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

Transferring a Wi-Fi password between phones is a task almost every user faces when buying a new smartphone or helping friends connect. It seems like a simple operation, but in practice it raises a host of questions: where is the password stored, can it be copied without a router, why doesn't the iPhone display the passcode, and Android Requires root access. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods—from standard operating system functions to workarounds for complex cases.

The main problem is that modern operating systems hide passwords for security purposes. iOS There is no built-in way to view the saved network key, and Android the path to it depends on the firmware version and the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel (They have different menus.) Furthermore, many users forget their password immediately after the first connection, relying on automatic saving. We've compiled working methods that cover 95% of situations—from simply scanning a QR code to manually exporting configurations.

Important: If you plan to frequently share Wi-Fi access, consider alternative solutions such as a guest network on your router or the Wi-Fi DirectThis will eliminate the need to transfer the password each time. But if you need to transfer an existing key, read on.

1. The standard method on Android: via network settings

On most smartphones with Android 10 and newer versions have a built-in feature for viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords. The interface may differ depending on the shell, but the general principle is the same. This method does not require superuser rights and works on Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus and other devices with pure Android.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network and Internet → Wi-Fi on some models).
• 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap on its name (do not reconnect!).
• 🔑 In the window that opens, select Share (or Share, Show password).
• 🔐 The system will ask you to confirm your identity - use PIN code, fingerprint or graphic key.
• 📋 After authorization, a QR code and text password will appear - you can copy it or show it to the second phone.

Make sure your phone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

Check your Android version (must be 10+)

Disable your VPN—it may be blocking access to system settings.

If there is no "Share" option, use alternative methods-->

On some firmware (for example, on Xiaomi MIUI or Huawei EMUI) the path may look different:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
2. Select Network management or Saved networks.
3. Tap on the network name and find the option Show password.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9 and older or corporate firmware (for example, on some Sony Xperia) This method may not work. In this case, use the methods in the following sections.

2. Transfer password from iPhone to iPhone (or Android)

Apple does not provide direct access to saved Wi-Fi passwords in the settings, but there are two workarounds: via iCloud Keychain (if the devices are linked to the same Apple ID) and through public access (for temporary transfer). The first method is suitable for constantly syncing passwords between your devices, the second is for one-time transfers to friends.

Method 1: Sync via iCloud Keychain

• ☁️ Make sure that the feature is enabled on both iPhones iCloud Keychain (Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain).
• 🔄 Connect the second iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network—the password will be automatically retrieved from the cloud.
• 🔒 If syncing isn't working, make sure both devices are updated to the latest version iOS.

Method 2: Temporary Sharing (for iOS 11+)

1. Unlock an iPhone that is already connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Bring the second iPhone (or Android-device) to the first one at a distance of up to 10 cm.
3. On the second phone, select the desired Wi-Fi network in the settings.
4. On the first iPhone, a pop-up window will appear with an offer Share Wi-Fi password — confirm the action.

- Bluetooth is enabled on both devices

- The Apple ID on the first iPhone is added to the contacts of the second (this is not necessary for Android)

- Devices are not in Do Not Disturb mode-->

For Android-this method will only work for devices that have the latest version installed Google Play ServicesIf the transfer does not occur, try updating the services via Play Market or use the QR code (see next section).

3. Universal method: QR code for password transfer

The most reliable and cross-platform method is to generate a QR code with network data on the first phone and scan it with the second. This works between any combination of devices (Android→iPhone, iPhone→Android, Android→Android) and does not require administrator rights.

On Android:

• 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings, tap on the network name and select Share (as in the first method).
• 🔲 A QR code will appear - you can show it to the second phone or save it as an image.
• 📷 On the second phone, scan the code using the camera (on Android 10+ And iOS 11+ scanning works automatically) or a special application like Google Lens.

On iPhone:

• 🍎 Install the application Shortcuts (if it is not by default).
• 🔗 Download a ready-made shortcut for generating a QR code (for example, this - check the source's reputation!).
• 📋 Launch the shortcut, select a Wi-Fi network, and it will generate a QR code to scan.

QR code

Manual input

Share (iPhone)

Sync apps

Another option-->

* Requires installation of a third-party shortcut on iPhone.

4. Using third-party applications

If built-in methods don't work (for example, on older versions of Android or custom ROMs), specialized utilities can help. They allow you to export all saved Wi-Fi passwords to a file or directly transfer them to another device. It's important to choose apps with a good reputation and a trusted developer, as some programs may collect network data.

Top 3 verified apps:

• 🛠️ WiFi Password Viewer (only for Android (with root) - shows all saved passwords and allows you to export them to a text file.
• 🔄 WiFi Key Recovery (works without root on some firmware versions) - recovers passwords from system files.
• 📱 WiFi Map (cross-platform) - stores connection history and allows sharing access via the cloud.

