How to Transfer a Wi-Fi Password from Android to Another Phone: All the Methods (2026)

Transferring your home or office Wi-Fi password from one AndroidTransferring a device to another is a task that almost every user faces. Entering a long string of characters manually is not only tedious but also error-prone, especially if the password contains special characters or case-sensitive letters. Fortunately, modern versions Android offer several built-in mechanisms for securely exchanging connection data, from generating a QR code to using the Nearby Share.

In this article we will look at 5 effective ways to share your Wi-Fi password taking into account the characteristics of different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.), including methods for non-rooted devices. We'll pay special attention to security nuances: why you shouldn't share your password via instant messaging, how to avoid data leaks when using third-party apps, and what to do if standard features are disabled by your network administrator. You'll also find A unique table of compatibility between Android versions and methods - this will help you choose the best option for your model.

If you have previously tried to share a password through Settings → Wi-FiIf you haven't found this option, don't rush to blame the firmware. The problem may lie in router restrictions or corporate network policies. We'll explain how to check and work around this.

1. Standard method: generating a QR code (Android 10 and newer)

Starting from Android 10Google has added a built-in tool for creating a QR code with Wi-Fi connection information. This method works on most devices without additional apps and doesn't require root access. The main requirement is that both phones support QR code scanning (usually via the camera or an app). Google Lens).

To generate the code:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network (already connected).
3. Tap on the icon Share** (or Share (on English firmware).
4. If necessary, confirm the action with a fingerprint, pattern or PIN code.
5. A QR code will appear on the screen; you need to scan it with the second phone.

On the receiving device:

• 📱 Open the camera and point at the QR code (on Samsung Galaxy you may need to enable the option Scan QR in the camera settings).
• 🔗 Or use Google Lens (available via the icon in the search bar) Google).
• 🔄 If the scan doesn't work, check the camera's permission to access the network in Settings → Applications.

Make sure the first phone's screen doesn't go dark during the process|

Check that Wi-Fi is turned on on the second phone|

Disable your VPN - it may be blocking scanning|

Allow the camera to access the network (if requested)-->

⚠️ Attention: Some firmware (for example, on Xiaomi Redmi With MIUI 14) may hide the "Share" option for guest networks or access points with restricted permissions. In this case, try the alternative methods in the following sections.

2. Using Nearby Share (Android 6+)

Nearby Share (previously - Fast Share) is an analogue AirDrop from Google that lets you transfer files, links, and even Wi-Fi data between devices on Android 6.0 and laterThe advantage of this method is that it works without the Internet and does not require a connection to the same network.

Instructions:

1. On the phone that already connected to Wi-Fi, open Settings → Google → Devices and sharing → Nearby Share.
2. Activate the feature and select visibility (All contacts or Some contacts).
3. Return to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the network name and select Share.
4. From the list of transfer methods, select Nearby Share.
5. On the second phone, accept the incoming request.

If option Nearby Share not available in the exchange menu:

• 🔄 Update Google Play Services V Play Market.
• 📱 Check that both devices are enabled Bluetooth And Geodata.
• ⚙️ On Samsung may need to be used Quick Share instead of Nearby Share (the functions are similar).

⚠️ Attention: Nearby Share may not work on devices with custom firmware (eg. LineageOS) or if client isolation is enabled on the router (AP Isolation). In this case, the password will be transmitted, but the connection to the network will not take place.

3. Brand-specific methods: Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel

Smartphone manufacturers often add unique data sharing features to their app interfaces. Let's look at the most useful ones.

Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

On phones Samsung With One UI 3.1 and later there is a built-in option Quick Share, which duplicates the functionality Nearby Share, but works faster between devices of the same brand. To use it:

1. Open the notification panel and activate Quick Share.
2. IN Settings → Wi-Fi tap on the network and select Share.
3. From the list of transfer methods, select Quick Share.
4. On the second phone Samsung Accept the connection data file.

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI)

On MIUI 12+ The QR code generation function is hidden deeper. To find it:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the network name, then press Share password (may be called Share Password).
3. Confirm the action with your lock screen password.
4. A QR code will appear on the screen - scan it with a second device.

If the option is missing, update the firmware or use Mi Share (analogue Nearby Share For Xiaomi).

Google Pixel (Stock Android)

On the "clean" Android (for example, on Pixel 6/7/8) the process is as simplified as possible:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the network, then press Share.
3. The system will automatically offer to generate a QR code or send the data via Nearby Share.

Why is there no "Share Password" option on some Xiaomi devices?

On devices with MIUI For corporate clients (e.g., those released for China), this feature may be disabled due to security policy. It is also unavailable if:

- The router uses the protocol WPA3-Enterprise (often in offices).

- The option is enabled in the network settings Hide password (Hide Password).

- The device is connected via Wi-Fi Direct or the phone's hotspot.

4. Third-party apps: when built-in features aren't enough

If your device does not support any of the listed methods (for example, you have Android 5.1 (or custom firmware), third-party utilities will come to the rescue. We tested 3 reliable apps, which do not require root rights and do not collect passwords:

• 🔐 WiFi Password Share (from Simone Dev) - generates a QR code and supports export to a file. Minus: shows ads.
• 📤 Send Anywhere — transfers the password as a text file via a P2P connection. Plus: works without internet.
• 🔗 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) - scans and creates QR codes, including Wi-Fi. Peculiarity: you can save the code to your gallery.

⚠️ Attention: Never install applications that request access to SMS, Contacts or Call histories to "password transfer." This is a sign of malware. Before installing, check reviews and ratings in Play Market.

Instructions for WiFi Password Share:

1. Download the application and open it.
2. Select your network from the list.
3. Click Generate QR Code.
4. Scan the code with a second phone using the camera or Google Lens.

