Transferring Wi-Fi Settings to a New Phone: A Complete Guide

Switching to a new smartphone always involves transferring data, from contacts to apps. But one of the most annoying tasks is re-entering passwords. Wi-Fi networks, especially if there are many of them or they are complex. Fortunately, there are legal ways to transfer wireless network settings without manual input, and they work between devices Android, and when switching from Android on iPhone (and back).

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from standard functions of operating systems to little-known tricks with QR codes and cloud services. You'll learn how to save not only passwords, but also connection priorities, proxy settings, and even guest network data. And what Every method has hidden limitations and how to get around them.

Important: If you are using corporate networks with certificates (EAP-SIM, 802.1X) or public access points with portal authentication, some methods may not work. In such cases, manual configuration or assistance from a network administrator will be required.

1. Standard transfer via backup (Android → Android)

The most reliable way for owners of devices on Android — using the built-in backup function. It saves more than just passwords Wi-Fi, but also other network settings, including VPN and mobile data. Works on all devices with Android 6.0 and newer, but there are nuances with manufacturers that modify the firmware (for example, Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei).

To transfer settings:

• 📱 Open Settings → Google → Backup on an old phone.
• 🔄 Make sure the function Backup to Google Drive enabled and the last copy was created recently.
• 🆕 On your new phone, when you turn it on for the first time, select the option Copy data from old device and log in using the same account Google.
• 🔍 In the list of backups, select the latest backup from your old phone.

⚠️ Please note: Some manufacturers (eg. Xiaomi) by default disables backup of Wi-Fi passwords to the cloud. To fix this, go to Settings → Storage → Backup → Backup settings and turn on the option Network Settings.

If your new phone is already set up, you can restore your data manually:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Click "Restore" and select the desired copy.
3. Confirm that you want to restore network settings (a reboot may be required).

2. Transfer via QR code (universal method)

Method with QR code works on any device - even Android, though iPhone, even on tablets. Its main advantage: you don't need to know the password itself; just scan the code from your old phone. This is especially convenient if you don't remember the network password or it's generated automatically (for example, on routers). TP-Link or Keenetic).

Instructions for Android:

• 📲 Open Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on the name of the current network.
• 🖼️ Click on the icon Share (or QR code on some firmware).
• 🔍 Scan the code with your new phone's camera—it will automatically connect to the network.

For iPhone (iOS 11 and later):

• 🍎 On the old one iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi and tap on the network.
• 🔄 Click Share Password (if the option is active) or use a third-party application to generate QR (for example, QR Code Generator).
• 📱 On your new phone, scan the code using the camera or app Google Lens.

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone function Share Password works only between devices Apple (iPhone → iPhone, iPhone → Mac). To transfer to Android you will have to use third-party applications or manual input.

3. Using cloud services (Google, iCloud, Samsung Cloud)

Cloud services allow you to synchronize settings Wi-Fi between devices within the same ecosystem. For example, if you use an account Google on Android or iCloud on iPhonePasswords can be transferred automatically. However, this method has limitations:

To transfer settings via Google:

1. On your old phone, make sure backup is enabled. Settings → Google → Backup.
2. On your new phone, select restore from backup during setup.
3. After recovery, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi — networks should appear automatically.

For iCloud (iPhone → iPhone):

• 🔄 Make sure sync is enabled on both devices Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys.
• 📱 On the new one iPhone When you first connect to Wi-Fi, the system will offer to use saved networks.

Why don't cloud services migrate some networks?

Some corporate networks (with WPA2-Enterprise (or certificates) are not stored in the cloud due to security policies. Manufacturers may also block the transfer of data from guest networks or access points with portal authentication (for example, in hotels or airports).

4. Manual export/import of settings (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can manually export the settings. Wi-Fi from system files. This method requires superuser rights (root) on Android or use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). On iPhone Manual export is only possible via a backup copy in iTunes/Finder, but without jailbreak, access to files is limited.

Instructions for Android With root:

1. Install a file manager with support root (For example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the folder /data/misc/wifi/ and copy the file WifiConfigStore.xml.
3. Transfer the file to the new phone in the same folder (requires root-rights).
4. Restart your device.

For Android without root (through ADB):

adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml C:\backup\
adb push C:\backup\WifiConfigStore.xml /data/misc/wifi/

⚠️ Warning: Manually editing system files may result in loss of network settings or unstable Wi-Fi. Before experimenting, create a full backup via TWRP or Orange Backup.

For iPhone:

• Create a backup in iTunes/Finder.
• Use the utility iBackupBot or iMazingto extract the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist.
• Transfer the file to a new backup and restore it to the target device.

