Quick Answer
The fastest way to share Wi‑Fi from Android to iPhone is with a QR code. On your Android phone, open Wi‑Fi settings, tap your current network, choose Share (or the QR icon), and authenticate to show a QR code. On the iPhone, open the Camera app and scan the code, then tap Join. If your Android version doesn’t offer QR sharing, generate a Wi‑Fi QR code yourself or share the password securely over an encrypted message.
Why a QR Code Is the Easiest Way to Share Wi‑Fi from Android to iPhone
Android and iPhone don’t have a common, one‑tap Wi‑Fi password sharing feature (like iPhone‑to‑iPhone does). What they do share is support for the standard Wi‑Fi QR format. Android 10 and later can display a QR code for your current network; iOS 11 and later can scan that code with the Camera app and join instantly. This avoids typing errors, hides the password from view (unless you choose to reveal it), and works on almost any modern device without extra apps.
Method 1: Share Using Your Android Phone’s Built‑In Wi‑Fi QR Code
The exact steps vary by brand and Android version, but the flow is similar: open Wi‑Fi settings, view your current network, and select Share or the QR icon.
Google Pixel and most stock Android (Android 10+)
- Open Settings > Network & internet (or “Connections”) > Internet (or “Wi‑Fi”).
- Tap the gear icon next to your connected Wi‑Fi network.
- Tap Share. Authenticate with fingerprint, face, or PIN.
- A QR code appears. Keep this screen open while the iPhone scans.
Samsung (One UI)
- Open Settings > Connections > Wi‑Fi.
- Tap the gear icon next to the connected network.
- Tap QR code (or Share, then QR). Authenticate if prompted.
- The QR code displays full connection details.
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI/HyperOS)
- Open Settings > Wi‑Fi.
- Tap your connected network.
- Choose Share QR code to display it.
OnePlus (OxygenOS)
- Open Settings > Wi‑Fi & Network > Wi‑Fi.
- Tap the connected SSID.
- Tap Share to show the QR.
OPPO/Realme (ColorOS) and Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS)
- Open Settings > Wi‑Fi.
- Tap the connected network.
- Tap Share or the QR icon to generate a code.
Join from the iPhone
- On the iPhone, open the Camera app and point it at the QR code.
- Wait for the “Join ‘NetworkName’” banner, then tap it.
- If prompted, confirm. The iPhone connects and saves the network for future use.
Notes: iOS 11 or later can scan Wi‑Fi QR codes with the Camera. On some Android builds, the password also appears in text under the QR (useful if the Camera banner doesn’t show). If the Camera doesn’t show a banner, open Control Center and use Code Scanner, or go to Settings > Camera and enable “Scan QR Codes.” In‑app cameras (e.g., in social apps) may not support Wi‑Fi QR parsing—stick to the system Camera or Code Scanner.
Method 2: Create Your Own Wi‑Fi QR Code (If Your Android Doesn’t Offer Share)
If your phone doesn’t show a QR, you can generate one using your Wi‑Fi name (SSID), security type, and password. The standard text that gets encoded looks like this:
WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourNetwork;P:YourPassword;H:false;;
Where:
- T is the security (WEP, WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Personal). Use WPA for WPA2/WPA3 Personal—it’s widely recognized by scanners.
- S is the exact Wi‑Fi name (case‑sensitive).
- P is the exact password (case‑sensitive).
- H is true if the network is hidden; otherwise false.
Use a trusted QR generator. For privacy, prefer offline generators or reputable apps that work without an internet connection. Generate the QR code, display it on your screen (or print it), and scan it with the iPhone’s Camera to join.
Security tip when generating codes
Avoid uploading your SSID and password to random websites. If you must use a web tool, do it once, save the PNG locally, and close the tab. Delete the image after use if you don’t want it stored on your device. If your SSID or password includes special characters (such as ; , : or \), ensure the generator escapes them correctly—Android’s built‑in generator handles this, but some web tools do not.
Method 3: Share the Password Securely via Messaging or a Password Manager
When a QR isn’t possible, you can share the password directly. Keep security in mind:
- Use an end‑to‑end encrypted messenger (e.g., Signal, WhatsApp). Send the password once and delete the message afterward.
