How to Transfer Wi-Fi from Phone to Android Phone for Free: All Working Methods

Sharing Wi-Fi from one smartphone to another without entering a password is a challenge faced by millions of users. Situations vary: a guest comes to your home and asks to connect to the network, but you don't remember the password; you urgently need to share the internet from your phone, but you don't have a router handy; or you're simply too lazy to type a long string of characters. Fortunately, Android offers several built-in and third-party solutions for free Wi-Fi sharing between devices.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods — from standard functions like QR code And Wi-Fi Direct to little-known tricks with Bluetooth And access pointWe will pay special attention to restrictions of manufacturers (For example, Samsung And Xiaomi block some methods) and hidden settings, which are rarely mentioned in instructions. You'll also learn how to overcome common errors when your smartphone doesn't detect the network or refuses to connect.

⚠️ Important: Not all methods work on customized firmware (for example, MIUI or One UI) or older versions of Android (below 10). If your phone was released before 2019, first check the OS version in Settings → About phone.

1. Wi-Fi sharing via QR code (fastest way)

This is the official method from Google, which works on all smartphones with Android 10 and laterIts main advantage is You don't need to know the Wi-Fi password: just scan the code from the first phone's screen. Even budget models like Redmi 9A or Samsung Galaxy A12.

How does this work:

• 📱 On a phone that is already connected to Wi-Fi, open Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Click on the name of your network (not the switch!).
• 🖼️ A button will appear at the bottom of the screen Share (or the QR code icon). Click on it.
• 📲 On the second phone, open the camera or QR scanner (for example, via Google Lens) and point to the code.

If there is no "Share" button, it means:

• ❌ You have Android below version 10 (update the system).
• ❌ The manufacturer has removed the function (relevant for some models) Huawei And Meizu).
• ❌ The phone is connected to a hidden network (SSID is not broadcast).

2. Using Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)

Wi-Fi Direct — a technology that allows devices to connect directly, without a router. It's useful when you need to transfer not only internet access but also files (photos, videos). However, there's a catch: Not all phones support Internet sharing via Wi-Fi DirectFor example, on Samsung Galaxy S22 it works, but on POCO X3 - No.

Instructions:

1. On first phone (which distributes Wi-Fi):
• 🔧 Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct (on Xiaomi: Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔄 Turn on the feature and wait until the phone becomes "visible".

On second phone:

• 🔍 Go to the same section and select the first device from the list.
• 🔑 Confirm the connection (you may be asked to enter your PIN).

⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi Direct often does not transmit Internet access, but only creates a local network. To share the Internet, turn on after connecting Tethering → Wi-Fi Hotspot on the first phone.

Make sure both phones support Wi-Fi Direct|

Check that mobile Internet is enabled on the first phone (if you are sharing it)|

Disable your VPN - it may be blocking your direct connection|

Restart your phones if they don't see each other-->

3. Sharing the Internet via an access point (Hotspot)

If you don't need to transfer access to an existing Wi-Fi network, but share mobile Internet from one phone to another, use modem modeThis method is universal and works on all Android devices, but it has a limitation: Mobile operators may block distribution (For example, Tele2 or Iota limit traffic for Hotspot).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On a phone with mobile internet:
• 📶 Open Settings → Connections → Tethering & portable hotspot.
• 🔄 Turn on Wi-Fi Hotspot.
• ⚙️ Click Setting up an access pointto set the network name (SSID) and password.

On the second phone:

• 🔍 Find the created network in the Wi-Fi list and connect by entering the password.

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (eg. Huawei P30) The hotspot automatically turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity. To avoid this, install the app Keep Alive from Google Play.

4. Transferring a password via Bluetooth (for older Android devices)

If you have Android 9 or later, and the QR code is not supported, you can transfer the Wi-Fi password via BluetoothThis method works on most devices, but requires both phones to be paired.

Algorithm of actions:

1. On first phone (connected to Wi-Fi):
• 🔗 Open Settings → Connected devices → Connection settings → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Turn on Bluetooth and pair the phones (if not paired).
• 📋 Return to Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the network name and select Share.
• 📲 In the list of transfer methods, select Bluetooth.

