In the era of WiFi, finding Wifi passwords has become very important. Network Security key is another name for this day used Wifi password.
We often set up WiFi passwords and forget them. After that, we keep wondering how we can find the Network Security Key. So worry not! We have given you a step-by-step guide. But before that, you need to understand what is this security key.
Understanding Network Security Key
A network security key, as the name suggests, is a security key or password that protects your network or Wireless network. Network security is not the only alternative term for WiFi passwords such as Network or Wi-Fi key, network password, wireless password, or WEP or WPA key.
How Does Network Security Key Work?
The network security key is very important in this digital world and the reason behind this is that it filters and monitors access to your network. Ensuring that no unauthorized access is granted. Think of this like a key to your home. Without this key, nobody can enter your home.
The security key works in the same way. Network security encrypts the network, making it only accessible to those who have the password.
Types of Network Security Keys
There are three types of network encryption that are intended to protect your network. A few of them are present on your router. Let’s discuss each of them:
- WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). WEP is an old and outdated security protocol used in wireless networks. though there are many updated protocols this is still used in older systems. One of the major reasons why I won’t suggest you use WEP is because it is very easy to bypass while configuration is a major challenge.
- WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). The WPA came as an upgrade of WEP. It has advanced protocols and many new features while it is still at risk of several cyberattacks.
- WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2). Not the safest network security but WPA2 is better than WPA. It uses AES encryption, for encrypting internet data to block any unauthorized access.
- WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3). The latest and the safest option is WPA3. With robust encryption and simplified configuration, it has replaced WPA 2. Moreover, it is available in two versions, personal and enterprise modes.
How to Check Network Security Key?
There are a few ways you could look for your security key.
- If the device is next to you, then you can even look at the router if you’re using one.
- Suppose you have the device already connected to the wireless network, the network key is already stored in the settings. It means that it is available through the device for instance Google.
On a Router/Modem
- If you never changed the default network security key, then your wireless network should retain a password that was generated by manufacturers. Search for a password somewhere on the outer surface of the router, usually imprinted on a small sticker having your ssid written on it.
- If the password is not visible on the router, then look at the box it was packed in or at that manual it came with.
On Android
From the latest versions of Android, you cannot view your WiFi password as plaintext. Here is how you can access it:
- Access the ‘Settings’ menu.
- Now go to ‘Connections’.
- Open “Wi-Fi.”
- Click on the network that you wish to have the security key for accessing.
- Click on the “QR code.”
- What to do next is to scan the QR code in order to access the Wi-Fi password.
On iOS
Finding security key in iOS is very easy:
- Swipe downwards and click on ‘Settings’, then click on ‘Wi-Fi’.
- If you are using a computer or a laptop, press the “i” icon that appears beside your network’s name.
- Tap on the password.
- Enter the password using Face ID or Touch ID and get to view the password in plain text.
On Windows 10 and 11
Here is how you can get the network security key in Windows 10 and 11:
- To get to the settings menu, make sure to click on the icon that looks like the Windows logo on Windows 10 and 11 on your desktop and click “Settings.”
- Click the left-side tab named “Network & internet”.
- Then, move to the next step and select “Advanced network settings.”
- To the right of ‘Network connections’,
- click ‘More network adapter options’.
- Right-click the wireless network listed in which you want to know the security key and select “Status”.
- Open “Wireless properties.”
- Switch to the “Security tab” and check the box with the text “Show characters.”
The Bottom Line:
Finding a network security key is not rocket science. You just need to know the right way. We have mentioned some of the easiest ways to get the WiFi password. If you want to know more ways, please comment below and stay tuned to our website for technical tips and tricks.