How to connect Wi-Fi to another phone without a password or login: all working methods

It's a familiar situation: a friend comes over and asks to connect to your Wi-Fi, but you don't remember the router password. Or you urgently need to share internet from your phone to your tablet, but you're too lazy to enter a long code. Luckily, there's several legal ways Connect a second phone to Wi-Fi without a password—and most of them don't even require a router login.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods, which work on Android (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) And iPhone (iOS 12-17) Some of them use hidden functions of operating systems, others are standard protocols like WPS or Bluetooth bridges. Important: all the methods described do not violate network security and do not require hacking.

Before we get into the instructions, let's clarify: if we're talking about connecting to someone else's Wi-Fi (for example, a neighbor), then without the consent of the network owner it will be illegally In most countries. We only consider cases where you own a router or share internet from your phone.

1. Connection via QR code (the fastest way)

Modern smartphones on Android 10+ And iOS 11+ support Automatic connection to Wi-Fi via QR codeThis method works if you already have one phone connected to the network and want to connect a second one without entering a password.

On Android You can generate a network QR code directly in the settings:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network.
3. Select an item Share or QR code (on Xiaomi — Share password).
4. Bring the second phone up and scan the code using the camera or app Google Lens.

On iPhone the process is even simpler:

1. Make sure both devices are running iOS 11 or later.
2. Bring the second one iPhone to the first (distance up to 10 cm).
3. A pop-up window will appear on the screen asking you to connect to Wi-Fi – confirm the action.

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on on the second phone.

The QR code has not expired (some networks update it every 2 minutes)

The camera of the second phone is not covered by a case or film

Both devices are within range of the network-->

Limitations of the method:

• 🔹 On Android Below version 10, the QR code may not be generated.
• 🔹 Some manufacturers (for example, Huawei) hide this function in a submenu Additionally.
• 🔹 If the network uses hidden SSID, the QR code may not work.

⚠️ Attention: On corporate networks (in offices and universities), QR code connections are often blocked by administrators. In this case, try other methods.

2. Using WPS (for routers with a button)

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) — is a protocol that allows you to connect to a network without entering a password by pressing a single button on the router. This method works if:

• 📶 Your router supports WPS (usually there is a button with this name or icon) 🔄).
• 📱 The phone supports WPS (most Android-devices yes, iPhone - No).
• 🔒 WPS is not disabled in the router settings.

Instructions for Android:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → WPS (path may differ).
2. Click Connect via WPS.
3. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the router (usually it is labeled or blinking).
4. The phone will automatically connect to the network.

Important: After connecting via WPS, the Wi-Fi password does not change—it can still be found in the router settings.

⚠️ Attention: If your phone does not connect after pressing WPS, check whether the protocol is disabled in the router's web interface (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). In some models, WPS only works when enabled. WPA2 encryption.

3. Sharing the Internet via Bluetooth (for Android and iPhone)

If you don't have access to a router, but you have a phone with mobile Internet, you can share Wi-Fi via BluetoothThis method works on all modern smartphones and does not require a password for the main network.

Instructions for Android:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones.
2. On the sending phone, open Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering → Bluetooth tethering.
3. Connect the second phone to the first one via Bluetooth (select it in the list of devices and confirm pairing).
4. On the second phone, turn on the Bluetooth option in the settings. Internet access.

Instructions for iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Tethering.
2. Turn on Allow others and select Bluetooth only.
3. Conjugate the second one iPhone or Android-device via Bluetooth.
4. On the second device, in the Bluetooth settings, tap on the name of your iPhone and select Connect to the network.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔋 Low battery consumption compared to Wi-Fi distribution.
• 🛡️ Safer than an open hotspot.
• 📶 Works even if the main Wi-Fi is turned off.

Cons:

• 🐢 Internet speed is lower than Wi-Fi (up to 3 Mbps).
• 📱 Not all applications work correctly via Bluetooth connection.

4. Connecting via Quick Transfer (Android)

On phones Google Pixel, Samsung (With One UI 3.1+) and some other models have a function "Fast Transfer" (analogous to AirDrop on iPhone). It allows you to not only send files, but also automatically connect devices to the same Wi-Fi network.

How does this work:

1. Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on both phones.
2. On a phone that is already connected to the network, open Settings → Google → Devices & Sharing → Quick Transfer.
3. Select Visibility for all.
4. On the second phone, in the same menu, press Search for devices and select the first phone.
5. Confirm Wi-Fi connection on both devices.

This method only works between devices with Android 6.0+ and requires that both phones be logged into the same account Google (not necessarily the same).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi and some Chinese brands, the "Fast Transfer" function may conflict with branded analogs (for example, Mi Share). In this case, disable alternative services in the settings.

5. Resetting the router settings (extreme case)

If you own a router but have forgotten your Wi-Fi password and other methods have not helped, you can reset the router to factory settingsThis will remove all custom settings, including the password, and you will be able to connect by default.

How to reset a router:

1. Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (usually it is recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or toothpick and press the button for 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait for the router to reboot (the indicators should blink).
4. Connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the router sticker) and password (usually admin or an empty field).

What to do after the reset:

• 🔧 Log into your router's web interface (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and set up a new network.
• 🔒 Set a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and letters).
• 📡 Update your router firmware if available.

What happens if I interrupt a router reset?

If you release the reset button prematurely or unplug the router during the reset, the device may become bricked. In 90% of cases, this can be fixed by performing a second reset, but sometimes a firmware update is required. TFTP server (for experienced users).

⚠️ Attention: After the reset, all connected devices (smart lights, cameras, TVs) will be disconnected from the network. You'll have to set them up again. If the router was provided by your provider, you may need to reactivate it with technical support.

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect to Wi-Fi without a password if I'm not the network owner?

Technically yes, but this is against the law In most countries (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code—"Unauthorized access to computer information"), any connection attempt without the network owner's consent is considered hacking.

Exception: if the network is open (without password) or the owner has granted access via WPS/QR code.

Why isn't WPS working on my router?

Possible reasons:

• 🔌 WPS is disabled in the router settings (192.168.1.1 → Wireless Network → WPS).
• 🔄 The router is outdated and does not support the protocol (applicable to models before 2012).
• 🔒 The network uses encryption WEP (not compatible with WPS).
• ⚡ The WPS button is broken or stuck.

Try updating your router firmware or use a different connection method.

How do I connect my iPhone to Wi-Fi without a password if I only have an Android?

Options:

1. Generate a QR code for the network Android and scan it with a camera iPhone (iOS 11+ supports this).
2. Share the internet via Bluetooth with Android on iPhone (see section 3).
3. If your router supports WPS, temporarily connect Android via WPS, find out the password in the settings and enter it iPhone.

Is it safe to use WPS?

The WPS protocol has vulnerability: If the PIN code mode (8 digits) is enabled, it can be cracked in a few hours. Therefore:

• 🔒 Disable WPS in your router settings if you don't use it.
• 🔄 If WPS is required, select the mode PBC (button) instead of PIN.
• 🛡️ Set a complex Wi-Fi password even when using WPS.

Is it possible to connect to Wi-Fi via NFC?

Technically yes, but in practice it is rarely used. Some routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) support NFC connection, but:

• 📱 A phone with NFC is required (not all models have it).
• 🔗 The router must have an NFC tag (rare in budget models).
• 📶 The connection speed is no higher than that of a QR code.

If your router supports NFC, instructions will be in its user manual.