Have you ever tried to connect your phone, laptop, or smart TV to your Wi-Fi but got stuck asking yourself: Where to find network security key on router? You’re not alone. This is a common issue, and I’ve got you covered with all the easy ways to find it.
I did some quick research and also checked on my own Wi-Fi router, and here’s a super simple guide for anyone struggling to find their Wi-Fi password (aka the network security key).
What Is a Network Security Key?
Before we jump into the steps, let’s clear one thing up. A network security key is just the fancy term for your Wi-Fi password. It’s the password you enter when connecting a device to your wireless network.
Sometimes it’s also called:
- WPA key
- Security key
- Wireless password
But all of them mean the same thing. So if you are wondering where to find network security key on router, keep reading.
1st Way: Check the Back or Bottom of the Router
The easiest way to find your Wi-Fi password is to look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your router. Almost all routers come with a label that shows:
- Wi-Fi Name (SSID)
- Network Security Key (Wi-Fi Password)
- Router Login IP address
Look for a line labeled as:
- “WPA key”
- “Wireless key”
- “Password”
- “Security key”
⚠️ Important Note: If you or someone else has changed the default password before, this sticker won’t help. In that case, move on to the next method.
2nd Way: Login to Router Admin Panel
If the sticker is missing or password has been changed, don’t worry. You can still find the answer to where to find network security key on router by logging into the router’s admin panel.
Here’s how you can do it:
Steps:
- Connect your device (phone or PC) to that Wi-Fi network.
- Open a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari).
- Type the router’s IP address in the address bar. Usually:
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1
- You’ll be asked to log in. Check your router sticker for the username and password (usually
admin/admin). - Once logged in, go to Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Settings.
- There you’ll find the current network security key.
Now you know exactly where to find network security key on router from the router dashboard.
3rd Way: Find Wi-Fi Password from a Connected Device
Already connected to the Wi-Fi on another device? Great! You can view the saved password from that device.
On Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on your Wi-Fi name > Wireless Properties.
- Under the Security tab, check “Show characters”.
- You’ll see the network security key.
On Mac:
- Open Keychain Access.
- Search for your Wi-Fi name.
- Double-click it and check “Show password” (enter your Mac password).
- You’ll now see the Wi-Fi password.
On Android (older versions):
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the connected network.
- Some devices may directly show the password; others may require root.
On Android (newer versions):
- You’ll see a QR code instead of the actual key. You can scan this QR code on another phone to connect without typing the password.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Tap the info icon (i).
- If you’re running iOS 16 or later, you’ll see Password – tap to reveal it after Face ID/Touch ID.
So even if you don’t have access to your router, you still have ways to find your network key.
So now you know all the simple tricks to answer that one common question: Where to find network security key on router? Whether it’s checking the back of your router, logging into its dashboard, or retrieving it from a connected device — there’s always a way.
Wi-Fi passwords can be confusing at first, especially when labeled with weird names like WPA key or security key. But with these methods, you’ll never be locked out again.
Save this guide or bookmark it so that next time a friend or family member asks you where to find network security key on router, you can be their tech hero.
