Transferring a password from your home or office Wi-Fi between smartphones Android seems like a simple task - until you encounter system limitations. Unlike iOSwhere it is enough to bring the devices close to each other, on Android there is no universal solution. The reasons lie in the security policy Google: the system does not store passwords in clear text, and direct transfer functions often depend on the OS version and smartphone manufacturer.

However, you can bypass these restrictions - and we have collected all the current methods, including little-known tricks for Android 10–14. It is important to understand that some methods require root access or additional applications, while others only work on devices of one brand (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi). If you are looking for a method without installing software, it also exists, but with nuances.

In this article:

  • 🔄 Standard methods (QR code, Nearby Share, manufacturer functions)
  • 📱 Methods for devices without root (including Android 14)
  • 🛠️ Advanced methods (ADB, root, backups)
  • ⚠️ Limitations and risks (why some methods stopped working)
📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi/Redmi
Google Pixel
Huawei/Honor
Another brand

1. Method for all Android: QR code from the access point

The most universal and safe method is to generate QR code with your Wi-Fi network data directly on the phone that is already connected. This method does not require root access, works on any versions Android (including Android 14) and does not depend on the device brand. The only condition: the second smartphone must be able to scan QR codes (all modern models support this).

How it works:

  1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi on a phone that is already connected to the network.
  2. Tap on the name of your network (not the switch!).
  3. Press the button Share (or Share in English firmware).
  4. The system will prompt you to enter PIN code or unlock password (this is a security measure).
  5. After confirmation, a QR code with network data will appear.

Now all that remains is to scan this code with a second smartphone. To do this:

  • 📷 Open the camera and point at the QR (on Samsung, Xiaomi and Pixel scanning works automatically).
  • 🔗 Or use the application Google Lens (available in Google Photos or as a separate application).
  • 🔐 On some firmware (for example, MIUI) after scanning you will have to confirm the connection manually.
⚠️ Attention: If the button Share is missing, your smartphone does not support generating a QR code through the settings. In this case, use method No. 2 or third-party applications (see section 3).
💡

On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.0+ QR code can be generated even for hidden networks (SSID). To do this, hold your finger on the network name in the Wi-Fi list and select Share.

2. Nearby Share: password transfer without QR (Android 6+)

Nearby Share (previously Android Beam) - built-in function Google for sharing files between devices on Android. Few people know that it can be used to transfer and Wi-Fi network data, but only if both smartphones support this function and are nearby.

Instructions:

  1. On a phone that is already connected to Wi-Fi, open Settings → Google → Devices and sharing → Nearby Share.
  2. Activate the feature if it is disabled.
  3. Go back to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on your network and select Share.
  4. Instead of the QR code, press Nearby (or share icon).
  5. Select a second smartphone from the list of available devices.

A notification will appear on the second phone asking you to connect to the network. The advantage of this method is the password is transmitted in encrypted form without being displayed on the screen, which increases security. However, there are limitations:

  • 📶 Both devices must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • 🔄 Nearby Share does not work on all firmware (for example, some Xiaomi may not have the option Share via Nearby).
  • 🕒 The transmission speed depends on the stability of the connection.
⚠️ Attention: The Android 14 Google has changed the logic of Nearby Share. If the transfer fails, update Google Play Services to the latest version or use an alternative method.
Method Requires root Works on Android 14 Limitations
QR code ❌ No ✅ Yes Not all firmware support code generation
Nearby Share ❌ No ⚠️ Partially Requires Bluetooth, does not work on all devices
Manufacturer functions (Samsung, Xiaomi) ❌ No ✅ Yes Works only in the ecosystem of one brand
Third-party applications ⚠️ Sometimes ✅ Yes Risk of data leakage when using unreliable apps

3. Manufacturer functions: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei

Some brands add unique tools for Wi-Fi data exchange to their firmware. These methods are often simpler than standard ones, but only work between devices of the same brand.

📱 For smartphones Samsung (One UI)

On devices with One UI 2.5+ (for example, Galaxy S21, Galaxy A52) there is a function Quick Sharethat allows you to transfer passwords Wi-Fi:

  1. Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap on your network and select Share.
  3. Click Quick Share and select the second Samsung from the list.

📱 For smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI)

In MIUI 12+ there is a function Mi Share (analog AirDrop), which can transmit Wi-Fi data:

  • 🔗 Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the network and select Share password.
  • 📲 On the second phone, activate Mi Share in the notification shade.
  • 🔄 Wait for the connection notification to appear.

📱 For smartphones Huawei/Honor (EMUI/Magic UI)

On devices with EMUI 10+ used Huawei Share:

  1. Turn on Huawei Share in the notification shade on both phones.
  2. On the first smartphone, open Settings → Wireless networks → Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap on the network, select Share and confirm transfer to the second phone.
⚠️ Attention: Manufacturer functions may change with the release of new firmware versions. If the option Share password disappeared after the update, check the settings in the section Advanced or use alternative methods.

Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices|

Update the firmware to the latest version|

Check that both phones are from the same manufacturer|

Activate the sharing function (Quick Share, Mi Share, etc.)-->

4. Third-party applications: risks and best options

If the built-in methods do not work, you can use third-party applications. However, there is serious risks: many apps require access to Wi-Fi settings or connection management, which can lead to data leakage. We tested several applications and chose the most reliable ones.

