How to share a Wi-Fi password with Android: all methods 2026

Have you forgotten the password for your home Wi-Fi, and a guest urgently needs access to the network? Or do you want to quickly connect a new gadget without entering a long combination of characters manually? On Android there are several built-in and third-party ways to transfer data to connect to Wi-Fi - from a standard QR code to functions Google Account i Nearby Share. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, their pros and cons, as well as nuances for different versions Android and manufacturers.

Important: not all methods work on older versions of the OS (below Android 10) or on custom firmware. If your smartphone does not support built-in functions, you can always use universal solutions - for example, generate a QR code manually or use third-party applications. We will also tell you how to avoid common mistakes when transmitting a password and why some methods may not work on certain models Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei.

1. Standard method: QR code from Wi-Fi settings

The simplest and most universal method is to generate a QR code directly in the network connection menu. It works on most modern smartphones (Android 10 and later) without additional applications. The main advantage: you don’t need to know the password itself - just scan the code with another device.

How to do it:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi on some firmware).
• 🔗 Click on the name of your network (not the switch!).
• 🖼️ Find the icon QR code (usually in the upper right corner) and tap on it.
• 📲 Ask the second user to scan the code with the camera of his smartphone (on Android this is done through Google Lens or the standard camera application).

If there is no QR code icon, then your version Android or the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI na Xiaomi) does not support this function. In this case, proceed to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: If you changed the Wi-Fi password after connecting your smartphone, the QR code will be generated from outdated data. To update it, first forget the network (Settings → Wi-Fi → [network name] → Forget), then connect again and repeat the steps.

2. Transferring a password via Google Account (only for devices on the same account)

If both devices (yours and the one to which you need to transfer the password) are linked to one Google Account, the system can automatically synchronize connection data. This method works on Android 10+ and requires that:

• 🔄 Synchronization is enabled on both devices Settings → Google → Google Services → Synchronization.
• 📱 The devices were connected to the Internet (at least via a mobile network).
• 🔒 There were no changes in the security settings on the router after the last synchronization.

How to check and enable synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Google → Management Google account.
2. Go to the tab Data and personalization.
3. Find the section Synchronization data and make sure the slider Wi-Fi is active.

After this, try connecting to the network on the second device - the password should be updated automatically. If this does not happen, update the data manually: in the synchronization menu, tap on the three dots in the corner and select Sync now.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS on Oppo/Realme), synchronizing Wi-Fi passwords may be disabled by default due to manufacturer policy. In this case, use other methods.

3. Using Nearby Share for fast transfer

Nearby Share (previously Android Beam) is a technology from Googlethat allows you to exchange files and data between devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. With its help, you can also transfer the password from the network, but only if both smartphones support this function (available on Android via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. With its help, you can also transfer the network password, but only if both smartphones support this function (available on Android 6.0+, but works stably with Android 10).

Instructions:

1. Make sure that Nearby Share is enabled on both devices:

   Settings → Connected devices → Nearby Share → Enable

2. On the device which transmits password, open Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on the name of the network.
3. Select option Share (or Share on English firmware).
4. In the list of transfer methods, select Nearby Share.
5. A notification about the incoming file will appear on the second device - confirm reception.

After this, the password will automatically be copied to the clipboard of the second smartphone, and you can paste it into the input field when connecting to the network.

Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on on both devices|

Check that Nearby Share is activated in the settings|

Unlock both smartphones (the screen must be turned on)|

Stay no more than 5 meters apart-->

4. Third-party applications: when built-in methods do not work If your smartphone does not support any of the listed methods (for example, you have an old version or custom firmware), you can use third-party utilities. The most popular:

If your smartphone does not support any of the listed methods (for example, you have an old version Android or custom firmware), you can use third-party utilities. The most popular:

• 🔐 WiFi Password Share —generates a QR code even on devices without a built-in function.
• 📤 Send Anywhere —transmits the password as a text file via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔄 QR & Barcode Scanner —scans and creates codes for data exchange.

Example of work c WiFi Password Share:

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide access to Wi-Fi settings (permission required ADMIN_NETWORK).
3. Select your network from the list - the application will generate QR code.
4. Scan it with a second device.

⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi password applications require advanced permissions. Install them only from the official store and check reviews - some utilities may collect data about your networks.

Why may applications not see the network?

If an application does not display your network in the list, this may mean:

1. You are connected to the network via WPS or Enterprise mode (such networks are not supported).

2. The password was changed manually on the router, but was not updated in the phone settings.

3. The smartphone firmware blocks access to the system Wi-Fi settings (this is true for some models Huawei and Xiaomi with Chinese versions of the software).

5. Manual entry: how to find the password if you forgot it

If none of the automatic methods worked, you can manually retrieve the password from the smartphone settings and transfer it to another device (for example, through a messenger). To do this:

On Android 10+ without root access:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network.
3. Select Share (or Share).
4. The system will request confirmation by PIN code, fingerprint or pattern key.
5. After authentication, you will see the password in text form - you can copy it.

On Android 9 and below or if the "Share" option is missing, you will need it root access or ADB commands. For example, through ADB Shell you can do:

adb shell
su
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep "psk"

This command will display a list of saved passwords (required unlocked bootloader and rights superuser).

6. Alternative methods: WPS and a physical button on the router

If the problem is not in the smartphone, but in the router itself, you can use the function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows you to connect to the network without entering a password by pressing a button on the router or entering a PIN code. This method works on most modern routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic etc.).

How to connect via WPS:

• 📶 On your smartphone, open Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → WPS (the path may vary).
• 🔘 Press the button WPS on the back panel of the router (usually it is labeled).
• ⏳ Within 2 minutes, the smartphone will automatically connect to the network.

Limitations method:

Advantage	Disadvantage
No need to know the password	Works only if WPS is enabled on the router
Fast connection (10-30 seconds)	Hack vulnerability (on older routers)
Supported by most devices	Not all smartphones have the WPS option in the menu

Some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic) have WPS function disabled by default due to vulnerabilities. You can enable it in the router’s web interface at 192.168.1.1 (section Wi-Fi → WPS).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your smartphone model, version Android and what devices you need to connect. For convenience, we have compiled a comparison table:

Method	Required	Speed	Security	Limitations
QR code	Android 10+, camera	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Does not work on older firmware
Google Account	One account on both devices	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Does not synchronize passwords on some brands
Nearby Share	Android 6+, Bluetooth	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	Does not work on all devices
Third-party applications	Software installation, permissions	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	Risk of data leakage
WPS	Button on the router	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐	Vulnerability to attacks

For maximum security, we recommend using QR code or Google Account. If you need to connect a device to iOS (for example, iPhone), then the easiest way is to generate a QR code on Android and scan it through the camera Applegadget.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring Wi-Fi password

Is it possible to transfer a password from Android to iPhone?

Yes, the easiest way is to generate a QR code on Android (through settings Wi-Fi or a third-party application) and scan it with the camera iPhone. Starting from iOS 11, the system automatically recognizes QR codes with data for connecting to Wi-Fi.

Why does Nearby Share not work when transmitting a password?

Possible reasons:

• Disabled on one of the devices Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
• The devices are too far from each other (maximum - 5 meters).
• The smartphone has custom firmware installed that does not support Google Play Services.
• In the settings Nearby Share selected Hidden mode.

Check all settings and restart both devices.

How to share a password if your phone does not have a QR code and Nearby Share?

In this case:

1. Install an application to generate a QR code (for example WiFi Password Share).
2. Or extract the password manually via Settings → Wi-Fi → [network] → Share (authentication required).
3. Or use WPSif the router supports this function.

Is it safe to use third-party applications to transfer the password?

Most popular applications (for example, from Google Play) are safe, but there are risks:

• Some utilities can save passwords on their servers.
• Applications with advertising can display malicious banners.
• On devices with root access attackers can intercept data.

Before installation, check the reviews and permissions that the app requests.

Is it possible to transfer the password for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) using the same methods?

Yes, all the described methods also work for networks Wi-Fi 6 (and newer standards). The main thing is that the router and smartphone support this standard. Please note that:

• Some older applications may incorrectly read passwords from networks with WPA3.
• When used WPS on Wi-Fi 6 you may need to update the router firmware.