Resolve Wi-Fi authentication error- Security Key Incorrect.
In today’s world, almost everything requires wireless internet access to function. From smart home appliances to phones and work devices, the use of Wi-Fi to connect to a network has become a norm. Possibly the most frustrating thing when trying to access a network is when the Wi-Fi authentication fails because the network security key isn’t correct.
“Wi-Fi authentication error security key is incorrect” is an error that actually encompasses a wide range of issues and may have several root causes. It is very important to try and understand what caused the error in order to ensure your Wi-Fi is secure.
In this article, we will look at some of the most common reasons for Wi-Fi authentication errors. We’ll also explain what to do when you see messages like “the network security key isn’t correct: please try again.”
What is a Wi-Fi Security Key?
Let’s first understand what a security key is to help get a better understanding of how to address the error message.
A security key for Wi-Fi authentication is a unique combination of alphanumeric characters used to connect a device — like a laptop, phone, or IoT device — to a Wi-Fi network.
When using your Wi-Fi network at home, you use a key or password to connect to your home network. At a cafe or restaurant, if you want to connect to their network, you ask them for the passcode to connect to their network.
And whenever you go back to the same place, your system will recognize the network and try to connect using the same password that you had keyed in the last time you connected to that particular network.
There are some places, like airports, where you can connect to the network after paying a certain fee. They will, however, often require you to provide some personal information like name, email address, etc. This information is protected by the security protocols that they have in place.
Without the passcode or the key, it is very difficult to access the network; this helps protect it from hackers.
Info: Keys are not absolute protection from network breaches, but they provide a considerable degree of protection.
How to Find Your Wi-Fi Security Key
To fix the Wi-Fi authentication error “security key incorrect,” you need to know what your password is. There are two main ways to find this alphanumeric security key.
Wi-Fi Routers
Your router’s default password will be in one of three places:
- The router exterior body should have the password printed
- On the box that the router came in
- In the manual
You can also get the router’s security key by logging in to its default settings on its web interface.
You’re looking for a string of alphanumeric characters marked as one of the following:
- Security Key
- WEP Key
- WPA Key
- Passphrase
Windows System
You will have to first open Network Connections. Find it by clicking on the “Start Menu” or by typing “Network Connections” in the toolbar search that is next to the “Start Menu” icon.
Alternatively, to find Network Connections, you can go to the Control Panel> Networks & Internet>Network and Sharing>Change adapter settings.
Next, click on Wireless Network Icon>Wireless Properties>Open Security Tab>Check Show Characters.
Success: The alphanumeric characters that show in the box are your network security key.
How to Fix “Wi-Fi Authentication Error Security Key Incorrect”
- Check the Password
The first thing to check when you encounter a security key incorrect error is whether you are using the right password.
Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure you have typed in the right password for Wi-Fi authentication. The steps mentioned above can help you confirm if you are indeed using the correct security key.
- Restart Wi-Fi Router
If the password that you have input is correct, restart the Wi-Fi router to see if you are able to connect to the internet.
The authentication error could be due to the router malfunctioning. An easy way to try fixing it is by turning off your router for some time. Unplug your router and keep it off for a couple of minutes and turn it back on. This should fix the issue and restore your connection to the router.
- Forget & Rejoin the Wi-Fi Network
If restarting your router does not help, you can try to forget or disable your connection with the router and rejoin/enable it.
The steps for that are as follows.
- Open “Device Manager” in your system and right-click on your wireless device and choose “Disable Device”.
- Click “Yes” on the confirmation message to complete the process of forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your device.
- Wait for a minute and then enable the connector on your device. You should now be able to connect to your Wi-Fi for the internet.
If you continue to get the error message, you can try to disable your wireless connection.
The steps are:
- Open the Settings App (Windows Key + I is the shortcut).
- Next, go to the Network & Internet section.
- Click on Change Adapter Options, which is in the right pane. You will have to scroll down to get this option.
- Find the wireless connection that you are facing an issue with, right-click, and select Disable.
- Wait for a few minutes before enabling your wireless connection.
Warning: This is just a temporary fix, and you might have to keep repeating it, as this error is sometimes caused by glitches in your Wi-Fi router or device.
- Toggle Airplane Mode
Though not always guaranteed to work, enabling “Airplane Mode” and then disabling it to connect to your network can sometimes fix Wi-Fi authentication errors.
Enable “Airplane Mode” for a few minutes and disable it to allow your device to connect to the network you want to be connected to.
Activating airplane mode will disconnect your device from any other network that it is connected to and should be able to fix some security key errors.
- Create a New Password
Creating a new password sometimes is helpful in correcting Wi-Fi authentication errors.
If the above fixes are not helping, it’s worth a shot to create a new password to see if it works.
To create a new password, go to your router’s “Settings” page and then to the Wi-Fi section. You can assign a new password for your wireless network from here.
- Reinstall Wireless Driver
The steps to reinstall the wireless driver are as follows:
- From the Start Menu, select Device Manager.
- Go to your network adapter, right-click, and select Uninstall Device.
- From the confirmation menu, select Remove Driver Software for This Device, and click Uninstall.
- Once the driver is uninstalled, click Scan for Hardware Changes. This should get your default driver reinstalled by Windows. In case the default driver does not work, you might have to update the driver to fix the issue.
- Disable Third-Party Anti-Virus Applications
Info: Antivirus tools often seem to interfere with network connectivity protocols.
