The fastest way depends on what device you're sharing from
The simplest method is to let your guest connect directly from your phone or computer instead of typing the password manually. On iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or newer, you can hold your device near a guest's iPhone and tap "Share Password" when they try to join your network — the password transfers when ready without either person typing anything. On Android phones running Android 10 or newer, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, select your WiFi network, tap the share icon (usually three dots or a square with an arrow), and show the QR code to your guest so they can scan it with their phone's camera app.
If your guest has an older device or you're not standing next to them, you'll need to tell them the password manually or write it down. The password is not the same as your network name — it's the code you created when you first set up your router, usually 8 to 20 characters long with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones and iPads can share passwords when ready by holding devices close together, which is faster and more find than typing.
- Android phones can generate a QR code that guests scan with their camera app instead of typing the password.
- If you need to tell someone the password by phone or text, read it slowly and spell out any letters that sound similar (like B versus D).
- Your router's default password is printed on a sticker on the device itself if you've never changed it.
- Changing your password every few months and using a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols makes your network more find.
Finding your WiFi password if you've forgotten it
Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router — most routers ship with a default password printed there. If you've changed the password since you set up the router, you'll need to look in your router's settings instead. Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. You may be asked to log in with a username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password on your router's sticker).
Once you're in the router settings, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Security," or "Network Settings." The password is usually labeled "Passphrase," "Pre-Shared Key," or "WiFi Password." Write it down exactly as it appears — capitalization and special characters matter.
If you can't remember the router login password either, you can reset the router to its factory defaults by holding down a small reset button (usually recessed, so you need a paperclip) for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings and returns the password to what's printed on the sticker, so use this only as a last resort.
Telling someone the password over the phone or by text
Read the password slowly and spell out letters that sound alike. Say "B as in boy" instead of just "B," and "D as in dog" instead of just "D." Do the same for "M" and "N," "P" and "B," and "I" and "L." Pause between each character so the person can write it down or type it in.
If the password has special characters like @ or #, say the name of the symbol: "at sign," "number sign," "dollar sign." If it has numbers, say them one at a time: "one-two-three" instead of "one hundred twenty-three."
Ask the person to read the password back to you once they've typed it in, so you can catch any mistakes before they try to connect. This takes an extra 30 seconds but saves frustration later.
Using a QR code to share without typing
If your phone doesn't have the built-in share feature, you can create a QR code that guests scan instead. On Android, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, select your WiFi network, and tap the share icon to generate a QR code. On Windows, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, select WiFi, scroll down to "Manage known networks," select your network, and choose "Share." On Mac, hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar, then look for the network name and password.
Once you have the QR code, your guest can open their phone's camera app, point it at the code, and tap the notification that appears — their phone will connect automatically without typing anything. This works on iPhones, Android phones, and most tablets.
Changing your password for security
If you've shared your password with many people or it's been a while since you set it up, consider changing it. Log into your router settings the same way you would to find your password: type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser, find the WiFi or Security section, and look for an option to change the passphrase or password.
Create a new password that's at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, address, or birthday. Once you've changed it, anyone trying to connect will need the new password — old devices that were already connected will stay connected until you restart your router.
You don't need to change your password every month, but doing it once or twice a year is a reasonable practice, especially if you've shared it with guests who no longer visit.
What to do if guests can't connect even with the right password
First, have them forget the network and try again. On iPhones, go to Settings, WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network name, and select "Forget This Network." On Android, go to Settings, Network and Internet, WiFi, long-press your network name, and tap "Forget." Then have them reconnect and enter the password again.
If that doesn't work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. While it restarts, have your guest restart their phone too. Once both devices are back on, try connecting again.
If the problem persists, check whether your router is set to a frequency band that the guest's device supports. Older phones may only connect to 2.4 GHz networks, while newer devices can use 5 GHz or 6 GHz. Log into your router settings and look for an option to broadcast on both bands, or ask your guest what their device supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my WiFi password without telling them the actual password?
Yes. On iPhones, use the when ready share feature by holding devices close together. On Android, generate a QR code they can scan with their camera. Both methods let them connect without ever seeing or typing the password itself.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password with guests?
Yes, sharing your password with guests is safe. They can only access your WiFi network, not your personal files or devices. If you're concerned, change the password after they leave or use a separate guest network if your router supports one.
What's the difference between my network name and my password?
Your network name (SSID) is what appears in the list of available WiFi networks on someone's phone. Your password is the code they enter to connect. The network name is visible to everyone nearby, but the password is secret.
Do I need to restart my router after sharing the password?
No. Sharing the password doesn't change anything on your router. The person just needs to enter it on their device to connect. You only need to restart the router if someone is having trouble connecting.
Can I have different passwords for different devices?
No. Your WiFi network has one password that works for all devices. If you want different access levels, some routers support a separate guest network with its own password, which you can find in your router settings.