How to view and share the password for the Wi-Fi you're connected to

Every router owner is familiar with the experience of having friends or clients over and immediately asking for the Wi-Fi password. Entering a long string of characters manually is inconvenient, and spelling it out is tedious. Fortunately, modern operating systems make it easy to view the saved security key and share it with just one tap.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of how to transfer network access using regular means Android and iOS operating systems, as well as Windows 10 and 11 capabilities. You'll learn how to generate QR codes for instantly connecting guests and where to find saved passwords in the system settings if you need to enter them on a device without a screen.

Before we get into the instructions, it's worth noting that to complete most of the steps described, you'll need administrator rights or an unlocked device screen. Data security is a priority for Google and Apple, so it's impossible to simply view your password in plain text without authorization. However, if you're already connected to the network, the system considers you a trusted user.

Transferring access on Android smartphones

Starting with Android 10, and in some operating systems even earlier, the system features a built-in QR code generator. This is the fastest way to share access. You don't need to find a pen and paper to write down the symbols or dictate them. Simply hold the guest's camera up to your phone's screen.

To implement this method, open Settings your device and go to the section Wi-Fi (or Connections). Find the network you're currently connected to and click the gear icon or arrow to the right of its name. In the menu that opens, you'll see a button Share or a QR code icon.

After clicking, the system may ask you to confirm your identity using fingerprint, Face ID or a screen unlock PIN. This is a security measure that ensures that only the device owner has access to the password. After confirmation, a QR code will appear on the screen.

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models (e.g., Xiaomi, Samsung), the code may be hidden by asterisks, but the "Share" button or QR code icon will still be active. If the code isn't immediately visible, try tapping the "Share" button at the bottom of the network settings screen.

The guest simply opens the standard camera app, points the camera at the code, and taps the connection notification that appears. Manually entering a password is not required. If the guest has an Android device, the connection will be automatic. If an iPhone, the connection will be made via the system's QR code reader.

There is also the possibility of data transfer via NFC tags or password manager apps, but the built-in QR code remains the most universal and fastest solution, requiring no additional software.

How to Share Wi-Fi on iPhone (iOS)

Apple's ecosystem offers perhaps the most elegant password sharing mechanism, which works on the principle AirDropHowever, for it to work successfully, several technical requirements must be met, which users often forget. Most importantly, the devices must be in close proximity to each other.

To share your password, make sure your iPhone is turned on. Bluetooth And Wi-FiIt's also important that the contact you're granting access to is saved in your address book, and their Apple ID (email or phone number) is linked to this contact. Without saving them to your contacts, this feature won't work for privacy reasons.

The process is simple: bring your unlocked iPhone close to a friend's device (Mac or iPhone) that is attempting to connect to your network. A pop-up window will automatically appear on your device's screen with an offer. Share passwordClick this button and the password will be transmitted in an encrypted manner.

If the automatic window does not appear, check if the guest device is in the guest mode. Personal Hotspot (Modem Mode), which can hijack connection priority. Also, make sure the iOS version on both devices isn't critically outdated (the feature has been stable since iOS 11).

In newer versions of iOS (starting with 18) and iPadOS, it is now possible to view passwords in plain text directly in Settings. To do this, go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the blue icon (i) next to the active network and tap on the hidden field PasswordThe system will ask for Face ID, after which you can copy the password.

Viewing your password in Windows 10 and 11

On Windows computers, the situation is a bit more complicated due to the more complex network settings interface, especially in recent Windows 11 updates. However, the operating system stores all security keys in a special vault, which can be accessed through the graphical interface.

The easiest way in Windows 10 and 11 is to use the command prompt. It's faster than navigating through the settings menu. Open the command prompt (CMD) as administrator or use PowerShell. Enter the command to display the network profile.

netsh wlan show profile name="Your_Network_Name" key=clear

In the command output, find the line Key Content (Key Contents). The value next to it is your password. This method works on all versions of Windows since Vista and is not affected by interface updates.

If you prefer the graphical interface in Windows 11, the path will be as follows: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networksSelect the desired network and click the button. View (or an eye icon) in the password field. The system will request confirmation via PIN or biometrics.

⚠️ Attention: In Windows 10, the "Wireless Network Properties" button may be grayed out in the classic "Wireless Network Status" window if you don't have local administrator rights. In this case, logging in via Command Prompt with administrator rights is the only solution.

For those who want to transfer a password from a PC to a phone, you can use an online QR code generator by entering the copied password, or use the "Sharing" function in the mobile hotspot settings if you are sharing the internet from a laptop.

Using third-party applications and scanners

If built-in tools don't work for some reason or your smartphone's interface has been heavily modified by the manufacturer, apps from stores can come to the rescue. Google Play And App StoreThey can scan QR codes, generate them, or manage saved passwords.

Popular QR code scanners such as QR Scanner or Bixby Vision (on Samsung) allow you to not only read codes but also create them. You can enter a password manually into the generator, create an image, and show it to guests. This is a universal method that works even on feature phones with a camera.

There are also password managers such as WiFi Password Viewer (require root rights on Android) or cloud synchronizers like Google Password ManagerThe latter allows you to view your Wi-Fi password on any device where you are signed in to your Google account by going to passwords.google.com.

However, you should be careful with applications that require Root accessGranting full permissions to third-party software can reduce the overall security of your device. Use such programs only from trusted developers and only when absolutely necessary.

Transfer Method Compatibility Table

To help you decide which method is best for your situation, we've prepared a summary table. It will help you quickly determine the available functionality depending on the device pair (sender-recipient).

What should I do if the QR code is not readable?-->