- Use a cross‑platform password manager with secure sharing (e.g., 1Password, Bitwarden). Create or locate the Wi‑Fi entry and share a time‑limited link or add the recipient to a shared vault.
- Avoid plain SMS or email. If you must, change the Wi‑Fi password later.
On the iPhone, the recipient can copy/paste the password into Settings > Wi‑Fi > tap the network name > enter the password. This is slower than scanning a QR code and more error‑prone, but it works on any device.
Method 4: Use Your Android Phone’s Personal Hotspot (When You Can’t Share the Main Network)
If you can’t share the primary network (e.g., it’s enterprise‑managed, behind a captive portal, or you don’t know the password), turn your Android phone into a hotspot and let the iPhone connect to it.
- On Android: Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi‑Fi hotspot.
- Set a network name and a strong WPA2/WPA3 password. If available, enable WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.
- Toggle the hotspot on. Consider limiting to 2.4 GHz if the iPhone has trouble seeing the SSID.
- On iPhone: Settings > Wi‑Fi > choose your Android hotspot > enter the password.
Keep in mind that hotspot data uses your mobile plan, may reduce battery life, and can be slower than your main Wi‑Fi—still, it’s a reliable fallback that avoids exposing your primary Wi‑Fi password.
What Doesn’t Work Between Android and iPhone
- Nearby Share/AirDrop for Wi‑Fi details: Android’s Nearby Share doesn’t target iOS, and AirDrop doesn’t exist on Android.
- WPS push‑button: iPhone doesn’t support WPS.
- Enterprise Wi‑Fi via QR: Many WPA2‑Enterprise/EAP networks require profiles or certificates; a simple QR often isn’t enough.
Troubleshooting: If the iPhone Won’t Join
The Camera doesn’t recognize the QR code
- Enable Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes on the iPhone.
- Make sure the whole QR is visible, well lit, and in focus. Increase Android screen brightness.
- Try the Code Scanner from Control Center for a more reliable scan.
- Avoid in‑app cameras that don’t support Wi‑Fi QR parsing.
- If the Android screen times out, keep it awake or take a temporary screenshot of the QR (delete it after).
“Unable to Join” or password incorrect
- Confirm the QR matches the exact SSID and password (case‑sensitive). Some characters like semicolons (;) and backslashes (\) can break the QR if not escaped by the generator; Android’s built‑in generator handles this, but custom generators may not.
- If you typed manually, recheck characters that look similar (O vs 0, l vs 1) and remove any trailing spaces.
- If the network is hidden, either set H:true in the QR or on iPhone go to Settings > Wi‑Fi > Other… and enter SSID, Security, and Password manually.
- Forget and re‑add the network: on iPhone, tap the i icon next to the SSID > Forget This Network, then scan the QR again.
Connected, but no internet
- Check if the Wi‑Fi uses a captive portal. Open Safari; if a login page appears, sign in.
- Router DHCP exhaustion can block internet. Restart the router or forget/rejoin the network on iPhone.
- If the router uses MAC address filtering, add the iPhone’s Wi‑Fi MAC (Settings > General > About > Wi‑Fi Address), or on the network’s info screen toggle Private Address off/on, then try again.
Band or compatibility issues
- If the Wi‑Fi is 5 GHz‑only and the iPhone is older, enable 2.4 GHz on the router or share a 2.4 GHz SSID.
- WPA3 Personal generally works on modern iPhones; if you see issues, set the router to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.
- Routers with “Wi‑Fi 6E” (6 GHz) may broadcast a separate SSID; ensure you’re connecting to a 2.4/5 GHz SSID that the iPhone supports.
Can’t reveal QR on Android
- Android requires a lock screen to share Wi‑Fi. Set a PIN, pattern, or biometric, then try again.
- Some corporate or school devices block sharing saved networks. Use the hotspot method or contact IT for a guest network.
