What Is a Network Security Key? How to Find and Fix It

Table of Contents

What are the types of network security keys?
How to find a network security key
How to resolve network security key mismatch error
FAQs: network security key

Your Wi-Fi’s acting up, and suddenly your laptop wants a “network security key.” What even is that and why now?

If your network isn’t locked down, it’s open season for anyone nearby. That’s where a network security key comes in: it’s your Wi-Fi’s line of defense, and it matters way more than most people realize.

What is a network security key?

A network security key is a password that secures access to a wireless network. It encrypts data between a device and a router to prevent unauthorized use. Most keys contain letters, numbers, and symbols. Users can find the key on a router label or within the device’s Wi-Fi settings.

User provisioning and governance tools are critical in safeguarding IT applications by implementing access controls. Similarly, using a network security key can also prevent unauthorized users from eavesdropping on sensitive information or accessing your devices

You can set a network security key using uppercase, lowercase, and special characters joined by a number. Make sure it doesn’t contain predictable elements like your name or the name of your loved one(s), a number related to your birthdate, or any combination that’s easy to guess.

TL;DR: What you need to know about network security key

What it is: A network security key is the technical term for your Wi-Fi password; it’s used to authenticate and encrypt wireless connections.
How to find your network security key: You can find your network security key on a router label, or through system settings on Windows 10, macOS, iPhone, or Android (with or without root access).
Types of network security keys: Common types of network security keys include WEP (now deprecated), WPA, WPA2, and WPA3. WPA2 is the current standard and WPA3 offers enhanced encryption.
How to troubleshoot network security key mismatch error: Check for typos, outdated drivers, or unsupported protocols like WEP.
How to change your Wi-Fi network security key: Log in to your router admin page using its IP address and update the password under wireless security settings.
Best practices to protect your network security key: Use strong, unique keys to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Consider password managers or network policy tools to manage credentials securely.

What are the types of network security keys?

Some of the common types of network security keys used for authorization in a wireless network are wired equivalent privacy and Wi-Fi protected access. Different types of network security keys have distinct security offerings, yet their primary function remains the same, i.e., network access control.

Wired equivalent privacy (WEP)

Wired equivalent privacy (WEP) is a security algorithm intended to provide data confidentiality the same as traditional wired networks. It encrypts data packets using a 40-bit key combined with a 24-bit initialization vector (IV) to make an RC4 key. The 40 bit and 24 bit IV combine to create a 64-bit WEP key.

WEP is a sequence of characters between numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F. So, your WEP key can be 1A648C9FE2.

Due to the U.S. restrictions on the export of several cryptographic technologies, early WEP versions were limited to 64-bit encryption devices. When the regulating body lifted these restrictions, 128-bit and 256-bit encryption also came into the picture. Out of these, 128-bit encryption was seen as the most common implementation in devices.

Methods of encryption you can use with WEP

There are two methods of encryption that you can use with WEP:

Open system authentication: A client doesn’t need to share credentials with the access point. The encryption is carried out using a WEP key.
Shared key authentication: It’s a four-step challenge-response handshake. When a client requests authentication to the access point, it replies with a clear-text challenge. After encrypting the challenge-text using a configured WEP key, the client sends it back. The access point decrypts the response, verifies a match, and completes authentication. Zero-knowledge password proof and key agreement systems are some sophisticated algorithms of challenge-response handshake.

The process looked secure, but in reality, anyone could decode the key by cracking the challenge-frames. To protect the network security key from potential exposure, Wi-Fi protected access superseded wired equivalent privacy and evolved as a more secure authentication method in wireless networks.

Wi-Fi protected access

In the Wi-Fi protected access (WPA) security algorithm, the client requesting to connect to a network needs a security key to initiate communication. After verification of the key, data exchanges are carried out in an encrypted manner.

difference between WPA WPA2 and WPA3

There are three versions of WPA:

WPA: It adopts a temporal key integrity program and uses a per-packet key, enabling it to produce a new 128-bit key dynamically, with every packet arriving and assigning it to the same data packet. It prevents the risks that make WEP vulnerable and restricts unwanted access.
WPA2: It replaced WPA and implemented the mandatory elements of IEEE 802.11i, which includes support for CCM protocol, an advanced encryption standard (AES)-based encryption mode.
WPA3: It uses an equivalent 192-bit cryptographic strength in WPA3-Enterprise mode and mandates AES-128 in CCM mode as the minimum encryption algorithm in WPA3-Personal mode.

