How to connect to Wi-Fi via QR code from another phone: full instructions 2026

Connecting to Wi-Fi via a QR code is one of the most convenient ways to share internet from one phone to another without having to enter complex passwords. This is especially useful for guests, colleagues, or family members who need to quickly access the internet. But how exactly does this technology work? And why does the QR code sometimes fail to scan or return an error?

Modern smartphones on Android (starting with version 10) and iOS (since version 11) support generating QR codes for Wi-Fi networks. This means you can generate a code on one device and scan it on another—without manually entering it. SSID (network name) and password. However, not everyone knows that this requires not only device compatibility but also proper router security settings. For example, if your Wi-Fi uses an outdated protocol WEP, the QR code may not work.

In this article we will go through step-by-step instructions for Android (including Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Google Pixel) And iPhoneWe'll also explain how to resolve common issues, from unreadable codes to connection errors. You'll learn which router settings can interfere with the process and how to fix them.

1. How to generate a QR code for Wi-Fi on Android

On most modern smartphones with Android 10+ Generating a QR code for Wi-Fi takes less than a minute. However, the interface may vary depending on the manufacturer. Let's look at the universal method and features for popular brands.

Universal method (pure Android, Google Pixel, Motorola):

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network (the one you are already connected to).
3. Select Share (or Share (on English firmware).
4. Enter your device PIN or password (if required).
5. A QR code will appear - you can scan it with another phone.

Features for Samsung Galaxy:

On devices with a shell One UI the path is a little different:

1. Tap and hold the name of your Wi-Fi network in the list of available networks.
2. In the menu that appears, select Share QR code.
3. Confirm the action with PIN, imprint or facial recognition.

For Xiaomi (MIUI):

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the current network and select QR code in the upper right corner.
3. If the option is missing, update the firmware to the latest version. MIUI 12+.

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

Check that your phone has the latest firmware version installed|

Disable your VPN - it may be blocking code generation|

Allow camera access for scanning (on the second phone)-->

2. Generate a QR code on iPhone (iOS)

On iPhone With iOS 11+ Creating a QR code for Wi-Fi is a little more complicated than Android, because Apple hasn't added this feature to the default settings. However, there are two reliable ways:

Method 1: Via Shortcuts

1. Install the application Teams (if it is not by default).
2. Open it and click Gallery → find the team Create a Wi-Fi QR code.
3. Add the command to your library and run it.
4. Enter the network name (SSID) and password, then click Ready.
5. A QR code will be generated - you can save it in Photo or scan it directly.

Method 2: Via third-party applications

If the first method doesn't work, use free utilities from App Store, For example:

• 🔹 QR Code Generator — allows you to create a code for Wi-Fi, websites, contacts.
• 🔹 WiFi QR — a specialized application with a minimalistic interface.
• 🔹 Visual Codes - supports saving codes in high resolution.

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party applications, check the permissions they request. Some utilities may require access to geolocation or contacts without an obvious reason - this is a potential risk of data leakage.

3. How to scan a QR code on another phone

Once the QR code is generated, all that's left to do is scan it with a second device. The process is simpler than generating it, but there are some nuances depending on the operating system.

On Android:

1. Open camera and point the lens at the QR code.
2. If nothing happens, go to Google Lens (available via the icon in the app) Camera or as a separate application).
3. Click on the notification Connect to Wi-Fi, which will appear after scanning.

On iPhone:

1. Open the default application Camera.
2. Point the camera at the QR code and a notification will appear at the top of the screen.
3. Tap the notification and confirm the connection.

If scanning does not work:

• 📵 Make sure the QR code is clear (no blur or glare).
• 🔦 Check the lighting - in low light, the camera may not recognize the code.
• 📱 Update your phone's software—older versions may not support Wi-Fi code scanning.
• 🔄 Restart your phone if the connection notification does not appear.

Why won't my iPhone scan my Wi-Fi QR code?

On iPhones prior to iOS 11, QR code scanning for Wi-Fi is not supported at the system level. The issue may also be in the camera settings: go to Settings → Camera and make sure the option is Scan QR codes enabled. If it's not, update iOS.

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if the QR code is generated correctly, connection may fail. Let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses the protocol WEP, the QR code for connection will not work on most modern phones. This protocol is outdated and is not supported in Android 10+ And iOS 14+Update your router's security settings to WPA2 or WPA3.

5. Security: Risks of Using QR Codes for Wi-Fi

While QR codes are convenient, they are not without risks. The main danger is traffic interceptionIf an attacker gains access to your QR code (for example, through a photo), they can connect to your network. This is especially true in public places where the code can be scanned by strangers.

How to minimize risks:

• 🔒 Generate a QR code only when necessary and delete it after use.
• 📱 Do not save codes to cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud).
• 🛡️ Use guest mode on the router for temporary connections.
• 🔄 Change your Wi-Fi password regularly (every 2-3 months).

What to do if a QR code falls into the wrong hands?

1. Change your Wi-Fi password immediately in your router settings.
2. Check the list of connected devices (usually in the section DHCP Clients or Connected Devices).
3. Disable unknown gadgets and enable filtering by MAC addresses.

Wi-Fi QR codes don't encrypt network data—they simply transmit the SSID and password in plain text. This means anyone who scans the code will have full access to your network. If you need to distribute the Internet in a cafe or office, it is better to use guest network with limited rights.

6. Alternative ways to distribute Wi-Fi without a QR code

If QR code generation is unavailable for some reason, you can use other methods:

1. Via NFC (for Android)

• 📱 Bring two phones with the power on NFC to each other.
• 🔗 On the first phone, select the option Share Wi-Fi via NFC (available on Android 10+).
• 🔄 Confirm data transfer on the second device.

2. Via Bluetooth (WPS)

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both phones.
• 🔄 On the first phone, go to Wi-Fi Settings → Advanced → WPS via Bluetooth.
• 📱 Confirm the connection on the second device.

3. Manually (classic method)

If nothing works, you can always enter the network details manually:

1. Find out SSID (network name) and password on the first phone.
2. On the second phone, go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
3. Select the desired network and enter the password.

⚠️ Attention: Method WPS via Bluetooth It's considered less secure than a QR code, as it's vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Use it only in trusted environments.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting via QR code

Is it possible to create a QR code for Wi-Fi on a phone without root access?

Yes, you don't need root access for this. All modern versions Android And iOS support the generation of QR codes through standard settings or applications from official stores (Google Play, App Store).

Why doesn't QR code work on older phones?

Old versions Android (below 10) and iOS (below 11) do not support QR code scanning for Wi-Fi at the system level. In this case, you can use third-party apps, such as QR & Barcode Scanner For Android or Visual Codes For iPhone.

How to share Wi-Fi from a laptop (Windows/macOS) via QR code?

There is no built-in QR code generator function for Wi-Fi on a PC, but you can use online services, for example Qifi (Enter the SSID and password to generate a code). Use a webcam and any QR scanner to scan.

Is it possible to scan a QR code from another phone's screen?

Yes, but this requires the first phone's screen to be bright enough and the second phone's camera to focus clearly. It works best in good lighting. If scanning fails, try taking a screenshot of the QR code and showing it from another device.

Will the QR code work if I change my Wi-Fi password?

No, the QR code contains the current password at the time of generation. If you change the password in the router settings, the old QR code will become invalid. You will need to generate a new one.