How to connect your phone to Wi-Fi without a password using another smartphone: 5 proven methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password but urgently need to connect a new phone? Or is a guest asking for internet access but you don't want to share the password? Situations vary, but the solution is the same: connection via another phone, which is already connected to the network. This method also works for Android, and for iPhone, but with some nuances. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods—from standard functions to workarounds for older models.

Many people mistakenly believe that it is impossible to connect to Wi-Fi without a password. In fact, modern smartphones support transfer network settings via Bluetooth, QR code, or access point — the main thing is to know where to look for these options. And if the router supports WPS, then the process will take literally 10 seconds. But first things first.

⚠️ Attention: Some methods (such as WPS) may be disabled in your router's default settings. If you're unable to connect, check your router's settings via the web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Method 1: Using a QR code (Android and iPhone)

The simplest and most universal method is to generate QR code with Wi-Fi data on the connected phone and scan it with a second device. Works on all modern smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, iPhone 11/12/13/14/15 and newer models.

On Android The QR code is created through the network settings:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network.
3. Select Share or QR code (on some firmware versions the option is hidden under Additionally).
4. Enter your lock screen PIN or password (if required).
5. Show the QR code to the second phone - it needs to be scanned using the camera or a special app.

On iPhone (iOS 11 and later) the algorithm is slightly different:

• 📱 Log in Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Click on your network name.
• 🔗 Tap on the field Password - an option will appear Share password (if there is another one nearby iPhone or iPad with Bluetooth enabled).
• 📲 Confirm the connection on the second device.

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone function Share password works only between devices Apple. For Android you will have to use third-party applications like WiFi Key Share or QR & Barcode Scanner.

2. Method: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) function

WPS — is a technology for quickly connecting to a router without entering a password. It is supported by most modern routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik) and many smartphones on AndroidOn . iPhone WPS does not work due to restrictions Apple.

Instructions for Android:

1. Make sure WPS is enabled on your router (usually a button on the back panel or in the web interface under Wi-Fi → WPS).
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → WPS (the path may differ depending on the firmware).
3. Click Connect via WPS.
4. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the router (or enter the PIN code if required).

If there is no WPS button on your router, check its presence in the web interface:

192.168.0.1 → Wireless → WPS → Enable

What to do if WPS doesn't work?

If your router doesn't support WPS or it's disabled, try the alternative methods in this article. Also, check if WPS is blocked in your security settings (some ISPs disable it by default).

Method 3: Sharing the Internet via an Access Point (Hotspot)

If you can't connect directly to Wi-Fi, you can turn your first phone into a hotspot, and connect the second phone to it. The downside of this method is that traffic will go through the main device, which can reduce speed and drain the battery.

How to set up mobile hotspot on Android:

• 📶 Open Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering.
• 🔄 Turn on Mobile hotspot.
• 🔒 Set the network name (SSID) and password (or leave the network open, but this is not secure!).
• 📱 Connect the second phone to the created network.

On iPhone the algorithm is similar:

1. Go to Settings → Tethering.
2. Activate Allow others.
3. Select a connection method: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.
4. On the second device, find the network with the name of your iPhone and connect.

⚠️ Attention: Some mobile operators block hotspot access (especially on unlimited plans). If your hotspot won't turn on, check your plan's terms.

4. Method: Transferring the password via Bluetooth (Android)

Few people know, but Android can transfer Wi-Fi data via Bluetooth without generating a QR code. This method works on devices with Android 10 and newer, but may not be supported by some manufacturers (eg. Huawei And Xiaomi sometimes block the function).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones.
2. On a phone that is already connected to Wi-Fi, open Settings → Google → Devices & Sharing → Quick Transfer (or Nearby Share).
3. Select an option Send and specify the second phone in the list of available devices.
4. On the second phone, confirm receipt of the data.
5. After transferring, the Wi-Fi password will be automatically saved in the network settings.

If Nearby Share does not find the device:

• 🔄 Restart Bluetooth on both phones.
• 📱 Make sure that the second device is in discoverable mode (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Visibility).
• 🔗 Make sure both phones are connected to the same account Google (not necessary, but speeds up the process).

5. Method: Using password sharing apps

If standard methods don't work, third-party applications will come to the rescue. They allow export Wi-Fi passwords from one phone and import it to another. Important: this requires root access (on Android) or jailbreak (on iPhone), but there are also simpler solutions.

Top 3 apps for Android:

• 🔐 WiFi Password Viewer — shows saved passwords (requires root).
• 📤 WiFi Key Share — generates a QR code for data transfer.
• 🔄 Instabridge — automatically connects to known networks (works without root).

For iPhone Without jailbreaking there are fewer options, but you can use a workaround:

1. Copy the Wi-Fi password from Mac (if it's connected to the same network): open Bunch of keys, find the network name and copy the password.
2. Send password to iPhone through AirDrop or messenger.

On Android 12 and newer versions, some Wi-Fi password viewer apps may not work due to stricter security policies. In this case, manual export via ADB (for experienced users).

6. Possible errors and their solutions

Even with detailed instructions, problems can arise. Let's look at the most common ones:

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔧 Restart your router (sometimes resetting it to factory settings helps).
• 📡 Check if it is enabled on your router MAC filter (it can block new devices).
• 🔄 Update your phone's firmware - in new versions Android And iOS connection errors are often corrected.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect to Wi-Fi without a password if the first phone is not connected to the network?

No, all the methods described require at least one device to already be connected to Wi-Fi. If the password is completely lost, the only option left is to reset the router to factory settings (press the button). Reset on the body) and configure it again.

Why doesn't iPhone have a Wi-Fi QR code generator feature?

Apple limits such capabilities for security reasons. Instead of a QR code, use the Share password (works only between devices) Apple) or customize access point.

Is it safe to connect to Wi-Fi using WPS?

WPS is convenient, but it has vulnerabilities—attackers can brute-force the PIN. If security is critical, it's better to use a QR code or manually enter the password. Disable WPS in the router settings after connecting.

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

Yes, but not in all ways. The most reliable options are:

1. Generate QR code on Android and scan it on iPhone through the camera.
2. Send the password as text via messenger.
3. Use iPhone as an access point (if it is already connected to Wi-Fi).

Why doesn't the second phone connect after transferring the password via Bluetooth?

Possible reasons:

• It's enabled on the router. MAC filter.
• The password was transmitted incorrectly (check manually).
• The devices are too far apart (Bluetooth has a limited range).

Solution: Try a different method (e.g. QR code) or reboot your router.