Privacy and Security Tips
Treat your Wi‑Fi password like any other credential. Share it only with people you trust, and prefer QR over plain text. For visitors, set up a separate guest SSID if your router supports it; you can throttle speeds and isolate devices for safety. If you shared widely and want to limit access later, change the Wi‑Fi password or disable Auto‑Join for specific devices. Avoid leaving QR codes in screenshots, notes, or gallery backups longer than needed. If you print a guest Wi‑Fi QR, label it clearly and rotate the guest password periodically.
Quick Comparison of Sharing Options
| Method | Best for | Requirements | iPhone Steps | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android Wi‑Fi QR (built‑in) | Fast, accurate sharing | Android 10+ or OEM QR feature; screen lock | Open Camera, scan, tap Join | Strong; password not exposed unless revealed |
| Custom Wi‑Fi QR | Older Android or blocked sharing | Trusted generator; exact SSID/security/password | Scan via Camera/Code Scanner | Strong if generated offline and handled carefully |
| Encrypted message | When scanning fails | Signal/WhatsApp or similar | Copy/paste into Wi‑Fi password field | Good; delete message after |
| Password manager share | Teams/family and repeat access | Cross‑platform manager with sharing | Open shared item, tap to fill/copy | Very strong; audit and revoke access |
| Android hotspot | No access to main Wi‑Fi | Mobile data; battery headroom | Join hotspot SSID with password | Good; rotates easily, but uses data |
Step‑by‑Step Example: From Pixel to iPhone
On a Pixel running Android 13, go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap the gear next to your Wi‑Fi, then Share and authenticate. A QR code fills the screen. On the iPhone, open the Camera app and point at the code. A card appears with the SSID; tap Join. Within a few seconds, the Wi‑Fi icon in the iPhone status bar confirms it’s connected. No typing, no errors.
When You Should Not Share the Main Wi‑Fi
If you’re hosting guests or children’s devices, consider a guest network instead of sharing the primary Wi‑Fi. Guest networks can isolate devices from printers, NAS drives, and smart home gear, and you can change the guest password without disrupting your own devices. If your router doesn’t have this feature, the hotspot approach is a practical alternative for temporary access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Android versions support sharing Wi‑Fi via QR code?
Android 10 and later include a built‑in Wi‑Fi QR share for most phones. Some OEMs (like Xiaomi) offered it earlier. If you don’t see Share or a QR icon in your Wi‑Fi settings, you can still create a QR code manually with a trusted generator.
Can an iPhone scan any Wi‑Fi QR code?
iPhones running iOS 11 or newer can scan standard Wi‑Fi QR codes using the Camera or Code Scanner. Personal networks using WPA2/WPA3 or open networks work well. Enterprise (EAP) networks typically need a configuration profile or manual setup, so a simple QR often won’t be enough.
Is it safe to share my Wi‑Fi password with a QR code?
Yes—if you show the QR code only to people you trust and don’t leave it stored or posted publicly. The QR encodes your SSID and password; treat it like the password itself. For better control, use a guest network for visitors and rotate that password when needed.
What if the Android‑generated QR also shows the password in text?
Some Android builds display the password under the QR after you authenticate. That’s normal. If you want to keep it private, avoid taking screenshots and turn your screen away from others while sharing.
Does the QR method work with WPA3?
Yes. iPhones support WPA3 Personal, and Android QR codes for WPA2/WPA3 networks typically use the WPA tag, which iOS interprets correctly. If you run into issues on older devices or routers, switch the router to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.
My iPhone says “Unable to Join.” What should I try first?
Verify the SSID and password, rescan the QR in good lighting, and make sure the iPhone’s Camera setting for QR scanning is enabled. If the network is hidden, either use a QR with H:true or add it manually via Settings > Wi‑Fi > Other…. Also, forget and re‑add the network, check for MAC filtering on the router, and toggle Private Address on the iPhone’s Wi‑Fi info screen.
Can I share Wi‑Fi without revealing my main network password?
Yes. Create a guest Wi‑Fi with its own password, or use your Android phone’s hotspot and share that password instead. Both options avoid exposing your primary network credentials and give you an easy way to revoke access later.