You can disable the antivirus tool that is currently installed in your device and try to connect to your Wi-Fi network to see if the issue is fixed. If your device is able to complete Wi-Fi authentication successfully after that, you might have to look for alternate antivirus software.
Most antivirus software has a setting that will allow you to temporarily disable it for troubleshooting purposes like this one.
If you need to fully remove your antivirus software, the steps are as follows:
- Go to Control Panel from the Start menu.
- In the Run dialogue box, type control.exe or control panel and click OK.
- Click the View by Option and set it to Category (top right corner of the Control Panel window). Left-click to open Uninstall a Program Entry below Programs.
- Scroll the list to find the antivirus software. Once it is selected, click on Uninstall and follow the instructions to complete the process of uninstalling the software.
- Try to connect to the network and see if the Wi-Fi authentication Error Security Key Incorrect issue is fixed.
How Do I Reset My Network Security Key?
You can reset your Wi-Fi password, or network security key, by going through your router or your computer’s network settings.
Info: If you need to change the security key for the whole organization, then you’ll need to reset it by going through the router.
In order to do this:
-
- Connect to the network and log in with the admin username and password.
- Open the Wi-Fi or Wireless settings and navigate to the Network Security (or Password) field.
- Delete the old password and enter a new password, saving your changes and reconnecting all your devices.
Info: If the router’s password has changed, you will also need to update it on your device.
To do this:
- Open Windows Settings and navigate to Network & Internet.
- Click on Wi-Fi and select Manage Known Networks.
- Find your network name and click Forget.
- Reconnect to the network using the new password.
How Can I Connect to Wi-Fi Without a Security Key?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to use one of the following methods to connect to a wireless network without entering the password.
Use a Wi-Fi QR Code
This method is an effective way to connect multiple smartphones to the network.
Use a smartphone that’s already connected to display the QR code. Other smartphones can then scan the code and connect to the network.
Use the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Button
Activate the WPS button on the side or back of the router. This allows several devices to connect to the network quickly. It’s a good option when you need to get a new device online right away.
Use a LAN Connection
If you don’t have the password, you can use a LAN cable to bypass the wireless credential requirements for a secure, wired connection. This method is usually used for small offices and remote set-ups.
Eliminate Security Key Errors with Digital Certificates
The ubiquity of network-capable devices brings an array of network security concerns in the form of cyberattacks like man-in-the-middle attacks or brute force attacks, to name just a few possibilities.
The use of passwords often leaves a network vulnerable to attacks, because passwords are susceptible to human error.
They are easy to steal, misplace, or replicate, making them unreliable tools for securing a network. Finally, password management is time-consuming and typically has a very bad user experience, including mandatory password reset policies.
Success: Using certificates to authenticate can mitigate these risks, making your Wi-Fi network more secure.
You can learn more about how digital certificates differ from passwords in this video:
The following table delves into the difference between using passwords and 802.1X certificates for authentication:
|
Authentication with Passwords |
Authentication with 802.1x Certificates |
|
Vulnerable to phishing, over-the-air attacks, physical stealing, and Layer 2 attacks |
Better cryptography with 802.1X certificates |
|
Passwords can be easily stolen, making them a poor way to verify a user |
Better context for identity-based access management, as certificates cannot be stolen or replicated |
|
Difficult to remember and store, and susceptible to human error |
Better user experience |
|
Password management requires time and resources, making it expensive |
Single sign-on with 802.1X certificates makes authentication automatic |
|
Password-related hacks are often difficult to track |
Certificates enable dynamic access control |
|
Password login takes time |
Authentication with certificates is faster |
|
Passwords are not the most secure way of authentication |
Enforcing zero trust network policy is more effective with certificates |
|
MFA authentication with passwords has all password-related risks |
MFA authentication with certificates makes the authentication process impenetrable |
Ramp Up Security with Passwordless Authentication
If you’re still experiencing network security key errors, resetting your Wi-Fi password won’t solve the deeper problem. Passwords are inherently risky, and that risk extends across your network.
Identity-based intrusions now account for the majority of breaches, and credential theft through phishing and voice phishing has made password-based authentication a liability no firewall can compensate for.
Certificate-based authentication eliminates shared secrets by using hardware-bound credentials that users never view, type, or unintentionally disclose.
Our JoinNow platform delivers passwordless access across Wi-Fi, VPN, web applications, and desktop logins from a single cloud-native stack, with automatic issuance, real-time identity validation, and instant suspension or revocation.
If eliminating passwords is on your security roadmap, the infrastructure to do it is already built. Check out our demo for a closer look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I connect to Wi-Fi even with the correct password?
This can be caused by authentication issues, MAC address filtering, or router problems. To fix your connection, first restart your devices; you should also unplug your router for 30 seconds before turning everything back on.
If this doesn’t work, reset your network settings, clearing old network configurations from your device. You can also remove the Wi-Fi network from your device settings and then reconnect to it.
Why is my Wi-Fi asking for a network security key?
Network security keys, also known as Wi-Fi passwords, keep Wi-Fi networks secure by blocking unauthorized users and devices.
If you’re not sure what the password is, you can check the back of your Wi-Fi router box for a printed sticker. You can also check the network settings of your connected devices.
Is there a quick fix to reset my network security key?
Yes. You can quickly reset your network security key by doing a hard reset of your router.
Check the back of your router for a hole labeled reset. Press and hold the button until you see the router lights flash, indicating that the reboot is underway. Then log in using the Wi-Fi name and default security key on your router’s sticker.
