The safest convenient method depends on the receiving device. Apple devices can exchange access nearby, many Android phones can display a Wi-Fi QR code, and current Windows versions can show a QR code for a saved network. For frequent visitors or smart devices, a guest network is often better than sharing the main credential.
Important: A Wi-Fi QR code contains network access information. Do not post it publicly, leave it on an unlocked display, or assume it expires after one scan.
Share from iPhone or iPad to another Apple device
Apple’s nearby sharing flow keeps you from typing or exposing the password:
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- Make sure your device is unlocked and connected to the network.
- Keep the devices close together and turn off Personal Hotspot.
- On the receiving iPhone, iPad, or Mac, select the Wi-Fi network.
- When your device asks, choose Share Password, then Done.
Apple says each person should be signed into their Apple Account and have the other’s Apple Account email address or phone number in Contacts. See the current Apple Wi-Fi sharing instructions when the prompt does not appear.
Current iPhones can also show a network QR code from the Wi-Fi section of the Passwords app. That is useful for non-Apple receivers, but the displayed code should be protected like the written password.
Share Wi-Fi from a Pixel or Android phone
On a current Pixel phone:
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Internet.
- Confirm that the phone is connected to the network.
- Select the network settings, then Share.
- Verify your identity when asked.
- Let the other device scan the Wi-Fi QR code.
Google also provides a Share Wi-Fi control through Pixel Quick Settings. Its official Pixel network guide contains both routes.
Android menus vary. On another brand, look for Wi-Fi, the connected network, and Share or QR code. Use the manufacturer’s help page if the option is absent; avoid installing a third-party QR generator that asks for unnecessary permissions.
Share from Windows
Current Windows versions can reveal a saved network and display a QR code:
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Properties.
- Beside Wi-Fi network password, choose Show.
- Let the receiving device scan the QR code, or enter the credential manually.
Microsoft documents the same option for previously saved networks under Manage known networks in its Windows Wi-Fi support guide.
Use a guest network for visitors
A guest network is the cleaner long-term approach for visitors, contractors, rentals, and untrusted smart devices. It lets you rotate guest access without reconnecting every personal device and can prevent guests from reaching computers, printers, or storage on the main network.
In the router’s app or admin page, look for Guest network. Give it a separate password and enable isolation from the local network when that option is available. Do not make the guest network open merely for convenience.
Which sharing method should you choose?
- One nearby Apple user: use Apple’s Share Password prompt
- One phone or tablet: display a Wi-Fi QR code briefly
- A regular visitor: use a guest network
- A public venue: use managed guest access rather than exposing the private network
- A new household device: enter the saved password directly or scan a trusted local QR code
If too many people already know the main credential, sharing is no longer the right task. Generate a new Wi-Fi password, change it on the router, and move future visitors to a guest network.