How to transfer a Wi-Fi password from phone to phone: all the methods 2026

Transferring Wi-Fi data between smartphones is a task that almost every user faces. Whether it's a guest asking to connect to your network, or you're moving into a new home and don't want to manually enter a long password on all your devices, modern Wi-Fi networks can help. Android And iOS offer several convenient ways to share network settings - from scanning QR code before automatic synchronization via the cloud.

In this article we will look at all current Wi-Fi transmission methods between phones, including little-known features for older models and cross-platform solutions (for example, with Android on iPhone and back). You'll learn which method is the fastest, which is the safest, and how to bypass restrictions if standard functions don't work. And also, what to do if you have a router with a hidden SSID or a dual-band network (2.4/5 GHz), where conventional methods can fail.

1. Wi-Fi transfer via QR code (the most universal method)

Method with QR code works on most modern smartphones (starting from Android 10 And iOS 11) and does not require the installation of additional applications. Its main advantage is instant transmission without manually entering a password, even between devices of different brands (Samsung → iPhone, Xiaomi → Google Pixel etc.).

To generate a QR code on Android:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network (not the switch!).
3. Click the button Share (or QR code on some firmware).
4. If necessary, confirm the action with your fingerprint or PIN.

On iPhone the path is a little different:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the icon ℹ next to the network name.
3. Click Share password — the system will generate a QR code.

Now the second phone should scan the code. To do this:

• 📱 On Android: open the camera (or app Google Lens) and point to the QR.
• 🍎 On iPhone: Open the camera - it will automatically recognize the code and offer to connect.

Disable VPN on both phones | Make sure the screen is unlocked | Check that the camera is not covered by a screen protector | Turn on Bluetooth (required for some models)

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Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Doesn't work if the network is hidden (hidden SSID).
• ❌ On some old ones Xiaomi And Huawei QR code may not be generated without root rights.
• ❌ If the router uses WPA3-Enterprise, the code may not work.

2. Automatic password transfer (only for Apple and new Android)

Company Apple implemented the function a long time ago automatic exchange of Wi-Fi passwords between devices on iOS/macOS, and recently a similar feature has appeared on Android (starting from Android 12 for devices Google Pixel and some models Samsung). This method is the fastest, but only works in a closed ecosystem.

For iPhone/iPad/Mac:

1. Make sure both devices are enabled. Bluetooth And Wi-Fi, as well as authorization through Apple ID.
2. Bring the second one iPhone to the first (at a distance of ~10 cm).
3. On the second phone, select the network from the list Wi-Fi — a pop-up window will appear asking you to share the password.
4. Click Share password on the first device.

For Android (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy with One UI 4+):

1. Both phones must be linked to the same account. Google.
2. Turn on Bluetooth And Wi-Fi on both devices.
3. On the second phone, select the network from the list - a notification about the connection possibility will appear.

Important nuances:

• 🔒 On iPhone The function only works between devices with iOS 11+ And macOS High Sierra+.
• 🤖 On Android Automatic transfer may not work if the network is using WPA3 or non-standard security settings.
• 🌐 If the router broadcasts two networks (2.4 and 5 GHz) with the same name, devices may connect to different bands.

Why might automatic transmission not work?

On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) the function is disabled by default. The problem may also be in the router settings: if the filter is enabled by MAC address or a non-standard encryption type is used (WEP, TKIP), automatic connection will be blocked.

3. Transfer via NFC (for Android phones)

Technology NFC allows you to transfer Wi-Fi data with just one touch—but only between supporting devices. This method the fastest (literally 1-2 seconds), but it doesn't work on all models. For example, iPhone can't transfer Wi-Fi settings via NFC, but Android The function is only available on phones with a chip and corresponding firmware (for example, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel).

Instructions:

1. Make sure that NFC enabled on both phones (Settings → Connections → NFC).
2. On the phone that gives away Wi-Fi, open network settings (as in the QR code method).
3. Select an option Share via NFC (or Tap to share (on English firmware).
4. Place the back of the second phone against the first one (where the NFC chip is located).
5. Wait for a sound signal or vibration - the connection is established!

Where is the NFC chip located?

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy: top of the back panel (near the camera).
• 📱 Google Pixel: middle of the back panel.
• 📱 Xiaomi: usually in the upper third of the body.

Restrictions:

• ❌ Doesn't work with iPhone (even new models do not support Wi-Fi transmission via NFC).
• ❌ On some budget phones (for example, Redmi or Realme) the function may be disabled by the manufacturer.
• ❌ If the router is enabled MAC filter, the second phone will not connect.

4. Manually enter the password (if nothing works)

If all automatic methods have failed, there remains the classic method - copy the password manually From one phone to another. This is a universal method that will work even on the oldest devices, but it requires care (especially if the password is long and contains special characters).

How to find out your Wi-Fi password on Android:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network.
3. Click Share (or Network management on Xiaomi).
4. The system will ask for confirmation (PIN, fingerprint or pattern).
5. The password will be displayed under the QR code - you can copy it.

How to find out the password on an iPhone (without jailbreaking):

Unfortunately, Apple It doesn't allow you to view saved Wi-Fi passwords directly. But there are workarounds:

• 🖥️ If you have Mac, open Spotlight (⌘+Space), enter Keychain Access, find your network and copy the password.
• 📱 On iPhone With iOS 16+ you can use the function Share password (see section 2).
• 🔧 In extreme cases, you will have to go into the router settings (usually through 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

How to enter a password on a second phone:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Select the desired network.
3. In the field Password Paste the copied text (or enter it manually).
4. Click Connect.

