Many users choose to encrypt their Wi-Fi with a custom password. Not every wireless network uses a password, but the ones that do benefit from greater security.
If you aren't sure what your WiFi password is, there are a few things you can do to gain access to your wireless network.
Note that this is sometimes referred to as the "network security key".
If you never set a custom Wi-Fi password or this is your first time connecting to your wireless network, you need to use the default password.
If you received your router from an ISP, check the router for a sticker with W-iFi information. The password may be referred to as a key. If you can't find any record of the default Wi-Fi password, contact the ISP for support.
If you purchased your own router, look through any documentation provided by the manufacturer. You may be able to find the password you need online. If you still can't find the default login credentials, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Look for any record of the Wi-Fi password. This includes password archives and documentation provided to you by your ISP.
If you set a custom Wi-Fi password, it's up to you to keep track of it. In general, avoid storing sensitive passwords in easy to access locations. If you don't want to store physical copies of passwords, consider using a password manager application. These programs help keep track of your passwords with an encrypted database.
If you're having trouble, then check out our comprehensive guide on locating your current network key.
If you cannot identify the current password, you may have to set a new one. Log in to your router using a browser window. Use the router's IP address in the address bar. If you don't know what yours is, visit our guide on how to find your router's IP address.
Once you've logged into the web interface, look for Wi-Fi settings. Your wireless password will likely be referred to as a key. After you save the new password, test it by trying to log into your network with a wireless device.
If you have trouble connecting, disconnect and restart your router to try resetting the password again from scratch. If you still aren't able to locate or set a new password, you may need to contact your ISP or the manufacturer for support.
There are a few reasons you might want to update or reset your WiFi password: making your network more secure, and making your password easier to remember and type.
Ash