Using the message integrity check, the wireless protected access security certification program protects data against modification risks. It supersedes the cyclic redundancy check for error detection and correction, earlier used in WEP.

It does have a message integrity check, which guards the data against viruses that can automatically modify and retransmit the packets. Thus, it replaces the cyclic redundancy check for error detection and the correction used by the WEP.

Type	Encryption strength	Common use case	Still secure?
WEP	64- or 128-bit RC4	Legacy networks only	No
WPA	128-bit TKIP	Older hardware	Limited
WPA2	128-bit AES (CCMP)	Home and enterprise Wi-Fi	Yes
WPA3	192-bit or AES-128 (CCM)	Public networks, modern Wi-Fi	Strongest

How to find a network security key

You can find a network security key in different ways, depending on the type of device where you’re searching for.

Finding a network security key on a router

A network security key is often labeled on the exterior of a router. You should look for a small sticker at the back or the bottom of the device. If it’s not available there, check its packaging box or the manual that came with it from the manufacturer.

You will usually have your key set printed on the bottom of the router your ISP provides when you take a broadband deal from them. The key can be changed, but make sure you don't lose it.

The network security key would be labeled as a security key, WPA key, or passphrase on a router. A default one would come with the new device, but you need to change it to avoid unauthorized access.

Steps to change your network security key

Nine steps to change your network security key (network password):

You’d need the IP address of the router to enter the login page. You can look for it in the manual that comes with the router.
If you’re already connected to the network and using a Windows operating system, right-click on the Start button, select Run, and type cmd, then type ipconfig and press enter. If you’re working on a Mac operating system, you can press the option key and right-click on the Wi-Fi symbol available on the top-right corner of the screen to get the IP address.
Once you have the IP address, go to the browser, type it in the address bar, and press enter/return to get to your router’s login page. You can search for login credentials on the manual to get in.
Look for a page with wireless, wireless security, or wireless settings.
Select WPA2. It’s the best encryption.
Change the password or network security key.
Use the new password to reconnect to the wireless network.

While easily accessible, it's crucial to remember that network security keys require proper management. Network security policy management software helps create strong passwords, enforce security protocols, and automate key rotation to minimize security risks.

Finding a network security key on a Windows device

When your Windows device is connected to the wireless network, you can access the saved login data to get the network security key.

For Windows 10 users, you can use the following steps to find the passphrase of your network:

Go to the Start menu.
Click Network Connection.
Select Network and Sharing Center.
Click on the wireless network icon.
Go to Wireless Properties.
Open the Security tab.
Select Show Characters, and you’ll be able to see your network security key.

If you’re using a Windows 7 operating system, you can access the network security key through the following path:

Open the Start menu.
Go to the Control Panel.
Click on View Network Status and Tasks available under Network and Internet.
Click on Manage Wireless Network listed on the left side menu, and then locate your wireless network.
Open properties by right-clicking on the wireless network.
Open the security tab and check the box to show characters.

It’ll display the network security key you’re searching for. You can also use the same key to connect other devices to the network.

Finding a network security key on Mac

When it comes to Mac, the process of finding your network’s password is somewhat similar to Windows. You should know the Wi-Fi network's name, and you can instantly get the security key.

Follow these six steps to find your network security key:

Open the search function.
Search Keyless Access.
Search for your Wi-Fi network in the keychain access screen.
Click on the name of your network.
Check Show Password to see the security key of your network.
To confirm the access rights, enter your Mac password.

Finding a network security key on a smartphone

Whether you have an Android or an iOS device, you can find the network security key stored on your phone in a few simple steps.

Android users with root access can use ES file explorer or Android terminal emulator, whereas users without root access can utilize Minimal ABD and Fastboot to get network security key.

