How to use Wi-Fi from another phone: all the ways to share internet from Android to iPhone and back

Are you in a situation where you only have one phone with mobile internet access, and the other device urgently needs internet access? Or do you want to save data by connecting your tablet to access point smartphone instead of buying a separate package? There are at least five ways to share Wi-Fi from one phone to another, from the standard function modem mode to little-known life hacks Bluetooth or QR code.

In this article - step-by-step instructions for all current versions Android (including Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Google Pixel) And iOS (from iPhone 8 to iPhone 15), as well as an analysis of typical errors: why the second phone does not connect to the access point, how to bypass operator restrictions, and what to do if the Internet does not work after connecting. Spoiler: iPhones with iOS 17+ now feature Instant Hotspot, which automatically enables Wi-Fi sharing for devices signed in to the same Apple ID account—without entering a password.

Let us warn you right away: some methods may eat up the battery or slow down the internet speed On your main phone. Mobile operators often block data sharing by default—read more about this in the section on restrictions.

1. Standard method: Wi-Fi access point (Hotspot)

This is the most reliable and universal method that works on any smartphones - from budget Redmi to the flagship iPhoneThe idea is simple: the first phone creates virtual router, to which the second one connects via Wi-Fi, as to a home network.

On Android The path to the settings may differ depending on the shell, but the general scheme is as follows:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Tethering & portable hotspot (on Xiaomi: Settings → Access Point).
2. Select Mobile hotspot (or Personal hotspot on Samsung).
3. Turn on the slider and adjust the settings:
   • 🔄 Network name (SSID): come up with something unique (eg. iPhone_X_Hotspot).
   • 🔒 Password: minimum 8 characters (use letters, numbers and symbols).
   • 📶 Range: select 2.4 GHz for better compatibility (5 GHz is faster, but not all devices support it).

Connect the second phone to the created network as if it were a regular Wi-Fi.

On iPhone the algorithm is even simpler:

1. Go to Settings → Tethering.
2. Activate the slider Allow others.
3. The default password will be generated automatically (you can change it by clicking on it).
4. On the second device, find the network with the name iPhone [your name] and connect.

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone With iOS 13+ The access point automatically turns off if no devices are connected to it for 90 seconds. To avoid this, enable the option Maximize compatibility in the modem mode settings.

Mobile Internet is enabled on the main phone

The hotspot is active (the 📶 icon in the status bar is lit)

On the second phone, Wi-Fi is turned on and searching for networks.

The password has been entered correctly (case sensitive!)

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2. Sharing the Internet via Bluetooth (saves battery, but is slower)

If Wi-Fi is not working for some reason (for example, the operator is blocking distribution), can be used Bluetooth connectionThis method less battery-hungry, but the internet speed will be lower - up to 1–2 Mbps (against 10–50 Mbps via Wi-Fi).

Instructions for Android → Android:

1. On the main phone: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → turn on visibility.
2. On the second phone: Find the first device in the list and connect (you will need to confirm the code).
3. Return to your main phone: Settings → Tethering & portable hotspot → Bluetooth tethering → turn on.
4. On the second phone, activate Bluetooth in the settings. Use for internet access.

For iPhone → Android or Android → iPhone:

• 📱 On iPhone: Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Connect → Bluetooth.
• 🤖 On Android: After pairing the devices, in the Bluetooth settings, select the connected device and turn it on Internet access.

⚠️ Please note: Some operators (eg. Tele2 or Yota) may block internet access via Bluetooth. If there's no network connection after connecting, check your data plan or use alternative methods.

3. Sharing Wi-Fi via QR code (without entering a password)

Every modern smartphone has a QR code scanner, and this method eliminates the need to manually enter a long password. It's especially convenient when you need to quickly connect multiple devices.

On Android 10+ And iOS 13+ it's done like this:

1. On your main phone, turn on the hotspot (see Section 1).
2. On Android: A QR code icon will appear next to the password - click on it.
   On iPhone: hold your finger on the block Modem mode V Control center (swipe down from the top right corner) → tap QR code.
3. On the second phone, open the camera and point it at the QR code. A notification will appear—click Connect.

If there is no QR code in the settings (old version of Android), use third-party applications like QR Code Generator or WiFi Key ShareThey will generate a code based on the network data entered.

What should I do if the camera doesn't recognize the QR code?

Make sure your screen brightness is at maximum level.

Try a different tilt angle - sometimes glare interferes with scanning.

Use a third party scanner (eg. Google Lens or Kaspersky QR Scanner).

If nothing helps, check if camera access to QR scanning is disabled in your privacy settings.

4. Connect via USB cable (maximum speed and stability)

This method is suitable if you have USB cable (for example, from a charger) and you need to distribute the Internet from Android on the other Android or PCThe speed will be higher than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and the battery of the main phone will hardly be used (it will even recharge).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect the phones with a cable (use data cable, not just charging!).
2. On the main phone: Settings → Connections → Tethering & portable hotspot → turn on USB modem.
3. On the second phone, in the connection settings, select USB Internet (may be called USB-ethernet).

For iPhone this method doesn't work — Apple blocks internet sharing via USB to other phones (only on Mac or PC).