On second phone:

• 📥 Accept the incoming file with the password (it will come as .conf or text document).
• 🔑 Use a password to connect to Wi-Fi manually.

🔹 Nuance: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) This method doesn't work—instead of a password, an encrypted file is transmitted that can't be read. In this case, use third-party applications like WiFi Password Share.

5. Third-party Wi-Fi sharing apps

If the built-in methods don't work, applications from Google PlayWe tested 10 programs and selected the three most reliable:

• 📱 WiFi Password Share — transmits the password via Bluetooth or QR code. Works even on Android 5.0, but requires root access for some functions.
• 🔗 Send WiFi — generates a QR code for any network, even hidden ones. Supports password export to a file.
• 🌐 Instabridge — automatically connects devices to saved networks without entering a password (if they are in the application database).

⚠️ Attention: Apps like WiFi Password Share may request access to Settings And StorageDon't install them from untrusted sources—there's a risk of catching a virus!

Example of working with Send WiFi:

1. Install the application on both phones.
2. On the first phone, open Send WiFi, select the network and press Share.
3. Select the transfer method (QR or Bluetooth).
4. On the second phone, scan the code or accept the file.

How to check if an app is stealing your passwords?

Open Settings → Apps → [App name] → Permissions and make sure she doesn't have access to:

- SMS/calls,

- geolocation (if not required for work),

- contacts.

If an app requests unnecessary permissions, uninstall it.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make your decision easier, we've compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Even with the correct instructions, users encounter problems. Here TOP 5 mistakes and their solutions:

• 🚫 "Unable to connect to the network":
• Check if you have entered an incorrect password (sometimes letters O And 0 (they are confused).
• Restart your router if you are connecting to your home Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 "The QR code cannot be scanned.":
• Increase the brightness of the screen on the phone that is showing the code.
• Use a third party scanner (eg. QR & Barcode Scanner).
• 📵 "Bluetooth can't find the device":
• Make sure both phones are visible to other devices (Bluetooth Settings → Visibility).
• Turn off Airplane mode.
• 🔋 "The hotspot drains the battery quickly.":
• Connect your phone to the charger.
• Reduce the auto-shutdown time in the access point settings.
• 🔒 "The app doesn't see saved networks.":
• Give the app permission to access Wi-Fi settings.
• Try a different app (eg. WiFi Map).

⚠️ Attention: If you transfer access to public Wi-Fi (in a cafe or airport), please note that some networks block new devices from connecting after the first login. In this case, you will have to re-enter your login and password on the second phone.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

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

Yes, but only through QR code or access pointOn iPhone, open Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the network and select Share Password (a QR code will appear). On Android, scan it. Alternatively, turn it on. Modem mode on iPhone and connect to its hotspot from Android.

Why doesn't the QR code appear in the Wi-Fi settings?

There are several reasons:

• Do you have Android below version 10 (update the system).
• The manufacturer removed the function (relevant for Huawei With EMUI 12 and older).
• You are connected to hidden network (SSID is not broadcast).

Solution: Use third party apps like WiFi Key Share.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi without a password?

Technically yes, but that's unsafeMethods:

1. Set up your router WPS connection (press the button on the router, and on the phone select a network without a password).
2. Use apps like Instabridge, which store open networks.

⚠️ Risk: Open networks are vulnerable to hacker attacks!

How many devices can be connected to a hotspot?

Limitations depend on:

• Phone models: budget (for example, Redmi 8A) support 1-2 devices, flagships (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23) — up to 10.
• Operator: Some tariffs limit the number of clients (for example, MTS — up to 5 devices).

You can view the limit in the access point settings (Max. number of connected devices).

How to share Wi-Fi if your phone doesn't have a QR scanner?

Options:

• Install the scanner from Google Play (For example, QR Code Reader).
• Use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct (see instructions above).
• Take a photo of the QR code and process the photo using an online service (for example, zxing.org).