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

On most modern phones and tablets, you can share your WiFi password by holding your device near the guest's device and letting the operating system handle it — no typing required. On computers and older devices, you'll need to either tell them the password or walk them through entering it manually. The method that works fastest for you depends on whether everyone has the same type of device and whether they're in the same room.

Before you share, locate your actual WiFi password. This is different from your router's admin password. You'll find it on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or in your router's settings page if you've changed it since installation.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone and iPad users can share passwords when ready by holding devices close together, but both must be unlocked and signed into iCloud.
  • Android devices can share passwords through a QR code that guests scan with their camera app, or by manually entering the password.
  • Windows and Mac computers require manual entry of the password into the WiFi settings menu.
  • Your WiFi password is printed on your router's label, not the same as your router login password.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset your router to factory settings, but this will disconnect all current devices.

Sharing between iPhones and iPads

If your guest has an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later, and you have an iPhone or iPad, the fastest method is WiFi password sharing. Both devices must be unlocked, and both owners must be signed into iCloud with their Apple IDs. You don't need to know the password yourself — your phone will send it automatically.

Ask your guest to open Settings, tap WiFi, and select your network name. When the password prompt appears on their screen, hold your unlocked iPhone or iPad nearby. A notification will pop up on your device asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and your device will send it to theirs. The connection happens in seconds.

If this doesn't work, the most common reason is that one device isn't signed into iCloud, or the devices are too far apart. You can fall back to reading the password from your router's label and having them type it in manually.

Sharing with Android devices

Android phones and tablets can receive WiFi passwords through a QR code, which is the fastest method if your guest has Android 10 or later. Open your phone's Settings, go to WiFi, find your network name in the list, and tap the gear icon or settings option next to it. Look for "QR Code" or a similar option — the exact wording varies by manufacturer. A QR code will appear on your screen.

Your guest opens their camera app and points it at the QR code on your screen. The camera will recognize it and prompt them to connect to WiFi. They tap the notification and the password is entered automatically. This works even if they don't have the Settings app open.

If your Android phone doesn't show a QR code option, or your guest has an older Android device, read the password from your router's label and have them enter it manually. Open Settings, tap WiFi, select your network, and type the password into the password field.

Sharing with Windows computers

Windows computers don't have automatic password sharing, so you'll need to provide the password and have the user enter it manually. The password is on your router's label — look for a sticker on the back or bottom that says "WiFi Password" or "Network Key."

On the Windows computer, click the WiFi icon in the system tray (bottom right corner), find your network name in the list, and click "Connect." A password field will appear. Type the password exactly as it appears on your router's label — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Click "Next" and the computer will connect.

If the password doesn't work, double-check that you're reading the correct label. Some routers have multiple stickers, and older routers may have the password printed on the bottom in small text. If you still can't connect, the password may have been changed since the router was installed.

Sharing with Mac computers

Mac computers also require manual password entry. Click the WiFi icon in the menu bar (top right corner), select your network name from the list, and a password field will appear. Type the password from your router's label and click "Join."

Once a Mac connects to your WiFi, it will remember the password and reconnect automatically in the future. If you're sharing with someone else's Mac, they can check the "Remember this network" box so they don't have to enter the password again the next time they visit.

What to do if you've forgotten your password

If you don't have access to your router's label and can't remember the password, you can view it in your router's settings page. Open a web browser on a computer connected to your WiFi, type your router's IP address into the address bar (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in with your router's admin username and password. Look for a section labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Network" — the password will be listed there.

If you don't remember your router's admin password either, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. Press and hold the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. The router will restart and return to its default settings, which means all devices will be disconnected and you'll need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch. This is why it's worth writing down your password somewhere safe when you first set up your router.

Troubleshooting when the password won't work

If a guest enters the password and it's rejected, the most common causes are typing errors or using the wrong password. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters are different from lowercase letters. Have them check that Caps Lock is off and that they're typing the password exactly as it appears on the router label, including any numbers or special characters.

If multiple devices can't connect with the same password, the problem may be with your router rather than the password. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then try connecting again. If the problem persists, check whether your router is broadcasting your network name — some routers have a setting to hide the network name, which makes it invisible in the available networks list.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if both devices are iPhones or iPads, or if you're using an Android QR code. Both methods send the password automatically without the guest ever seeing it. For computers and older devices, you'll need to either tell them the password or type it in for them.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?

Yes. Your WiFi password only controls access to your internet connection, not to files on your computer or personal data. Guests can browse the internet but cannot see your files unless you've specifically shared them. You can change your password anytime if you want to disconnect someone.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router password?

Your WiFi password (also called network key) is what guests use to connect to the internet. Your router password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to change WiFi name, password, or other settings. They're separate and you only need to share the WiFi password.

Why won't my phone let me share the WiFi password?

On iPhones, both devices must be unlocked and signed into iCloud. On Android, the QR code method only works on Android 10 or later. If neither device meets these requirements, you'll need to read the password from your router label and have them enter it manually.

Can I share my WiFi password with someone who isn't in my house?

You can tell them the password over the phone or text, but automatic sharing methods like QR codes and iPhone password sharing only work when devices are close together. If you're sharing remotely, read the password from your router label and send it to them through a find method like a phone call or encrypted message.