The fastest way depends on what device you're using
On iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or newer, you can hand your device to someone and let them connect without typing anything. Hold your unlocked phone near theirs while they try to join your network — a prompt appears on your screen asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and their device connects when ready. This works only between Apple devices and only if both have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on.
On Android phones, there is no built-in equivalent. You will need to either tell the person your password, use a QR code, or change your router settings to create a guest network. On Windows and Mac computers, you can view your saved password and read it aloud or type it out, but there is no automatic sharing feature.
The method you choose depends on whether you want the person to have permanent access (like a family member moving in) or temporary access (like a guest staying a weekend). Permanent access means sharing your actual network password. Temporary access is safer if you use a guest network instead.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones and iPads can share passwords wirelessly between Apple devices using a built-in feature, but Android and Windows devices cannot.
- You can find your WiFi password on your router's label, in your phone's network settings, or by resetting your router to factory defaults.
- A guest network lets visitors connect without knowing your main password and can be turned off when they leave.
- If you forget your password, you can reset your router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which erases all custom settings.
Finding your password if you need to share it verbally
Your WiFi password is printed on a sticker attached to your router — usually on the back or bottom. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password," "Network Key," or "PSK" (pre-shared key). The password is often a long string of letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down or take a photo so you can read it aloud without mistakes.
If the sticker is worn away or missing, you can find the password in your phone's settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, then tap "Share Password" — you do not see the actual characters, but you can use this to share with another Apple device. On Android, go to Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, tap "Share," and a QR code appears that others can scan. On Windows, right-click the WiFi icon in the taskbar, select "Manage known networks," click your network, then "Properties," and toggle "Show" next to the password field.
If you cannot find it anywhere, you will need to reset your router. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to factory defaults, so use this only as a last resort.
Using a QR code for quick, find sharing
A QR code is a square barcode that a phone camera can read when ready. When someone scans it, their phone connects to your WiFi without typing anything. This is faster and more accurate than reading a password aloud, and it works across iPhones, Android phones, and most tablets.
On Android, open Settings > WiFi, long-press your network name, tap "Share," and a QR code appears on screen. Have your guest point their phone camera at it — most phones recognize QR codes automatically and show a prompt to join the network. On iPhone, you can generate a QR code using a free app like "WiFi QR Code Generator" from the App Store, or ask your guest to use their Android phone to scan a code you generate on a computer.
The advantage of QR codes is that your guest never sees the actual password, so if they lose their phone later, they cannot share it with others. You can also generate a new QR code anytime without changing your password.
Setting up a guest network for temporary visitors
A guest network is a separate WiFi connection that runs on the same router but uses a different password. Visitors connect to the guest network instead of your main one, which keeps your personal devices and files off-limits. When the visit ends, you can turn the guest network off without changing anything else.
To set up a guest network, open a web browser on a computer connected to your WiFi and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. Log in using the username and password printed on your router (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number). Look for a section called "Guest Network," "Guest WiFi," or "Guest Access." Create a network name and password, then save the settings.
The exact steps vary by router brand and model. If you cannot find the guest network option, check your router's manual or search the manufacturer's website for your specific model number. Most modern routers have this feature, but older models may not.
What to do if someone needs to connect but cannot see your network
If a guest's phone does not show your WiFi network in the list, the network may be hidden. A hidden network does not broadcast its name, so phones cannot find it automatically — the person has to know the name and type it in manually. Go into your router settings (the same login page described above) and look for an option called "SSID Broadcast" or "Hide Network." Make sure it is turned on, then save and restart the router.
If the network appears but the person cannot connect, the most common cause is a typo in the password. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. Have them try again, watching carefully for uppercase and lowercase letters. If they still cannot connect, restart both the router and their phone, then try once more.
If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for the lights to stabilize. This clears temporary glitches that sometimes prevent new devices from connecting.
Changing your password after sharing it with someone you no longer trust
If you shared your password with someone and later want to prevent them from connecting, you will need to change the password. Log into your router settings using the same method described above, find the WiFi password field (usually under "Security" or "Wireless"), and enter a new password. Save the changes and restart the router.
When you change the password, all devices currently connected will be disconnected. Your own devices will ask for the new password before they can reconnect. The person you no longer want to have access will not be able to reconnect because their phone still has the old password saved.
If you set up a guest network for that person, you can straightforward turn off the guest network instead of changing your main password. This is less disruptive because your own devices stay connected.
Resetting your router if you forget the password entirely
If you have lost your password and cannot find it anywhere, you can reset your router to factory defaults. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.
After the reset, the router returns to its original password, which is printed on the sticker on the device. You can then log into the router settings and create a new password of your choice. Be aware that resetting also erases any custom settings you made, such as a guest network or port forwarding rules.
Reset your router only if you truly cannot find your password any other way, because it will disconnect all your devices temporarily and you will have to reconnect them manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my WiFi password without the other person being in the same room?
Yes. You can text or email the password, use a QR code image sent through messaging, or tell them over the phone. The Apple wireless sharing feature requires the devices to be close together, but QR codes and written passwords work from any distance.
What if my router does not have a guest network option?
Older routers may not support guest networks. In that case, you can create a separate password just for guests by changing your main WiFi password, giving the new one to visitors, and changing it again when they leave. This is less convenient but accomplishes the same goal.
Will changing my WiFi password affect my smart home devices?
Yes. Smart speakers, cameras, thermostats, and other connected devices will lose their connection when you change the password. You will need to reconnect each one using the device's app or setup process. This is why you might want to use a guest network for visitors instead of changing your main password.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?
Sharing your password with a guest on your network is generally safe. They can see other devices on the network but cannot access files on your computer or phone unless you have shared folders turned on. If you want more privacy, use a guest network instead — it isolates visitor traffic from your personal devices.
How often should I change my WiFi password?
There is no set schedule. Change it if someone moves out, if you suspect someone unauthorized is using it, or if you have not changed it in several years. If you use a guest network for visitors, you do not need to change your main password at all.