Your Wi‑Fi “security type” is the protocol your network uses to protect data (for example: WEP , WPA, WPA2, WPA3). To see what yours is, you have to check it on your device or in your router settings. Below is an SEO‑friendly, article‑style “Quick Scoop” in the style you asked for.

What Security Type Is My WiFi?

“Is my Wi‑Fi actually secure… or just password‑protected?”

A lot of people assume “I typed a password, so I’m safe.” But the real protection comes from the security type behind that password: WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA3. Some are solid, others are basically a screen door.

Quick Scoop

  • Your Wi‑Fi security type is usually WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA3.
  • You can see it from your device (like Windows, macOS, phones) or your router’s admin page.
  • If you see WEP or plain WPA, it’s outdated and should be changed.
  • Aim for WPA2‑Personal (AES) or WPA3‑Personal where possible.
  • Knowing this matters in 2026, with more “smart” devices and more attackers trying weak networks.

What “Security Type” Actually Means

When you connect to Wi‑Fi, your device and router agree on a “language” to keep traffic private. That language is the security protocol. Common ones:

  • WEP
    • Very old, easily cracked in minutes.
    • If you see this, you should change it as soon as possible.
  • WPA (sometimes “WPA‑Personal”)
    • Newer than WEP but still weak by modern standards.
    • Better than nothing, but not ideal.
  • WPA2 (WPA2‑Personal)
    • The long‑time standard for home Wi‑Fi.
    • Usually uses AES encryption and is still considered strong for most home use.
  • WPA3 (WPA3‑Personal)
    • The newest consumer standard.
    • Better protection against password‑guessing and snooping, especially on shared or public networks.

In simple terms:
WEP < WPA < WPA2 < WPA3 (from weakest to strongest).

How to Check Your Wi‑Fi Security Type (By Device)

You’re really answering: “What does my device say under ‘Security type’ or ‘Security’ next to my Wi‑Fi name?”

1. On Windows 10 or Windows 11

  1. Click the Wi‑Fi icon in the taskbar.
  2. Click your connected network name, then click Properties (or the little “i” / details icon).
  3. Scroll down to the section that lists network details.
  4. Look for a field called Security type.
    • It will say something like:
      • “WEP”
      • “WPA‑Personal”
      • “WPA2‑Personal”
      • “WPA3‑Personal”

If it says WPA2 or WPA3, you’re in good shape. If it says WEP or just WPA, it’s time to upgrade your settings.

2. On macOS (MacBook / iMac)

  1. Click the Wi‑Fi icon in the menu bar and make sure you’re connected.
  2. Hold the Option (⌥) key and click the Wi‑Fi icon again.
  3. A more detailed info panel appears.
  4. Look for Security: — it will show something like:
    • “WPA2 Personal”
    • “WPA3 Personal”
    • “WEP”

Again, WEP or plain WPA = outdated.

3. On Android Phones

(Exact steps can vary slightly by manufacturer.)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet or Connections.
  3. Tap Wi‑Fi.
  4. Tap the gear/“i” icon next to your connected network.
  5. Look for Security or Security type.
    • You should see WPA2, WPA3, or similar.

If your phone hides the label, sometimes it’s visible under “Advanced” or “More details.”

4. On iPhone / iPad (iOS / iPadOS)

Apple doesn’t always show the security label plainly in Settings, but you can:

  1. Go to Settings → Wi‑Fi.
  2. Tap the “i” icon next to your connected network.
  3. Newer iOS versions may show the security type in the details; if not, you might have to:
    • Check from another device (Windows/macOS/Android), or
    • Log in to your router’s admin page (see next section).

How to Check From Your Router (Works for Any Device)

This is the most “universal” method and often the most accurate.

  1. Find your router’s IP address
    • Often printed on a sticker on the router (common values: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, 192.168.1.254).
    • Or see your device’s “gateway”/“router” address in network details.
  2. Open a browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, etc.) and type that IP in the address bar, then press Enter.
  3. Log in to the router
    • Default username/password might be on the router label (often “admin” / “admin” or “admin” / “password” unless changed).
    • If you don’t know it, you might need whoever set up the network to help.
  4. Find the wireless / Wi‑Fi settings page
    • Sections are usually called:
      • “Wireless”
      • “Wi‑Fi”
      • “Wireless Security”
      • “Network” → then “Wireless”
  5. Look for a field named Security , Security Mode , or Authentication.
    • It may show options like:
      • “WEP”
      • “WPA‑PSK”
      • “WPA2‑PSK”
      • “WPA2/WPA3 Mixed”
      • “WPA3‑SAE”

That entry is the security type your Wi‑Fi is using.

What You Should Use in 2026

Given the current landscape of attacks and constant leaks of passwords and data, you want something modern and solid:

  • Best choice (if all your devices support it):
    • WPA3‑Personal (sometimes labeled WPA3‑SAE).
  • Very good and widely compatible:
    • WPA2‑Personal with AES (avoid TKIP‑only modes).
  • Avoid if possible:
    • WEP
    • WPA (without “2”)
    • “Open” networks (no password at all)

If you have older devices that can’t connect to WPA3, many routers offer a “WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode” so newer devices get better security while older ones still connect.

Simple Story Example

Imagine two neighbors:

  • Alex set up Wi‑Fi years ago and left it on WEP because “it still works.”
  • Sam recently checked and updated their network to WPA3‑Personal.

To Alex, everything seems fine. But in reality, someone parked outside could crack that WEP network in minutes and snoop on traffic or use the connection for illegal stuff, and it would trace back to Alex’s home. Sam, with WPA3, is much harder to attack and has better protection against password‑guessing, which is exactly what matters today when more devices—from TVs to doorbells—are online.

Quick HTML Table: Common Wi‑Fi Security Types

Security Type Typical Label in Settings Strength (2026) Recommendation
WEP WEP / Open with WEP Very weak Avoid; change immediately.
WPA WPA / WPA‑PSK Weak / outdated Avoid; upgrade to WPA2 or WPA3.
WPA2‑Personal WPA2‑PSK (AES) Strong for home use Good default if WPA3 not available.
WPA3‑Personal WPA3‑SAE / WPA3‑Personal Strongest common option Best choice if all devices support it.

Mini FAQ

Q: I checked and mine says “Open network.” What does that mean?
A: That means there’s no encryption. Anyone nearby can connect and see unencrypted traffic. You should set a password and enable WPA2 or WPA3. Q: I see “WPA2/WPA3‑Personal (mixed). Is that okay?
A: Yes. It lets newer devices use WPA3 while older ones fall back to WPA2. It’s a good balance of security and compatibility. Q: Do I need to change my Wi‑Fi password if I switch security type?
A: Often yes, you’ll set a new password (passphrase) as part of the change. Use a strong one: long, not reused from other accounts.

TL;DR Summary

  • Your Wi‑Fi security type is shown in your device’s Wi‑Fi details or your router’s wireless settings.
  • Look for WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA3.
  • Aim for WPA2‑Personal (AES) or WPA3‑Personal in 2026; avoid WEP and old WPA.

If you tell me what device you’re on (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, etc. + router brand if you know it), I can walk you through exact, step‑by‑step instructions tailored to your setup.