The fastest way depends on what device you're sharing with

On iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or newer, you can hand someone your phone and they'll see a prompt to join your network — no typing required. On Android, Windows, and Mac, you'll need to either read the password aloud, show it on your router, or use a QR code. The method that works fastest is usually the one that matches what device the other person is holding.

Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to your router — usually on the bottom or back. If you've changed it since you set up the router, you'll need to use the method that matches your router brand, which we cover below. The password itself is case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword".

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones and iPads can share WiFi by holding them near each other — no password typing needed on iOS 16 and newer.
  • Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker on your router, and that's the fastest way to share it if you haven't changed it.
  • Android phones can generate a QR code from their WiFi settings that others can scan instead of typing the password.
  • You can view or change your password through your router's admin page, which you reach by typing your router's IP address into a web browser.
  • If you've forgotten your password, resetting the router to factory settings will restore the password printed on the sticker.

Sharing WiFi between iPhones and iPads

If both devices are running iOS 16 or newer, the person joining can straightforward hold their phone near yours. A prompt will appear on your screen asking if you want to share your WiFi password. Tap "Share Password" and they're connected — no typing, no reading numbers aloud.

This only works if both people are signed into iCloud with their Apple ID, and the person joining must have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on. If the prompt doesn't appear, make sure both devices are unlocked and within a few feet of each other. If you're still having trouble, ask the other person to manually join the network instead and read them the password from your router's sticker.

Using a QR code on Android phones

Android phones can generate a QR code that someone can scan with their camera instead of typing the password. Open Settings, tap WiFi, find your network name in the list, and tap the gear icon next to it. Select "Share" and a QR code will appear on your screen. The other person can open their camera app, point it at the code, and tap the notification that appears to join.

This method works on any phone with a camera — iPhone, Android, or older devices. The QR code only works for your specific network, so you can safely show it to guests without worrying they'll connect to someone else's WiFi. If you don't see a "Share" option in your WiFi settings, your phone's Android version may be older than 10, and you'll need to read the password aloud instead.

Finding your password on the router itself

The simplest method is often the sticker on your router. Flip it over or look on the back — you'll see a label with your network name (called the SSID) and the password printed below it. This is the password you set when you first installed the router, unless you've changed it since then.

Just read the password aloud to your guest, or let them look at the sticker themselves. Make sure they understand that WiFi passwords are case-sensitive — capital letters matter. If the sticker is hard to read because it's faded or damaged, you can view the password through your router's settings page instead.

Viewing your password through your router's settings

If you've changed your password and can't find the sticker, you can log into your router's admin page. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — most routers use one of these. You'll be asked for a username and password. If you haven't changed these, try "admin" for both, or look for a sticker on the router that shows the default login.

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network." Your password will be listed there, usually labeled as "Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key." The exact location depends on your router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others arrange their menus differently. If you're not sure where to look, search for "[your router model] how to view WiFi password" and you'll find step-by-step instructions for your specific device.

Changing your password if you want a new one

You can change your WiFi password through the same admin page where you view it. In the WiFi Settings section, find the password field, delete the old one, and type a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers — something like "BlueSky2024Home" is stronger than "password123".

After you save the change, your current devices will disconnect and you'll need to rejoin the network using the new password. Your guests will also need the new password if they want to reconnect. Write down the new password somewhere safe, or take a photo of it, because you'll need it if you ever need to view it again.

Resetting your password if you've forgotten it

If you can't log into your router's admin page and you don't remember your password, you can reset the router to its factory settings. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then release it and wait for the lights to stop blinking.

The router will restart with its original password, which is printed on the sticker. You'll lose any custom settings you made, like port forwarding or a custom network name, but your WiFi will work again. After the reset, log back into the admin page and change the password to something new if you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my WiFi password without telling them the actual password?

Yes — use the QR code method on Android or the iPhone-to-iPhone handoff on iOS 16 and newer. Both let someone join without ever seeing or typing the password itself. This is useful if you want to change the password later without telling them the new one.

What if my guest has an older phone that doesn't support QR codes?

Read the password aloud, or write it down and let them type it in. Make sure they know it's case-sensitive. If they keep getting an error, double-check that they're typing capital and lowercase letters in the right places.

Do I have to give guests my real WiFi password?

No. Many routers let you create a separate guest network with its own password. This keeps guests off your main network and lets you change or disable the guest password without affecting your own devices. Look for "Guest Network" in your router's admin page.

What should I do if someone asks for my WiFi password but I don't want to share it?

You can straightforward say no. If you want to let them use WiFi but keep your password private, set up a guest network instead. That way they can connect without ever knowing your main password.

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect my current devices?

Yes — all devices will disconnect and need to rejoin using the new password. They'll stay disconnected until you give them the new password and they reconnect manually. Plan password changes for a time when you're home to help anyone who needs it.