It’s easy to connect to your network – most of the time. However, there may come a day when you turn on your laptop, try to get online, and get hit with an error message. One common and very easy to resolve message you may receive is “Network Security Key Mismatch.” However, if you’ve never seen this error before, you may be confused as to what it means and how to resolve it. Luckily, this is an easy error to clear that doesn’t take much tech expertise.
What Does Network Security Key Mismatch Mean?
When connecting to your network, this message may show up in a pop-up box where you input your password. Put simply, this message simply means that the string of characters input as your network password does not match. When your password has been set up, it has to be entered exactly as it was when the password was created. This includes the addition of any letters, numbers, and symbols, and the password is case sensitive. When a password is input that does not match the password that the network remembers, this error will occur.
How to Resolve Network Security Key Mismatch Errors
Luckily, this is a pretty easy error to resolve that doesn’t require a lot of technical skill and know-how. The first step you can take to clearing this error is to check the password to ensure it’s being input correctly. Any mistake in the password will result in this error, so check carefully to make sure that it’s correct. For example, typing Abc123 when the password is ABC123 will result in this error. If you were not the original creator of the password, check with the network administrator to find out the correct password. Something else to note: zero and the letter “O” can sometimes be confusing, so make sure that if your password contains one of these characters, you are using the one that is correct.
Next, make sure your version of Wi-Fi is supported by your router. Even if the password is correct, using the wrong type of Wi-Fi can lead to this error and a failure to connect. You can access your router’s settings to make sure that your Wi-Fi type is selected. If you don’t have access to this feature, talk to your system administrator. If you’re on your own and have difficulty finding and changing this setting, consult your router’s user manual or contact your manufacturer’s tech support line.
You can also try resetting your router. An error may have occurred that is not allowing you to connect, especially if you know you’re using the correct password. While this won’t always work, it’s a quick and easy troubleshooting tip to try.
Finally, if you’re unsure of the password and nothing else is working for you, you can create a new network setup with password, delete the network temporarily, and reboot your system. You can then use the new credentials you created to log into your network when your system boots back up.
If none of these tips work, it could be possible that there is a problem with your router. Check for any blinking lights, additional error messages, or other telltale signs that your router needs to be replaced.
Final Thoughts
Getting an error when connecting to your Wi-Fi can be frustrating, but knowing what these errors mean and how to approach them can ease your frustrations and get you back online again. Try these troubleshooting tips to make sure that you don’t get blocked out of your network when your password just won’t seem to work.
Do you have any troubleshooting tips or questions about the Network Security Key Mismatch error? Comment below!
Sources
https://www.routerloginguide.com/network-security-key-mismatch/ http://www.tp-link.com/us/faq-832.html