The fastest way depends on what device you're sharing with
The method you use to share your WiFi password changes based on whether you're giving it to a phone, a computer, a guest, or a smart home device. On iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or newer, you can hand your phone to someone and tap a button to send the password directly — they don't see the actual characters. On Android, Windows, and Mac, you'll either read the password aloud, type it manually, or use a QR code. For devices that can't receive a direct transfer, writing down the password or creating a QR code is the most reliable path.
Before you share anything, you need to know your actual WiFi password. This is different from your router login password. Your WiFi password is what guests type into their phone or laptop to connect. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to log into your router's settings to find it or reset it to something new.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones and iPads with iOS 16 or newer can share passwords by tapping a button when someone tries to connect — the password itself stays hidden.
- Android phones, Windows computers, and Macs require you to either read the password aloud, type it in manually, or scan a QR code.
- You can find your WiFi password by logging into your router's settings page, usually accessed through a web browser or the router's app.
- Creating a QR code from your WiFi details works across all devices and platforms without anyone typing anything.
- Smart home devices and older phones often need the password typed in manually, so having it written down or visible on screen helps.
How to find your WiFi password in your router settings
Your WiFi password is stored in your router, not on your phone or computer. To find it, open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router to be sure. You'll be asked to log in with a username and password; these are often admin and admin, or admin and the password printed on the router sticker.
Once you're logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Network Settings. Inside that section, find the field labeled WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key, or Passphrase. The password will be displayed there, usually in dots or asterisks that you can click to reveal. Write it down or copy it before you close the page.
If you can't remember the router login password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down a small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings, so you'll need to set up the WiFi name and password again from scratch. Many routers also have a mobile app — check the sticker or the router's manual for the app name — which sometimes makes finding the password easier.
Sharing a password between iPhones and iPads
If both devices are running iOS 16 or newer and both are signed into the same iCloud account, the process is nearly automatic. When someone with an iPhone or iPad tries to connect to your WiFi, their device will show a notification asking if they want to join. On your phone, a dialog box will appear asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and the connection happens when ready without anyone typing anything.
This only works if both devices are close to each other and both are unlocked. If the other person's device is older than iOS 16, or if they're not signed into the same iCloud account, you'll need to use one of the other methods below. The same feature works on Mac computers running macOS Monterey or newer when they try to connect to your network.
Sharing a password with Android phones and Windows computers
Android phones and Windows computers don't have a built-in password-sharing feature like iPhones do. The most straightforward method is to read the password aloud while the other person types it in. Open your phone's WiFi settings, tap your network name, and look for an option to show the password — it may be labeled Show password or have an eye icon. Read each character slowly and clearly, especially if the password contains numbers or capital letters that sound similar.
If reading aloud feels error-prone, you can also type the password into a text message, email, or note-taking app and let the other person copy it from there. This reduces the chance of mishearing a character. For a Windows computer, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, click Manage known networks, select your network, click Properties, and scroll down to find the password field — it will show as dots until you click Show.
Using a QR code to share without typing
A QR code is a square barcode that contains your WiFi name and password. Anyone with a phone camera can point it at the code and tap a notification to connect when ready — no typing required. This works across all phones, tablets, and most smart devices, making it the most universal method.
To create a QR code, visit a free QR code generator website like qr-code-generator.com or wifi-qr-code.com. Enter your WiFi network name (called the SSID) and your password exactly as they are, then generate the code. Print it out, save it as an image on your phone, or display it on a tablet. When guests arrive, they can open their phone's camera app, point it at the code, and tap the notification that appears to connect.
You can also print the QR code and tape it to your router or keep it in a drawer for guests. Some routers have built-in QR code generation in their settings page or mobile app — check your router's manual or app to see if this feature is available.
Sharing a password with smart home devices and older phones
Smart speakers, security cameras, smart lights, and older phones typically can't receive passwords through direct transfer or QR codes. These devices need you to type the password manually using their setup app or on-screen keyboard. Have your WiFi password visible on your phone or written down before you start the setup process.
For most smart devices, you'll open the manufacturer's app, select Add Device or Set Up New Device, choose your WiFi network from a list, and then type the password into the app's text field. The app then sends the password to the device. This process varies by brand, so check the device's manual or the app's help section if you get stuck. Having the password written down or displayed on a separate device makes this much faster and reduces typing errors.
What to do if you want to change your password
If you've shared your password with many people and want to change it, log back into your router settings using the same method described earlier. Find the WiFi password field, delete the old password, and type in a new one. Make sure the new password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it harder for someone to guess.
After you change the password, all devices currently connected will stay connected, but any new device trying to join will need the new password. You'll need to share the new password with anyone who was using the old one. If you want to disconnect a specific device without changing the password for everyone, most routers have a connected devices list in their settings where you can remove individual devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my WiFi password without telling anyone the actual password?
Yes. iPhones and iPads with iOS 16 or newer can share passwords without displaying them. QR codes also work across all devices — people scan the code instead of typing anything. Both methods keep the actual password hidden from the person connecting.
What if someone asks for my password over the phone or text?
You can share it however you're comfortable. Text is safer than a phone call because there's a written record and less chance of mishearing. If you're worried about security, use a QR code instead so the person never sees the actual characters.
Does changing my WiFi password disconnect everyone currently using it?
No. Devices already connected will stay connected. Only new devices trying to join will need the new password. You'll need to share the new password with anyone who wants to reconnect after the change.
Can I share my password with someone who doesn't have a smartphone?
Yes. You can write the password down on paper, read it aloud, or display it on a computer screen while they type it into their device. Print out a QR code and tape it to your router as a permanent option for guests.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password?
Sharing your password with trusted guests and family is normal and safe. If you're concerned about someone using too much data or accessing your devices, most routers let you create a separate guest network with its own password that has limited access to your personal devices.