Create a backup copy of the current settings

Make sure you have root/ADB access (for Android)

Download the necessary utilities (iBackupBot for iPhone)

Check OS version compatibility-->

5. Transfer from Android to iPhone (and vice versa) using third-party apps

Transition between ecosystems (Android ↔ iOS) complicated by closure Apple, but there are apps that simplify the process. The most reliable are:

• 🔄 Move to iOS (official from Apple) - transfers Wi-Fi, contacts, messages.
• 📱 Send Anywhere — transfers files with settings over a local network.
• 🌐 WiFi Key Recovery (Android only) - Exports passwords to a readable format.

Instructions for Move to iOS:

1. On Android install Move to iOS from Google Play.
2. On iPhone When setting up, select Transferring data from Android.
3. Generate code for iPhone and enter it on Android.
4. Select Wi-Fi Settings in the list of data to be transferred.

For the reverse transfer (iPhone → Android) this is suitable Send Anywhere:

• 📤 On iPhone Export your Wi-Fi settings to a file (via iMazing or iBackupBot).
• 📥 Send the file to Android through Send Anywhere.
• 🔧 Use WiFi Key Recoveryto import networks.

⚠️ Attention: Appendix Move to iOS works only when first setup iPhoneIf the device is already configured, you will need to reset it to factory settings.

6. Alternative methods: NFC, Bluetooth and physical transfer

If standard methods don't work, you can try alternative options. They're less versatile, but sometimes they can save lives in unusual situations.

Transfer via NFC (only for Android):

• 📱 Make sure both phones are turned on NFC And Android Beam (on older versions).
• 🔄 Open Wi-Fi settings on your old phone, select the network, and bring the devices close to each other.
• 🔗 Confirm data transfer on the new phone.

Using Bluetooth:

• 📲 Turn on your old phone Bluetooth and find the function Send Wi-Fi password (available on some firmware versions, for example, One UI from Samsung).
• 🔄 Connect the devices via Bluetooth and confirm the transfer.

Physical transfer via SIM card (obsolete method):

Some old phones (Nokia, Sony Ericsson) supported saving Wi-Fi settings to the SIM card. This method is rarely used today, but if you have a rare device with this feature, you can try:

1. Go to Settings → Wireless & networks → SIM settings.
2. Select an option Save Wi-Fi settings to SIM card.
3. Transfer the SIM card to your new phone and restore the settings.

7. Common problems and their solutions

Even with a proper transfer, errors can still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 It's enabled on both phones Wi-Fi And Bluetooth (if wireless transmission is used).
• 🔄 The devices are on the same network (for methods with local transfer).
• 📱 There is enough free space on the new phone (to restore from a backup).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or MikroTik) function enabled "Client Isolation" (Client Isolation), which blocks data exchange between devices on the same network. Disable it in the router's web interface (192.168.1.1), if methods with local transfer do not work.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer Wi-Fi settings without an old phone?

Yes, if you have a backup in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud) or a previously exported settings file. You can also try recovering passwords through the router: log into its web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and look at the section Wireless → Security.

Why are some networks not displayed after transfer?

This may be due to:

• 🔒 Hidden networks (SSID is not broadcast) - these must be added manually.
• 🔐 Corporate networks with certificates (EAP-SIM, PEAP) - they are not transferred through standard methods.
• 📵 Manufacturer restrictions (e.g. Huawei does not tolerate networks with Cyrillic names).

How to transfer Wi-Fi settings from iPhone to Mac?

On devices Apple this is done automatically through iCloud:

1. Make sure sync is enabled on both devices. Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Passwords & Keys.
2. On Mac open System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi — networks should appear in the list.

If the networks do not appear, check that Mac And iPhone tied to one Apple ID.

Is it possible to transfer Wi-Fi settings from a phone to a TV or laptop?

Yes, but the methods are different:

• 📺 For Android TV or Smart TV (For example, Samsung, LG) can be generated QR code on your phone and scan it with your TV camera (if supported).
• 💻 On Windows or macOS It's easier to connect to the network manually, since transferring settings from a phone is not possible.

Is it safe to use third-party password transfer apps?

Most popular applications (eg. WiFi Key Recovery or Move to iOS) are safe, but:

• 🔍 Check reviews and ratings in Google Play/App Store.
• 🚫 Avoid apps that request unnecessary permissions (such as access to SMS or contacts).
• 🔒 After the transfer, delete temporary files containing passwords.

For maximum security, use official methods (QR code, cloud services).