Wi-Fi (hotspot)

Bluetooth

USB cable

QR code

Another way-->

5. Bypassing Internet sharing blocking by your operator

Many Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, Megaphone, Tele2) by default disable the ability to share the Internet on most plans. If you see an error when turning on the hotspot "Connection impossible" or the internet doesn't work on the second phone, that's exactly the problem.

Here's what you can do:

• 📋 Check the tariff: some packages (for example, "For laptop" at MegaFon) initially allow distribution. Log in to your personal account or call the operator (*111# For MTS, *105# For Beeline).
• 💰 Enable the option: Most operators have a paid option called "Internet Sharing" (costing from 50 to 200 ₽/month). For example, Tele2 This is "Modem and Router".
• 🔧 Use workarounds:
  • Change it APN (access point) to universal internet or internet.beeline.ru (settings in Settings → Mobile networks → Access point names).
  • Install an app like PDANet+ or ClockworkMod Tether (requires root rights on Android).
  • Connect via Bluetooth or USB — Some operators block only Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Warning: Changing settings APN may disrupt mobile internet service. Before experimenting, write down your initial settings or take a screenshot!

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you've set everything up correctly, problems can still arise. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem 1: The second phone connects to the hotspot, but the internet does not work.

• 🔄 Restart both phones.
• 📶 Check if your primary device's traffic limit has been reached.
• 🔧 Turn off on your main phone Saving traffic (on Android: Settings → Connections → Data usage → Data saver).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.

Problem 2: The access point keeps disconnecting.

• 🔋 Check your battery charge - many phones disable modem mode when the battery level drops below 20%.
• 📵 Make sure there are no active calls (on some phones, the call is interrupted during a call).
• ⚙️ On Samsung disable the function Automatically disable the access point in the modem settings.

Problem 3: The access point password cannot be changed (gray text).

This is a carrier limitation. Try:

• 📱 Reset network settings (see above).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Safe mode (hold the power button → "Safe mode").
• 📲 Use a third-party app like WiFi Hotspot Manager (requires root).

7. Alternative options: if nothing helps

If you can't share Wi-Fi from your smartphone, consider these methods:

• 📡 Portable 4G router: devices like TP-Link M7350 or Huawei E5577 They cost from 2,000 rubles and allow you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. Suitable for frequent travelers.
• 💻 Laptop as an intermediary:
  1. Connect your main phone to your laptop via USB and turn it on. USB modem.
  2. On your laptop, enable Wi-Fi sharing via Mobile hotspot (Windows) or Public Internet (macOS).
  3. Connect the second phone to the laptop's network.

📶 Public Wi-Fi: If you are in a cafe, shopping mall or hotel, connect to the public network (but use VPN for safety!).

🔄 File transfer instead of the Internet: if you don’t need network access, but specific data (photos, documents), use Bluetooth, NFC or apps like Send Anywhere.

If the problem is weak mobile network signal, try:

• 📍 Move closer to the window or outside.
• 📶 Manually select the operator network in the settings (Settings → Mobile network → Network operators).
• 🔄 Enable mode 4G (LTE) only (sometimes 3G works more stable).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to Android without a password?

Yes, if you have iOS 17+ and both devices are tied to one Apple IDTurn on iPhone function Instant hotspot (Settings → Tethering & Hotspot → Instant Hotspot). The Android device will connect automatically without entering a password.

For older versions of iOS or other cases, a password is required.

Why does the second phone show "No Internet access" when sharing Wi-Fi?

The reasons may be as follows:

• The operator blocks the distribution (see Section 5).
• It's turned on on the main phone. Airplane mode or the mobile internet is disabled.
• Incorrect settings APN (check with your operator).
• IP conflict: try manually entering the IP address on the second phone (for example, 192.168.43.100).

How much traffic is used when distributing Wi-Fi?

Traffic consumption depends on the actions on the second device:

• 📱 Social networks (VK, Telegram): ~50–100 MB/hour.
• 🎵 Music (Spotify, YouTube Music): ~70–150 MB/hour.
• 🎬 Video (YouTube 720p): ~500–700 MB/hour.
• 🎮 Online games: ~100–300 MB/hour.

To control your consumption, use apps like My Data Manager or the built-in traffic counter in Android/iOS settings.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a phone to a Smart TV or laptop?

Yes, the algorithm is the same as for the second phone:

• For Smart TV: Turn on the hotspot on your phone, then select it in the Wi-Fi settings on your TV (on Samsung TV: Settings → General → Network → Open network settings → Wireless).
• For laptop: Connect to the access point as you would to a regular Wi-Fi network. On Windows 10/11, you may need to manually specify that this is Public network (pop-up window when connecting).

If your TV doesn't see the network, check if it supports the range. 5 GHz (if the access point works in it).

How to share Wi-Fi from a phone without mobile internet (local network only)?

It is possible to create local access point without internet access:

• On Android: Turn on the hotspot, but turn off mobile data. Devices will be able to share files over the local network (for example, via ES File Explorer or FX File Explorer).
• On iPhone: V Settings → Tethering turn on For Apple devices only (limits the connection, but does not create a local network for everyone).

For a full-fledged local network (for example, for gaming on Wi-Fi), use applications like NetShare or Connectify (required) root or jailbreak).