“What’s Your Wi-Fi Password?”: Easy Ways to Share Your Login with Guests

“Does anyone know the Wi-Fi password?” 

We’ve all been there. You’re at a coffee shop, the cafeteria, or your in-laws, and you need to know the Wi-Fi password, but no one seems to remember it. We cover how to share your Wi-Fi password easily from any device, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, or Android. We'll also cover how to create and use a QR code to share passwords. 

But remember, the most secure way to share passwords is through an encrypted password manager. 

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How to share a Wi-Fi password from your iPhone

Sharing your Wi-Fi password from your iPhone to someone else on an Apple device is surprisingly easy. Apple added the functionality a few years ago which allows you to share the Wi-Fi password with your contacts when they try to connect.

To share your password, make sure to set up your devices before you begin:

• Both devices should be running the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.
• Both devices should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, but the Personal Hotspot should be turned off.
• You’re signed in to iCloud with your Apple ID.
• Your friend has the email associated with your Apple ID saved to their contacts.
• You have your friend’s Apple ID email saved in your contacts.

Next, you should be able to send the Wi-Fi password to friends and family. Here’s how:

1. Unlock your device and make sure you’re connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to share.
2. Your friend should select the same Wi-Fi network on their device.
3. You should see a pop-up on your Apple device asking if you want to share your Wi-Fi password.
4. Tap Share Password to give your friend access.

If your iPhone doesn’t automatically ask if you’d like to share your Wi-Fi network password, check to see if you're connected to the Wi-Fi network and that your Bluetooth is turned on.

If you still run into issues sharing your home network password, you could create a QR code that your friend can scan with their iPhone camera app. Follow the instructions below to generate a QR code for your Wi-Fi login info.

How to share a Wi-Fi password from iPhone to an Android phone

When sharing your Wi-Fi credentials across different device types, you may need to know the password initially. If you need help finding your Wi-Fi password, check out this guide on how to find your password on a Mac.

To share your Wi-Fi password from an iPhone to an Android device, you’ll need to create a QR code. To generate a QR code and ultimately share your Wi-Fi password, follow these steps.

1. Download a QR code generator like QRTIGER from the App Store (unless you already have one).
2. Open the QR code generator. From the menu, select the option to connect to Wi-Fi. Each app is different, so look for sharing Wi-Fi or something similar.
3. Input the required fields to create the QR code, including the SSID (your public Wi-Fi name), the password, and possibly the type of security (most likely WPA).
4. Generate the QR code.
5. Anyone can now scan this QR code to gain access to your Wi-Fi network.

How to share a Wi-Fi password from your Android device

If you’re looking to share your Wi-Fi password from your Android device, the process is simple. You can easily share your Wi-Fi password via QR code if your device is running Android 10 or a more recent version.

The steps may differ slightly depending on your device, but here are two ways to generate the QR code on Android 12:

1. Head to Settings on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Connections or Network & internet.
3. Select Wi-Fi from the top of the menu.
4. Find the Wi-Fi network you want to share and click on the gear icon next to it.
5. Find the Share or QR code button and select it.
6. Your device will now display a QR code. Anyone can scan the QR code to gain access to your Wi-Fi connection.

Or, if the above steps don’t work for your Android device, try this instead:

1. Swipe down to show your notifications window.
2. Tap the right arrow on the Internet option.
3. Look for the Wi-Fi connection you want to share and tap the gear icon next to it. (Heads up: You must be connected to this Wi-Fi in order to share it.)
4. In the Network details menu, choose Share.
5. You’ll see a QR code along with the network ID and Wi-Fi password. (You may get a pop-up asking you to scan your fingerprint to see the network info.)
6. Your friend or family member can now scan the QR code or enter the Wi-Fi info manually to connect.
7. Bonus: You can also tap the Nearby button on the QR code screen to send the Wi-Fi info to a nearby phone and automatically log someone in to your Wi-Fi.

If you entertain a lot of guests or give out your Wi-Fi password often, you could print out copies of this QR code to display to make connecting to Wi-Fi even easier. This QR code can be used across device types, not just on Android.

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How to share a Wi-Fi password from your Mac

Just like on an iPhone or iPad, you can easily share your Wi-Fi password from your Mac. 

Similar to the other devices, your device needs to be updated to the latest operating system, and the person you are going to share the password with must be in your contacts.

To share your password from your Mac, make sure the person is in close proximity to you. When they select the Wi-Fi network, you should receive a prompt on your desktop asking if you would like to share the password. Say yes to the password share, and their device should connect automatically.

How to share a Wi-Fi password from Windows

Sharing your Wi-Fi password from Windows is a bit more difficult. Windows previously used a feature called Wi-Fi Sense but disabled it because of security concerns. You won’t be able to send your Wi-Fi login directly to your guests. Instead, you can look up your Wi-Fi password on your device if you don’t know it.

Here’s how to look up your Wi-Fi password from a Windows device.

For Windows 11 or Windows 10: 

1. Click Settings (cog).
2. Navigate to Network & Internet.
3. Click Wi-Fi.
4. Select Manage known networks.
5. Select the desired network to share from the list by clicking the > icon to the right of the "Forget" button.
6. Click the Show button to view the Wi-Fi network password. 

Windows 7 or 8.1: 

1. Search for Network, then choose Network and Sharing Center from the list of results.
2. Next to Connections, choose the Wi-Fi network you want to share.
3. Choose Wireless Properties.
4. Click the Security tab and select Show Characters to see your Wi-Fi password.
5. Share your Wi-Fi password with guests.

How to share a Wi-Fi password with Google Nest Wi-Fi

If you have a Google Nest Wi-Fi router, you can generate and share a guest Wi-Fi password with ease. Once you’ve set up your guest network, you can share your Wi-fi password from the Google Home app or other Google devices.

On the Google Home app, select Wi-Fi and then select Show password. From here, you can copy the password or share it in a text message or email.

FAQs

Bottom line

It's possible to share your Wi-Fi password with your friends, family, and guests via QR codes. Apple makes sharing between Apple devices very simple, and in many cases, you’ll get prompted to share the password before your friend can even ask, “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” If you’re trying to share between Android and Apple devices, you may need to be a bit more creative and create a QR code that houses the login information for your device. However, once you make the QR code, you’re set until the password changes.

However, QR codes can be hijacked because they aren't secure. Don't let bad actors get a hold of your network credentials. The best way to protect and share passwords easily is to use an encrypted password vault. 

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AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

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On NordPass's website

Password Manager

NordPass

Save up to 50% on Premium

• #1 ranked password manager with a strong history
• Trusted Nord name backed by above industry standard encryption
• Grab NordPass on its own or opt for a fully-featured security bundle

Author Details

Andrew Adams

About the Author

Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University. When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.