Common mistakes:

• ⚠️ Character case: passwords are case sensitive (Pass123 ≠ pass123).
• ⚠️ Hidden symbols: Sometimes there is a space or invisible character at the end of the password.
• ⚠️ Dual-band networks: if the router broadcasts 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz with the same name, make sure you are connecting to the correct frequency.

5. Transfer via cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud, Telegram)

If you need to transfer the password to a phone that is located in another place (for example, to a relative out of town), you can use cloud services. This method is universal, but requires internet access on both devices.

Methods of transmission:

1. Google Drive (for Android):
   1. Copy the password (as in section 4).
   2. Create a text file in Google Drive and insert the password.
   3. Share the file via link or email.
2. iCloud (for iPhone):
   1. Copy the password via Keychain Access on Mac.
   2. Create a note in Apple Notes and insert the password.
   3. Sync notes on the second iPhone.
3. Telegram (universal):
   1. Send the password to yourself Saved messages.
   2. Open Telegram on the second phone and copy the password.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works on any device (even on Windows Phone, if suddenly).
• ✅ You can share your password in advance (for example, before guests arrive).
• ✅ Suitable for transferring settings VPN or proxy along with Wi-Fi.

Risks:

• ⚠️ If you send your password via email or messenger, it may remain in history (delete message after use).
• ⚠️ Some corporate networks block sending passwords via the cloud.

How to transfer Wi-Fi to a phone without internet?

If the second phone does not have a mobile network, but has Bluetooth, you can:

1. Copy the password to a text file.

2. Send a file via Bluetooth (for example, to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).

3. On the second phone, accept the file and open it.

6. Special applications for Wi-Fi transmission

If standard methods don't work for you, you can use third-party apps. They usually offer advanced features, such as: connection history, generation of temporary passwords or transmission via Wi-Fi Direct.

Top 3 Android Apps:

For iPhone:

Due to restrictions iOS There are almost no apps for Wi-Fi transfer. The only option is Shortcuts (appendix from Apple), where you can create an automatic script to generate a QR code. For example:

1. Open Shortcuts.
2. Create a new script with an action Generate QR Code.
3. As data, specify a string of the following type:

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

4. Run the script and scan the QR code on another phone.

7. Wi-Fi transfer to phones without NFC/QR (older models)

If you have a phone older than 2018 (eg. Samsung Galaxy S7, iPhone 6 or Xiaomi Redmi 4), many modern transmission methods may not work. In this case, the following will help:

1. Bluetooth transfer (for Android):

• 📲 Install the app on both phones Send Anywhere or ShareIt.
• 📲 On the first phone, copy the password into a text file.
• 📲 Send a file via Bluetooth or local network.

2. Using a router as an intermediary:

• 🖥️ Go to your router settings (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• 🔑 Check the password in the section Wireless → Security.
• 📋 Write it down on paper or send it via SMS.

3. Temporary password simplification:

• 🔄 Go to your router settings and change the password to a simple one (for example, 12345678).
• 📱 Connect a second phone.
• 🔒 Restore your old password.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi sharing

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

Yes, but not in all ways. The following work:

• 📱 QR code (the most reliable option).
• 📋 Manual password entry.
• ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Telegram).

Not working:

• ❌ Automatic transfer (only in the Apple ecosystem).
• ❌ NFC (iPhone does not support Wi-Fi transmission via NFC).

Why can't the QR code be scanned?

The problem may be:

• 🔦 The screen is too dim (increase brightness).
• 📵 Bluetooth is turned off (on some phones it is required for confirmation).
• 🚫 Hidden network (QR does not work with hidden SSID).
• 🔄 Incompatible router settings (for example, WPA3-Enterprise).

Solution: Try generating a QR code using a third-party app (e.g. QR Code Generator).

How to transfer Wi-Fi if the network is hidden (hidden SSID)?

Hidden networks do not support automatic sharing via QR or NFC. Options:

1. Temporarily make the network visible in the router settings (Broadcast SSID → Enable).
2. Enter the network name and password manually on the second phone.
3. Use an app like WiFi Manager, which can work with hidden networks.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi without a password (open network)?

Yes, but:

• ✅ The QR code will work (it just won't have a password field).
• ✅ NFC and automatic transfer will also work.
• ⚠️ Open networks unsafe - anyone can connect and intercept your traffic.

If you need an open network for guests, it is better to set up guest Wi-Fi in the router with a separate password.

How to transfer Wi-Fi to your phone if you forgot the password?

Recovery methods:

• 🖥️ Check the password in your router settings (192.168.1.1).
• 📱 On Android use with root rights WiFi Password Viewer.
• 🍎 On iPhone With Mac open Keychain Access.
• 🔧 Reset your router using the button Reset (the password will become the default, for example, admin).

Now you know all the ways to transfer Wi-Fi between phones, from the most modern to universal ones. If none of the methods work, check your router settings: the problem may be in a non-standard network configuration (for example, an enabled MAC filter (or an unusual type of encryption). In a pinch, you can always enter the password manually—just be careful not to make any character errors!