Ways to find network security key on smartphone

ES file explorer: You can access the root explorer feature of ES file explorer and tap Local and Device to see your root folder. Navigate to misc and wifi to view the Wi-Fi security key in the wpa_supplicant.conf file. You need root access to perform this action.
Android terminal emulator: In the Android terminal emulator, you can issue the cat/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf. Command and view the file content to see the network security key. Again, this option requires root access.
Minimal ADB and Fastboot: To find the network security key without root, you can install and connect Minimal ADB and Fastboot on your PC. Once you establish a connection with your Android device, access and see the content of wpa_supplicant.conf to get your Wi-Fi password.

Finding a network security key on your iPhone or iPad is much easier than on Android, as it doesn’t require root access. You can follow the steps mentioned below to access the network security key.

Go to iPhone Settings, and tap on iCloud.
Enable the keychain feature by tapping on Keychain.
Start your personal hotspot by going back to settings.
Connect to the iPhone's personal hotspot on your Mac.
Press CMD + Space to open the Spotlight search utility and search for keychain access.
Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network (service set identifier, also called SSID), and double click on SSID.
Click on the Show Password checkbox. Type your Mac’s admin password to prove your identity and get the network security key.

How to resolve network security key mismatch error

When you get a network security key mismatch error while trying to log into your wireless network, there is a high possibility that you're entering an incorrect password. But it's not the sole reason. There can be various other causes, like wrong security mode, antivirus software, or defective wireless drivers.

To fix the error, you can use some common methods mentioned below.

Check whether your password is correct and whether you're using the set combination of uppercase and lowercase characters. Look over your caps lock key on the keyboard and type accordingly.
Ensure that your device supports the version of the Wi-Fi network you're trying to connect. Sometimes a network security key mismatch error comes up when you connect the device to an unsupported network.
After entering the correct password, if your device still shows a mismatch error, try restarting the device or computer. Sometimes, the device hangs and restarting will bring them back to normal.
If the error persists, you can change the type of security protocol being used. For example, if you're using WEP, change it to WPA or WPA2.
Another possible solution would be to disable your third-party antivirus client or update your wireless drivers to resolve the network security key mismatch error.

FAQs: network security key

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

Yes. Your network security key is simply your Wi-Fi password. It’s the string of characters that allows your device to connect to a wireless network securely. Most routers use WPA2 or WPA3 security protocols that require this key to authenticate access.

Where can I find my router’s network security key?

You’ll usually find the default network security key on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, labeled as “WPA Key,” “Wireless Password,” or “Security Key.” You can also access it by logging into your router’s admin page using the device’s IP address.

How do I fix a network security key mismatch error?

A mismatch error means the password entered doesn’t match what the router is expecting. First, double-check for typos or Caps Lock. If it persists, restart your device, update network drivers, or verify you’re using a compatible Wi-Fi protocol (WPA2 or WPA3). You can also reset the password from your router settings.

Can I change my network security key?

Yes. You can log into your router’s admin dashboard using the device’s IP address, navigate to wireless or security settings, and enter a new password. Be sure to reconnect all devices using the updated key.

What’s the difference between WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3?

WEP is outdated and insecure. WPA introduced stronger encryption, but WPA2 became the standard with AES-based encryption. WPA3 is the most secure and includes 192-bit encryption in enterprise settings and improved protection on public networks.

How can I view my network security key on a Windows or Mac device?

On Windows, you can find your saved Wi-Fi key through the Network and Sharing Center by checking the wireless network properties. On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network, and check “Show Password” (admin password required).

More than just a password

Although the WPA2 security algorithm offers advanced security, you must keep the network security key safe from malicious hackers. Make sure you manage passwords effectively and protect your devices from cyber attacks.

Learn more about how you can safeguard your cybersecurity and provide seamless access to digital assets with network monitoring software.

This article was originally published in 2021. It has been updated with new information.

Sagar Joshi

Sagar Joshi is a former content marketing specialist at G2 in India. He is an engineer with a keen interest in data analytics and cybersecurity. He writes about topics related to them. You can find him reading books, learning a new language, or playing pool in his free time.