5. Manual password export (requires developer rights)

For experienced users, there is a way to extract the password from system files and transfer it manually. This method works on any versions of Android, but requires activation Developer mode and access to the file system.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Activate Developer mode:

   Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times)

2. Return to Settings → System → Developer Options and turn it on Local terminal command (Local Terminal).
3. Connect your phone to PC and use ADB (or terminal on the phone) to execute the command:

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

4. Find the line in the output <string name="PreSharedKey">YOUR_PASSWORD</string>.

⚠️ Attention: This method doesn't work on devices with encryption File-Based Encryption (FBE) (All Pixel And Samsung With Android 11+). It may also void the warranty if the phone is running corporate firmware.

6. Alternative solutions for complex cases

Sometimes standard methods don't work due to network or device limitations. Let's consider some less obvious scenarios:

If the router blocks password transmission

Some routers (especially corporate ones, for example, Ubiquiti or MikroTik) disable the ability to transmit a password via QR code or Nearby ShareIn this case:

• 🔧 Check your router settings: disable AP Isolation And Client Isolation in the web interface (usually at the address 192.168.1.1).
• 🔄 Reconnect to the network, having first “forgotten” it in your phone settings.
• 📡 If you are not the network administrator, ask the router owner for the password or use WPS (button on the router).

Transferring a password to an iPhone

If the second phone is - iPhone, use:

• 🍎 Generated on Android QR code (scannable with a standard camera) iOS 11+).
• 📎 Send password via AirDrop, if on Android the application is installed Snapdrop (works via browser).

Corporate networks (WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise)

For networks with authentication via 802.1X (for example, in universities or offices) standard methods do not work. In this case:

• 📝 Ask the network admin for the configuration file (.mobileconfig For iOS or .xml For Android).
• 🔐 Use the app EAP Configurator (available in Play Market).

What is WPS and why shouldn't you use it?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) — This is a router feature that allows you to connect to the network without entering a password by pressing a button on the device. However, it has critical vulnerabilities:

- Vulnerability to brute-force attacks (even if WPS is disabled in the settings, it can be active at the firmware level).

- Many routers use a standard PIN code (for example, 12345670 or 00000000), which is easy to pick up.

- Modern standards (for example, WPA3) do not support WPS, so enabling it may reduce the network security level.

If you need to connect a device without a password, it is better to use a QR code or temporary guest access.

Security: How to Share Your Password Without Losing Your Data

Sharing your Wi-Fi password always carries a risk of data leakage, especially if you use public networks or third-party apps. Follow these guidelines to minimize the risks:

• 🚫 Do not send the password via instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), even in "secret chats." Messages can be intercepted or stored on servers.
• 🔒 If you transmit the password via Nearby Share or QR code, make sure there are no other devices nearby that could intercept the signal.
• 🔄 Change your Wi-Fi password regularly (every 3-6 months) through your router's web interface.
• 🛡️ Set up for guests guest network on a router with a separate password and speed limit.

⚠️ Attention: If you are connecting to a public network (for example, in a cafe or airport), never give out her password other users. Such networks are often used for traffic monitoring, and your data (including social media logins) could be compromised.

If you need to provide access to your network to a temporary guest, use:

• 🕒 Temporary password (function Guest Network on the router).
• ⏳ Time limit (for example, for 2 hours) in the router settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sharing your Wi-Fi password

Is it possible to transfer a Wi-Fi password from an Android to a Windows laptop?

Yes, but the methods depend on the version Windows:

• 🖥️ Windows 10/11: Scan the QR code generated on Android, using a laptop camera (requires an app QR Code Scanner from Microsoft Store).
• 📋 Or manually enter the password after extracting it through ADB (see section 5).

On Windows 11 with the update 22H2 Built-in support for Wi-Fi QR codes has appeared: open the list of networks, click QR code next to your network name and scan the code with your phone.

Why is the Share option missing from Wi-Fi settings?

There are several reasons:

• 📱 You have Android version below 10 - update the firmware.
• 🏢 The network uses WPA3-Enterprise or 802.1X (corporate authentication).
• 🔒 The network administrator has disabled the ability to transmit passwords via policies (MDM).
• 🛠️ The phone firmware is modified (for example, LineageOS without GApps).

Solution: Try alternative methods (eg. Nearby Share or third-party applications).

How do I transfer a password if my phone isn't connected to Wi-Fi?

If your phone was previously connected to the network but is now out of range:

• 📱 Use manual export through ADB (section 5).
• 🔍 Check saved networks in a file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (requires root).
• 📎 If the password is saved in Google Account, it can be found on the page passwords.google.com (chapter Wi-Fi).

If the phone never connected to the network, the only way is to find out the password from the router owner or reset it (button Reset on the back panel of the router).

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

Yes, Wi-Fi standard (6/6E) does not affect the methods of password transmission. All methods from this article (QR code, Nearby Share, manual export) work regardless of the protocol (802.11n/ac/ax).

Exception: If the router uses WPA3-SAE (not backward compatible with WPA2), some older devices (Android 9 and below) may not connect to the network even after transmitting the password. In this case:

• 🔄 Configure it on your router mixed mode (WPA2/WPA3).
• 📱 Update your phone firmware to Android 10+.

How to secure your Wi-Fi after sharing your password?

Once you've shared your password, follow these steps for security:

1. Change your password to a more complex one (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and special characters).
2. Turn it on on your router MAC filtering (allow connection only for known devices).
3. Turn it off WPS And UPnP in the router settings.
4. Activate WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if all devices support it).
5. Set up Guest network for temporary users.

🔐 Additionally: Install on the router VPN server (For example, OpenVPN or WireGuard) for secure remote access.