TUTORIAL

How to Find Your Network Security Key

by Usama Muneer


Project Overview

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Entry-Level

TIME TO COMPLETE: 5-10 minutes

ESTIMATED COST: Free

Skills Needed

  • Basic familiarity with your device's settings (Windows, macOS, mobile, or router)

  • Comfort navigating menus and inputting passwords

  • Admin access on the device or router (in some cases)

Tools and Materials Needed

  • A device already connected to the Wi-Fi network (Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, etc.)

  • Access to your router (optional but helpful)

  • Admin password (for device or router, if prompted)

Letโ€™s be real โ€” forgetting your Wi-Fi password happens to the best of us. You probably set it once, forgot about it, and now someoneโ€™s asking for the Wi-Fi โ€” and of course, your brain goes blank. Been there.

Hereโ€™s the upside: finding your network security key is easier than you think! Whether youโ€™re using a Windows PC, a Mac, your phone, or going straight to the router, weโ€™ve got step-by-step ways to get you there. Ready? Letโ€™s track it down.

Before You Begin

First things first โ€” make sure youโ€™ve got a device thatโ€™s already connected to the Wi-Fi network youโ€™re trying to get the password for. It could be your laptop, your phone, your tablet, or whatever youโ€™re using right now. If itโ€™s online, youโ€™re in business.

Depending on the method (like entering your Mac password or logging into your router), you might need admin access. But donโ€™t worry โ€” you wonโ€™t need any special tools or tech skills. If you can open a settings menu and follow along, youโ€™re all set.

How to Find a Network Security Key on Windows

If you're using a Windows computer that's already connected to the Wi-Fi network, finding the password is surprisingly simple. Hereโ€™s how to do it:

How to Find Your Wireless Network Security Key Password on Windows 10

Step 1: Open Network Settings

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen (in the taskbar). Then select Network & Internet settings.

From there, scroll down a bit and click on Network and Sharing Center.

ย Step 2: Open Your Network Connection

In the Network and Sharing Center, find your current Wi-Fi connection and click on the Wi-Fi name next to โ€œConnections.โ€

A new window will pop up โ€” go ahead and click Wireless Properties.ย 

Step 3: View the Security Key

In the new window, switch to the Security tab.

Youโ€™ll see a box labeled "Network security key." Check the box that says "Show characters," and boom, your Wi-Fi password appears.

How to Find a Network Security Key on macOS

Using a Mac? Good news โ€” your Wi-Fi password is probably already stored, and itโ€™s just a few clicks away. Hereโ€™s how to uncover it:

Step 1: Open Keychain Access

First, open Spotlight Search (press Command + Space) and type Keychain Access. Hit Enter to open it.ย 

You can also get there by going to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.

Step 2: Find Your Wi-Fi Network

Once Keychain is open, use the search bar in the top-right corner to type in the name of your Wi-Fi network.

When you see it in the list, double-click the name to open the details.

Step 3: Show the Password

In the new window, check the box next to Show Password. Now enter your username and password.

And there is your security key!

How to Find a Network Security Key on a Router

If you can't access the password through your device, donโ€™t worry โ€” you can go straight to the source: your router. It takes a couple of extra steps, but itโ€™s not as intimidating as it sounds.

Step 1: Find Your Router

Track down your router โ€” the little box with blinking lights that brings the internet to you. Flip it over or check the back โ€” thereโ€™s usually a sticker with the default network name and Wi-Fi password. That might be all you need.

Step 2: Log In to Router Settings

Still need to dig deeper? Open a web browser and type your routerโ€™s IP address into the address bar. Common ones are:

  • 192.168.1.1

  • 192.168.0.1

Press Enter. Youโ€™ll be asked to log in. If you havenโ€™t changed the credentials, try admin for both username and password. (Again, these might be printed on the router.)ย 

Step 3: Find Wireless Settings

Once youโ€™re logged in, look for something like Wireless Settings, Wi-Fi Settings, or Network Settings โ€” the exact name varies depending on the router brand.

In that section, youโ€™ll spot your network name and right nearby, the password youโ€™ve been hunting for. It might be hidden behind dots, so go ahead and hit that โ€œShow Password.โ€ There it is โ€” mystery solved!

How to Find a Network Security Key on Mobile Devices

Using a mobile device? Finding your network key can be just as simple.ย 

First, let's cover Androids:ย 

Step 1: Open the Settings Appย ย 

Then tap on Network & Internet and select Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Tap on the Connected Wi-Fi Networkย 

You should see an option like Share or QR Code.

Step 3: Scan or View Password

You can either scan the QR code or view the password if it's available.

For iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Step 1: Find the Settings

Go to Settings, tap on Wi-Fi, and find the network you're connected to.

Step 2: Tap the โ€˜iโ€™ Iconย 

This is located next to the network name. Select Password.

Step 3: Authenticateย 

You need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Once authenticated, your Wi-Fi password will be displayed.

Conclusion

And thatโ€™s it. Whether youโ€™re using a laptop, a phone, or logging straight into your router, finding your network security key is totally doable. With a bit of patience, you'll have your Wi-Fi password in no time!

Want to learn more about networking and really understand how all this stuff works? Check out our CBT Nuggets Network+ training โ€” itโ€™s built to help you level up fast.

Try the CBT Nuggets course and get a free 7-day trial!

Get CBT Nuggets IT training news and resources

I have read and understood the privacy policy and am able to consent to it.

ยฉ 2025 CBT Nuggets. All rights reserved.Terms | Privacy Policy | Accessibility | Sitemap | 2850 Crescent Avenue, Eugene, OR 97408 | 541-284-5522