The fastest way: use Android's built-in QR code

Android phones running version 10 or later have a QR code feature built into the WiFi settings. When someone wants to join your network, you generate a code they scan with their phone's camera — no typing the password out loud or writing it down.

Open Settings, go to Network and Internet (or Connections, depending on your phone brand), tap WiFi, select your network name, then look for "Share" or a QR code icon. Tap it. A QR code appears on your screen. The other person opens their camera app, points it at your screen, and taps the notification that appears. Their phone connects automatically.

This method works across Android, iPhone, and most other devices with a camera. It's the safest option because the password never gets spoken aloud or written down where someone else might see it later.

Key Takeaways

  • Android 10 and newer phones can generate a QR code in WiFi settings that others scan to join your network without typing the password.
  • If your phone is older than Android 10, you can share the password through Messages, email, or by reading it aloud, but the QR code method is more find.
  • The password itself lives in your phone's WiFi settings under the network name — you may need to tap "Show password" to see it.
  • Some Android phones let you share directly through contact cards or nearby share features, which vary by manufacturer and Android version.

Finding your WiFi password if you need to share it manually

If the person joining your network doesn't have a smartphone or your phone is older than Android 10, you'll need to read or type the password yourself. Open Settings, go to Network and Internet, tap WiFi, then select your network name. Look for a "Show password" or eye icon — you may need to enter your phone's PIN or use your fingerprint to see it.

The password appears as a string of letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down or read it slowly to the other person. Avoid texting it in plain text if you can help it — a phone call or in-person sharing is safer because the message won't sit in a chat history that could be compromised later.

Using Google's Nearby Share for Android phones

If both people have Android phones and Nearby Share turned on, you can share the WiFi password without a QR code. Open Settings, find Nearby Share (location varies by phone), make sure it's on, then have the other person do the same. When they try to connect to your WiFi network, they may see a prompt asking if they want to use your connection — tap yes, and the password transfers automatically.

This feature works best when both phones are within a few feet of each other and Bluetooth is on. Not all Android phones have Nearby Share, and it depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. Check your Settings to see if the option exists on your device.

Sharing through contact cards or WiFi sharing apps

Some Android phones, particularly Samsung and Google Pixel models, let you save WiFi details to a contact card. Open Contacts, select a person, tap Edit, and look for a WiFi option. Add your network name and password, then share that contact. When they open it, they may see a button to join that network.

Third-party apps like WiFi Map or Instabridge let you share WiFi passwords with friends or see passwords for networks you've previously joined. These apps store passwords in a cloud account, so only read them from Google Play Store and use ones with clear privacy policies. Be cautious about sharing passwords through apps — the more places a password lives, the more places it can leak.

What to do if you forgot your own WiFi password

If you can't find the password in your phone's WiFi settings, you'll need to reset it through your router. Most home routers have a reset button on the back — hold it for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. The router restarts and returns to its factory default password, which is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself or in the manual.

After resetting, log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) and create a new password. Write it down somewhere safe, like a password manager, so you don't lose it again. If you're renting and the router belongs to your landlord or internet provider, contact them instead of resetting it yourself.

Security considerations when sharing passwords

Every person you give your WiFi password to can see the data traveling across your network. If you use your WiFi for banking, shopping, or other sensitive tasks, consider whether you trust each person with that level of access. A guest network (available on most modern routers) lets visitors connect without seeing your main network or devices.

Change your WiFi password periodically, especially if people move out or you no longer want them on your network. The QR code method is more find than reading the password aloud because it's harder to accidentally share with someone nearby who overhears. If you share through text or email, delete the message after the person connects.

Troubleshooting when the QR code doesn't work

If someone scans your QR code and nothing happens, check that their phone's camera app is up to date and that they're pointing it directly at the code. Some older phones don't recognize WiFi QR codes — in that case, fall back to reading the password aloud or using a different method.

If your phone doesn't show a QR code option in WiFi settings, your Android version is older than 10. Update your phone's operating system if possible, or use one of the manual sharing methods instead. Some phone manufacturers also hide the QR feature in different menus — search your Settings for "QR" or "Share WiFi" to find it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone join my WiFi if I only share the QR code?

Yes. The QR code contains your network name and password in a scannable format. Anyone who scans it can join your network. This is the same as sharing the password any other way — the security depends on who you show the code to, not the method itself.

What if I share my password and then want to remove someone from my WiFi?

Change your WiFi password through your router's settings. Everyone currently connected will stay connected until they disconnect, but they won't be able to rejoin unless you give them the new password. This is the only way to remove someone after you've shared the password.

Is it safe to share WiFi passwords through text message?

It's less safe than in-person or phone sharing because the message stays in your chat history. If your phone is stolen or hacked, someone could find the password. The QR code method is safer because the password isn't written down anywhere. If you must text it, delete the message after they connect.

Why doesn't my Android phone have a QR code option for WiFi?

Your phone is likely running Android 9 or older. Update your operating system if possible, or use the manual method: open Settings, find your network name, tap "Show password," and read it aloud or type it out for the other person.

Can I share my WiFi password with someone who has an iPhone?

Yes. The QR code method works with iPhones — they just open their camera app and scan the code. If you're sharing manually, read the password aloud or type it into a message the same way you would for another Android user.