How to Share Your Wi-Fi Password With a Guest or New Device

Sharing your Wi-Fi password used to mean hunting for the router, squinting at the tiny label on the back, and reading out a string of random letters and numbers. Today there are faster ways — and this guide covers all of them, from the newest method (iPhone automatic sharing) to the old reliable fallback (the label on your router).

Method 1: iPhone to iPhone — automatic sharing (no typing needed)

This is the fastest method. But it has two requirements: 1. Both iPhones need a reasonably current version of iOS (this works on every iPhone still getting updates). 2. The person connecting must be in your Contacts app with their Apple ID email address listed.

If both conditions are met, here is what happens:

The person who wants to connect opens their iPhone Settings → Wi-Fi and taps your network name. Your iPhone will automatically show a pop-up saying "[Name] would like to join your Wi-Fi network." Tap "Share Password" and your password is sent to their phone. They never see or type the password. Your phone handles everything.

If the pop-up does not appear: Make sure both phones have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on, are physically close together (within a few feet), and that you have the other person's Apple ID email in your Contacts. Also make sure both phones are unlocked.

Method 2: iPhone QR code — share with anyone on any phone

Your iPhone can generate a QR code (a square barcode-like image) that anyone can scan to connect — no typing, no pop-up required, works on iPhones and Android phones alike.

On a current iPhone:

1. 1Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. 2Tap the information button (a small circle with an "i") next to your Wi-Fi network name.
3. 3Tap "Share" or look for the QR code icon. On newer iPhones, a QR code appears automatically on this screen.
4. 4Hold your phone up so the other person can point their camera at the QR code.

On the guest's phone: Open the camera app and point it at the QR code. A notification banner appears at the top — tap it to connect automatically.

Note: If you do not see a QR code option on your iPhone, your carrier or router may not support this feature yet, or your iOS version may need an update.

Method 3: Android QR code — share from an Android phone

Android phones (any recent version) make this straightforward:

1. 1Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi (exact wording varies by phone brand).
2. 2Tap the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to.
3. 3Tap "Share" or look for a QR code icon.
4. 4A QR code appears on screen.
5. 5The guest points their phone camera at the QR code and taps the notification to connect.

On Samsung phones specifically: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → tap the gear icon next to your network → tap QR code.

Method 4: Find the password on your router (the always-works fallback)

If none of the above methods work, or if you are connecting a device that does not have a camera (like a smart TV or printer), you can find your Wi-Fi password on the router itself.

Your router is the box that connects to your internet service. It may also be your modem, or they may be separate devices. Look for a label on the back or bottom. It usually shows:

• Network name (also called SSID or Wi-Fi name)
• Password (also called Network Key, Wi-Fi Password, or WPA2 Key)

The password is usually 8–12 characters of random letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols. Type it carefully — it is case-sensitive (capital letters matter).

Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network

If you often have visitors, consider setting up a separate guest Wi-Fi network. Most modern routers support this. A guest network gives visitors internet access without letting them see your other devices (your computer, printer, or smart home devices). Check your router's app or your internet provider's app — look for "Guest Network" or "Guest Wi-Fi" in the settings.