How to find security key on router

The network security key is the password or pass phrase that you use to authenticate with your home network. In order to establish a secure connection with your wireless router, you have to provide the key to prove that you are authorized to do so. The key is established on a setting in the wireless router, and each device connecting to it will be required to match it.

How to Find Your Network Security Key

You can view the security key from the settings on computers already connected to WiFi:

Windows 10

1. Click the Start button
2. Click Settings
3. Then Select Network and Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center.
4. Select your wifi name next to the connections section.
5. Select Wireless Properties in the Wifi-Status Menu.
6. Click on the Security tab
7. Check the box that says “Show characters”, if it is not already checked
8. The Network security key box will display your key. You can use this same key to connect other devices to your network.

Windows 7

1. Click the Start button
2. Click Control Panel
3. Under “Network and Internet” click “View network status and tasks”
4. On the left hand menu, click “Manage Wireless Networks”, then locate your wireless network on the new menu
5. Right-click on your wireless network and select Properties
6. Click on the Security tab
7. Check the box that says “Show characters”, if it is not already checked
8. The Network security key box will display your key. You can use this same key to connect other devices to your network.

Macs

1. On the top of the screen, select “Go”
2. Now select “Utilities”
3. Double click on “Keychain Access” and then select your network from the list provided.
4. Check the box that says “Show password” (You may have to enter your Mac’s Administrator password and then click “Allow” to do this.)
5. Your network security key will display your key. You can use this same key to connect other devices to your network.

Find the Security Key in the Router

If you’re not currently connected, you’ll have to find the security key on your router. In your router, your security key will be located within the wireless security settings. For example, if you have WPA2 encryption on your network, the key will most likely be nested within there. All routers are different, so check the links below for specific instructions.

• Linksys
• Netgear
• ASUS
• D-Link
• TP-Link

Find the Security Key on the Router

In some cases you might be able to find the security key printed on the router. This is often seen if you are using a router that was provided by your Internet Service Provider or if you are renting one from them. Locate the Router and check the labels to see if any of them contain a Network Security Key. If you find a key on the label and it does not work then the key might have been changed at a later time and you will need to use the other methods mentioned to obtain your network security key.

A network security key is a code or passphrase you enter to connect your computer or mobile device to a private network. For example, if your home Wi-Fi network is secured (as it should be), you enter a network security key to join it. The purpose of a network security key is to prevent unauthorized access to a network and keep your Wi-Fi network secure.

Finding Your Network Security Key 

The fastest, easiest way to find your network security key is through your router directly.

1. Log into your home router as an administrator. Menu systems vary among router brands, but most show your network SSID and network security key on the main page.

   
   

   Visit the website of your router's manufacturer to learn how to access your router's dashboard.

2. If your network security key doesn't show on the main screen, find Connection, Wi-Fi, or similar in the navigation menu to locate the Wi-Fi connection settings screen. You'll likely see the network security key there.

   
   

Find the Network Security Key on Your Phone

You also can view the stored network security key on your Android or iPhone. Here's how.

On an Android Device

On an Android, the best option if you don't have root access is to install and connect Minimal ADB and Fastboot on your PC. Then, you can access and view the contents of the wpa_supplicant.conf file to see your stored Wi-Fi password.

If you do have root access, try one of these methods:

1. Install ES File Explorer and access Root Explorer. Tap Local > Device to see your device's root folder.

2. Access the root folder, and navigate to misc > wifi to see the Wi-Fi security key in the wpa_supplicant.conf file.

3. Alternatively, install an Android terminal emulator and issue the cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf command to view the file contents and see the network security key.

On an iPhone or iPad

Finding your stored network security key on an iPhone is much easier and doesn't require root access.

1. Tap Settings > iCloud > Keychain. Make sure the Keychain toggle is in the On position.

   
   

2. Go back to Settings and turn on Personal Hotspot.

   
   

   On your Mac, connect to your iPhone's Personal Hotpot.

   
   

3. Press the CMD and Space keys on your Mac to open the Searchlight utility. In the search field, type keychain access and press Enter.

   
   

4. Type the name of your Wi-Fi network (the SSID), then double-click the SSID.

   
   

5. Select the Show Password checkbox. You might need to type your Mac's admin password to display the password.

   
   

Find the Network Security Key on Windows

The easiest way to find your Wi-Fi password is if you've already connected to the network with your Windows 10 PC.

1. Click the Start menu, and type Network Status. Select the Network status system settings utility.

2. In the Network Status window, select Change adapter options.

   
   

3. In the Network Connections window, right-click the active Wi-Fi network adapter and select Status.

   
   

4. In the Wi-Fi Status window, select Wireless Properties to open the Wireless Network Properties window.

5. Select Security. Then, under Network security key, select Show characters.

   
   

   This will reveal the network security key for your wireless network.

Find the Network Security Key On Your Mac

On a Mac, you'll find the network key (password) in Keychain Access.

1. Open Finder and select Go > Utilities. Click Keychain Access.

   
   

2. Select login, and scroll through the list of network connections to find your active network. If you don't see the active network, select System and find the active network there.

   
   

   On Mac OS X systems older than version 10.6.x, in the Keychains window, select All Items. Scroll through the list of network connections to find your active network.

3. Under Name, select your active network. Under the Attributes tab, check Show password.

   
   

4. Enter your Mac Administrator or Keychain password and select OK.
   

5. Find the network password in the Show password field. 

Extra: Types of Network Security

Every secured network has a network security key, but not every network uses the same mode of security. Types of network security include:

What is the security key on a router?

How do I find my WPA2 security key?