How to Transfer a Wi-Fi Password from One Android to Another: All the Working Methods

Transferring Wi-Fi password between smartphones Android seems like a simple task until you run into the system's limitations. Unlike iPhone, where the function Share Wi-Fi Password While it works out of the box, Android device owners have to find a way around this, ranging from manual entry to using third-party apps. The problem is compounded if the router hides the password behind asterisks and there's no access to its settings.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods transferring passwords between Android devices - from standard functions (available on Samsung, Google Pixel And Xiaomi) to universal solutions for any OS version. We will pay special attention methods that work without root rights and do not require a connection to the Wi-Fi network itselfYou'll also learn why some methods may not work on your phone and how to work around them.

1. Standard method: Share Wi-Fi (Android 10+)

Starting from Android 10Google has added a built-in password sharing mechanism to its system. Share Wi-Fi. The function works on most modern smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S22/23/24, Google Pixel 6/7/8, OnePlus 10/11), but its availability depends on the manufacturer and firmware version. For example, on Xiaomi And Realme This option may be hidden or replaced by a proprietary solution.

To transfer a password:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi on a phone that is already connected to the network.
• 🔍 Find your network name in the list and tap on it.
• 🔑 Choose Share (or Share (on English firmware).
• 🔐 Confirm screen unlock (PIN, fingerprint, or pattern).
• 📤 On the second phone, scan the message that appears QR code via camera or Wi-Fi menu.

⚠️ Note: On some phones (eg. Samsung With One UI 5.0) The QR code may not be generated if the network uses WPA3-Enterprise or a hidden SSID. In this case, try alternative methods.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require root rights or third-party applications.
• ✅ The password is transmitted in encrypted form (via QR code).
• ✅ Works even if the network is hidden (but the name must be known).

2. Transferring a password via QR code (universal method)

If the built-in function Share Wi-Fi If there is no QR code, you can generate it manually. To do this, you will need any generator app (for example, QR Code Generator or WiFi Key Share). The method works on all versions of Android, including obsolete ones (up to Android 9 Pie).

Instructions:

1. Find out the exact Wi-Fi password (see Section 3, if it is hidden by asterisks).
2. Install a QR code generator app (for example, QR & Barcode Scanner from Gamma Play).
3. Enter the data into the generator in the following format:

   WIFI:S:{network_name};T:WPA;P:{password};;

   For example: WIFI:S:MyWiFi;T:WPA;P:12345678;;

4. Save or share the QR code (via Telegram, WhatsApp or Bluetooth).
5. On the second phone, scan the code using the camera or app Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: Some routers (eg. TP-Link Archer C6) use special characters in the password (for example, !, #, $). Make sure that the QR code generator supports their correct display, otherwise the connection will fail.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌍 Works on any device, including iPhone and tablets.
• 🔒 The password is not transmitted in clear text (only via encrypted QR code).
• 📱 Does not require a connection to the Wi-Fi network itself to generate the code.

Make sure the password is entered correctly.

Check the case of characters (A ≠ a)

Specify the correct encryption type (WPA/WPA2)

Save QR code in high resolution-->

3. How to find out the Wi-Fi password if it is hidden behind asterisks

If you don't remember your network password, but your phone is already connected to it, you can retrieve it from the system settings. The methods vary depending on the Android version and availability. root rights.

Without root rights (Android 10+):

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network.
3. Select Share (if the function is available) - the password will be displayed under the QR code.

With root rights (any Android version):

1. Install a file manager with access to system files (for example, Root Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

3. Find the line <string name="PreSharedKey">... — there will be a password inside it.

Via ADB (for advanced users):

1. Connect your phone to your PC and turn it on USB debugging.
2. Run the command:

   adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml"

3. Find the tag in the output PreSharedKey.

⚠️ Attention: Extracting the password through system files may disrupt the operation of the Wi-Fi module on some firmware (for example, on ColorOS from Oppo). Make a backup copy before editing files.

What to do if the WifiConfigStore.xml file is missing?

On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14) passwords are stored in a binary file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreTo read it you will need specialized software like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).

4. Transferring passwords via apps (without QR code)

If generating a QR code seems complicated, you can use specialized apps. They allow you to send the password directly via Bluetooth, NFC or a local network. Popular options:

• 📲 WiFi Key Share - sends the password via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔗 Send Anywhere — transmits data using a unique 6-digit code.
• 📎 Pushbullet — syncs passwords between devices via your account.

Example of working with WiFi Key Share:

1. Install the application on both phones.
2. On the first device, select the network and press Share.
3. Select the transfer method (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct).
4. Confirm reception on the second phone.

Restrictions:

• ❌ Some applications require registration.
• ❌ On Xiaomi transmission may be blocked through Wi-Fi Direct due to energy saving.
• ❌ The password is transmitted in clear text (risk of interception when using public networks).

5. Alternative methods: NFC, SMS, and cloud services

If standard methods don't work, you can use less obvious options:

Via NFC (for phones with a module):

• 📱 Make sure NFC is enabled on both devices (Settings → Connections → NFC).
• 🔗 Open a data sharing app (e.g. Android Beam on older versions or Nearby Share).
• 📤 Select an option Send Wi-Fi password (not available on all firmware versions).
• 📥 Connect the phones back to back (NFC antennas are located on top).

Via SMS/messengers:

• 📝 Copy the password from the settings (see Section 3).
• 📤 Send it via SMS, Telegram (secret chat) or Signal.
• ⚠️ Delete the message after connecting to avoid leakage.

Via cloud services:

• 🖥️ Save your password in Google Keep or Samsung Notes.
• 🔗 Share a note with a second device.
• 🗑️ Delete the note after use.

⚠️ Attention: Transferring password via regular SMS or unencrypted messengers (For example, Viber (Without a secret chat) is unsafe. Attackers can intercept messages on open networks (for example, in a cafe or airport).

6. Why can't I transfer my password: common errors

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems. Here are the typical causes and solutions:

Additional nuances:

• 🔄 On some routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) the password can be changed automatically (function Random Password). In this case, you will have to go to the router settings.
• 🔒 If the network uses 802.1X Enterprise (corporate authentication), password transmission using standard methods is not possible - a certificate is required.
• 📵 On phones with dual-SIM (two SIM cards) can be blocked Wi-Fi Direct due to module conflict.

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

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

Yes, but only via QR code or third-party applications (for example, Send Anywhere). Built-in function Share Wi-Fi on Android is not compatible with iOS.

Why doesn't the QR code work on Xiaomi?

On Xiaomi with firmware MIUI Instead of a standard QR code, you may be offered to send a password via Mi ShareIf this doesn't work, use a third-party generator (see Section 2).

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

If the phone has previously connected to the network, the password can be extracted from the system files (see Section 3). If not, you'll have to go into your router settings or use a backup copy of your settings.

Are password sharing apps safe to use?

Most popular applications (eg. WiFi Key Share) don't send data to servers, but always check permissions. Avoid programs that request access to SMS or contacts.

Is it possible to transfer the password via USB cable?

There is no direct transfer of password via USB, but you can copy the file with Wi-Fi settings (root required) or use ADB to extract the password (see Section 3).