you’re making it easier for unauthorized users to slip in.

A solid network security key should be:

• At least 16 characters (12 is the bare minimum, but longer is better)
• A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols
• Completely random—no dictionary words, birthdays, or easy patterns (e.g., “123456” or “qwerty”)
• Unique—never reuse passwords from other accounts

If remembering a long, random password sounds like a nightmare, use a password manager to securely store and autofill it when needed.

How often should enterprises change network passwords?

For businesses, changing passwords regularly is a smart move, but frequency depends on your setup:

• Employee-access Wi-Fi should be changed every 3 to 6 months, especially if employees leave or work in public spaces.
• Update guest networks monthly or weekly, depending on how many people use it.
• Critical infrastructure or high-security networks must rotate passwords every 1–3 months and consider WPA3 encryption with enterprise authentication for better security.

If your password was ever leaked, shared too widely, or found on a sticky note taped to a monitor (yes, it happens), change it immediately!

How Meter helps secure enterprise networks

For businesses, securing a Wi-Fi network takes more than just changing a network security key. Meter provides a fully managed, vertically integrated network with enterprise-grade security features.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Vertically integrated: Meter-built access points, switches, and security appliances create a unified, stress-free network.
• Managed experience: Meter handles network security and management, reducing IT workload.
• Hassle-free installation: Provide a floor plan, and Meter’s team will plan, install, and maintain your network.
• Advanced software: Use Meter’s dashboard for network insights and control, or create custom dashboards with Meter Command.
• OpEx pricing: Instead of buying equipment upfront, Meter provides a simple pricing model based on square footage. Upgrades and installation are included.
• Easy expansion: Meter can expand or relocate your network without additional installation costs.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.