# What is a WPA/WPA2 passphrase?

A WPA passphrase is like a password that allows printers and computers to join a wireless network. All devices on the same wireless network using WPA or WPA2 security share the same WPA/WPA2 passphrase.

Note: | The WPA/WPA2 passphrase is not the same as the password for the access point (wireless router) that allows you to configure the access point settings.

Your WPA/WPA2 passphrase must be:

- Exactly 64 hexadecimal characters. Hexadecimal characters are A–F, a–f, and 0–9.

  or

- From 8 to 63 ASCII characters. ASCII characters are letters, numbers, and symbols found on a keyboard. ASCII characters in a WPA/WPA2 passphrase are case-sensitive.

Note: | Make sure you copy the WPA/WPA2 passphrase exactly, including any capital letters, and store it in a safe place for future reference.

To find the WPA/WPA2 passphrase for the wireless network, see the documentation that came with the access point, see the Web page associated with the access point, or consult your system support person.