Instructions for WiFi Password Viewer:

1. Download the app from Google Play and provide root access (if required).
2. In the main menu, select the desired network from the list.
3. Click Copy password or Share to transfer to another phone.
4. On the second device, enter the password manually or scan the generated QR code.

⚠️ Warning: Apps that request root access may violate the security policies of some banking apps (e.g. Sberbank Online or Tinkoff). If you use mobile banking, you may need to reinstall your banking programs after using such utilities.

How to check if an app is stealing your passwords?

1. Check the number of installations (should be 1M+).

2. Read the reviews, especially the 1-2 star ones (they often report fraud).

3. Use VirusTotal to check the APK file (if you are not downloading from the official store).

4. Check permissions: the app should not request access to SMS, contacts, or geolocation without reason.

5. Manual export of configurations (for advanced users)

If you have access to root rights on Android or if you are ready to work with system files, you can manually extract passwords from the configuration file wpa_supplicant.confThis method is suitable for tech-savvy users and allows you to transfer all saved networks at once.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (e.g. Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   or (on older versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/

3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and copy it to your SD card or cloud.
4. Open the file with a text editor - it will list all networks with passwords in the following format:

   network={
   ssid="Network_Name"
   psk="wifi_password"
   key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
   }

5. Transfer the file to the second phone and place it in the same folder (back up the original!).
6. Restart your device - networks should appear in the list of available ones.

On devices with Android 10+ file wpa_supplicant.conf may be encrypted. In this case, decryption using a utility will be required. wpa_supplicant or specialized scripts.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly editing system files may result in loss of connection to all saved networks. Back up the original file before making any changes!

6. Alternative solutions: if nothing works

If none of the above methods work (for example, on a device with heavily stripped firmware or a corporate phone), consider alternative approaches:

• 🔧 Resetting the router: Click the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10 seconds), then connect using the standard password (indicated on the device sticker). Minus: All router settings will be reset, including the network name and guest access.
• 📡 WPS connection: Click the button WPS on the router, then on the phone select Connecting via WPS in the Wi-Fi settings. Minus: Not all routers support WPS, and the method is considered less secure.
• 📞 Call the provider: If the router is provided by the Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), call support - they can provide the password using the contract number. Minus: Identity verification will be required.
• 🖥️ View on PC: If a laptop is connected to the network with Windows, the password can be found out through Control Panel → Network Connections → Wireless Network → Properties → Security.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When transferring a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter typical problems that are easy to prevent:

• 🔌 The phone doesn't see the QR code: Make sure the screen brightness is at maximum and the camera of the second phone is not covered by a protective film. iPhone Sometimes you need to manually allow access to the camera for scanning.
• 🔒 "Incorrect password" when connecting: Check the character case (passwords are case-sensitive!) and that there are no extra spaces. If the password was copied from a QR code, try entering it manually.
• 📵 Sharing is not working on my iPhone.Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices and that they are within 1 meter of each other. Restart both phones if the feature doesn't work.
• 🛑 The app doesn't show passwords.: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) System files are protected. Try a different app or the manual method.

If you are transferring your password to a device with a different operating system (for example, Android on iPhone), please take into account the following restrictions:

• 🍎 iPhone does not support encrypted networks WPA3 Enterprise - If your router uses this standard, temporarily switch to WPA2-PSK.
• 🤖 Some AndroidDevices can't connect to networks with Cyrillic characters in their SSID names. Rename the network to Latin characters using the router settings.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer a Wi-Fi password without access to the router?

Yes, all the methods in this article (except resetting the router) work without physical access to the router. The main thing is that at least one phone is already connected to the network.

Why isn't there a "Share" option in Wi-Fi settings on my Android?

It depends on the firmware version and the manufacturer. Xiaomi With MIUI 12 and newer ones have this option, but on older ones Samsung (to One UI 2.0) it may not be there. Use a QR code or third-party apps.

Are password extraction apps safe to use?

Verified apps from Google Play (with a high rating and millions of installations) are safe, but avoid apps that request unnecessary permissions (such as SMS or geolocation access). Always read reviews before installing.

How to transfer a password from a phone to a laptop?

Generate a QR code on your phone (as described in section 3) and scan it with your laptop's webcam via websites like zxing.orgAlternatively, copy the password manually and enter it into the Wi-Fi settings on your PC.

What should I do if I forgot my router password and can't connect?

The only reliable way is to reset the router to factory settings (using the button Reset). After that, connect using the default password (indicated on the device's sticker) and reconfigure the network. If you have a provider router, call support—they can restore access remotely.