Top 3 tested applications:

  • 🔐 WiFi Password Share (from Simone Dev) - generates a QR code even on devices where it is blocked by the system. Does not require root, but asks for access to the location (a prerequisite for working with Wi-Fi in Android 10+).
  • 📲 WiFi Key Recovery - shows saved passwords (requires root or ADB). Works on Android 9–13, but may not see networks added via WPS.
  • 🔗 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) - a scanner with a QR generation function for Wi-Fi. Suitable if a standard QR code is not created in the settings.

How to use (for example WiFi Password Share):

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Open it and grant access to location and Wi-Fi.
  3. Select your network from the list.
  4. Click Generate QR Code.
  5. Scan the code second smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid applications that ask for access to SMS, contacts or storage without explanation. Such permissions are not needed to work with Wi-Fi and may indicate spyware.
Why do applications ask for access to location?

B Android 10+ Google tightened security rules: for an application to interact with Wi-Fi settings, it must have access to location. This does not mean that the app is tracking you - it simply confirms its right to work with networks. However, if the application requests geodata in the background (not only during use), this is a reason to be wary.

5. Advanced methods: ADB and backups

If the previous methods did not help you, there remain advanced methodsthose requiring technical skills. They are suitable for Android 10–14 and work even on devices with a locked bootloader (without root).

🖥️ Method 1: Retrieving the password via ADB

For this you will need a computer with installed ADB drivers and enabled USB debugging on the smartphone.

adb shell

su


cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml grep | 'SSID="YOUR_SSID"' -A 5

Instead YOUR_SSID enter the name of your network. The password will be in the line PreSharedKey="...".

📄 Method 2: Backup settings Wi-Fi

On some firmware (for example, LineageOS or ColorOS), you can create a backup copy of Wi-Fi settings and transfer it to another phone:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Backup.
  2. Select Local backup and check only Wi-Fi settings.
  3. Copy the backup file to the second phone and restore it.

These methods are more complicated, but they guaranteed to work on any version of Androidif done correctly. The main disadvantage is the risk of damaging system files if you act carelessly.

💡

ADB method is the only way to get the password in text form without root. However, it requires a connection to a PC and may not work on some firmware (for example, on MIUI with ADB commands blocked).

6. Why did some methods stop working?

Many users complain that they could previously transfer Wi-Fi passwords by simply copying a file. wpa_supplicant.conf, and now this method does not work. The reason is the tightening of security in Android 9+:

  • 🔒 B Android 10 Google has prohibited applications from reading Wi-Fi passwords without special permissions.
  • 📁 The file wpa_supplicant.conf is now stored in encrypted form and is not accessible without root.
  • 🔄 Manufacturers (for example, Samsung i Xiaomi) remove security "holes" with each update.

In addition, with the release Android 14 work has changed Nearby Share i Wi-Fi Direct, which led to compatibility problems between devices of different brands. If previously it was possible to transfer a password from Samsung to Xiaomi via Googleservices, now this does not always work.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, Flyme from Meizu or Realme UI) Wi-Fi password sharing features can be disabled at the system level. In this case, only universal methods remain (QR code or ADB).

7. Alternative solutions: if all else fails

If none of the methods worked, consider alternative options:

  • 📡 Guest network: Set up a guest Wi-Fi on the router with a separate password and transfer it (a guest password is usually easier to transfer via SMS or instant messenger).
  • 🔄 WPS button: Press the button WPS on the router and connect the second phone within 2 minutes (does not work on all router models).
  • 📞 Call the provider: If the router is issued by your Internet provider, call support - they can reset your password or dictate it over the phone (identity confirmation will be required).

Also possible temporarily turn the first phone into a hotspot and distribute the Internet through it, and then connect the second smartphone to the main network manually. This will not solve the problem with passing the password, but it will give you access to the Internet.

💡

If you often share Wi-Fi with guests, set a simple password on the router (for example, 12345678) and enable the function Easy Connect (available on routers TP-Link, ASUS i Keenetic). This will allow you to connect without entering a password through the manufacturer's special application.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to transfer a Wi-Fi password from Android to iPhone?

Yes, but only via a QR code. On Android generate the code (see method 1), and on iPhone scan it through the camera. Functions like Nearby Share or Quick Share between Android and iOS do not work.

❓ Why is the "Share" button missing in Wi-Fi settings?

It depends on the firmware. On some devices (for example, Nokia or Motorola with clean Android) this function is disabled. In this case, use third-party applications or ADB.

❓ Does password transfer via Bluetooth work?

No Bluetooth is not used to transfer Wi-Fi passwords directly. However, it is needed for operation Nearby Share (to establish a connection between devices). The password itself is transmitted via Wi-Fi Direct.

❓ Is it possible to find out the password for the Wi-Fi you connected to before?

Without root —only if the network is saved in the current settings (via QR code or ADB). If a network is removed from the list, the password cannot be recovered. Some firmwares (for example MIUI) have a function Show password in the network settings.

❓ Is it safe to use applications to extract passwords?

It is safe if the application is from Google Play with a high rating and does not ask for unnecessary permissions. Avoid apps that ask for access to SMS, calls or administrative rights. It is better to use proven options like WiFi Password Share.