How to Share Wi-Fi Password From iPhone to Android

By / Aug 25, 2026

Quick Answer

You can’t send a Wi‑Fi password directly from an iPhone to an Android phone using Apple’s built‑in “Share Password” feature. Instead, reveal the saved password on your iPhone (iOS 16 or later) and share it by reading it aloud, pasting it into a secure message, or creating a Wi‑Fi QR code the Android phone can scan. If your iPhone runs an older iOS version, use a Mac with iCloud Keychain or your router’s admin app to find the password. For guests, creating and sharing a guest network is the cleanest, safest option.

Why iPhone‑to‑Android Wi‑Fi Sharing Isn’t One Tap

Apple’s proximity sharing only works between Apple devices that are signed into iCloud, with both users saved as contacts and Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi enabled. Android isn’t part of that system, so there’s no native, one‑tap iPhone feature that sends Wi‑Fi credentials to Android. The practical workaround is simple: surface the password on your iPhone, then share it manually or as a QR code the Android phone can scan to join instantly.

Method 1: Reveal and Share the Wi‑Fi Password on iPhone (iOS 16+)

On iOS 16 and later, you can view and copy Wi‑Fi passwords right in Settings. This is the fastest way to get the credential you’ll share with an Android device.

Steps on iOS 16 or later

  1. Open Settings > Wi‑Fi.
  2. To reveal the password for the network you’re currently on, tap the info “i” next to the SSID.
  3. Tap Password and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
  4. Tap Copy to place it on your clipboard, or read it directly off the screen.
  5. If you need a saved network you’re not currently connected to, tap Edit (top‑right) to open Known Networks, select the SSID, then tap Password to reveal it.

Now share it in whichever way makes sense:

  • Show your screen so the Android user can type it in.
  • Paste it into an end‑to‑end encrypted message thread you both trust.
  • Use the password to create a Wi‑Fi QR code (see Method 2) and let the Android device scan it.

Notes:

  • You’ll only see passwords for networks your iPhone has saved. If the SSID isn’t listed, use a Mac with iCloud Keychain, your router’s app, or the router’s web interface to view or reset the password.
  • If Screen Time or device management restricts password viewing, adjust permissions or ask the device owner/admin to allow it.

If your iPhone runs iOS 15 or earlier

Older iOS versions can’t reveal Wi‑Fi passwords in Settings. Use one of these approaches:

  • On a Mac using the same iCloud Keychain: Open Keychain Access, search for the Wi‑Fi network name (SSID), double‑click it, check Show Password, and authenticate. On macOS Ventura or later, go to System Settings > Network > Wi‑Fi > Known Networks, select the network, and Show Password.
  • Router or ISP app: Many routers and ISP apps display or let you reset the Wi‑Fi password. Log into the router’s admin page (often 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.1.254) or open the official app (e.g., Asus, TP‑Link, Netgear, Eero, Google Nest) to view or change the password.
  • Check the router label: Some routers print the default SSID and password on a sticker, sometimes with a scannable QR code. If you’ve changed the defaults, use the admin app to display the current credentials instead.

Method 2: Share via a Wi‑Fi QR Code from iPhone

QR codes are a fast, typo‑free way for Android phones to join your network. You’ll generate a QR code that encodes your SSID, security type, and password, then display it on your iPhone for the Android device to scan.

Create a Wi‑Fi QR code with Shortcuts (offline, private)

This approach keeps everything on your device—nothing is uploaded to a website.

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and tap + to create a new shortcut.
  2. Add these actions in order:
    • Ask for Input (Prompt: “Wi‑Fi network name (SSID)”) – Text
    • Ask for Input (Prompt: “Wi‑Fi password”) – Text
    • Choose from Menu (Prompt: “Security type”) with choices: WPA/WPA2, WEP, None
    • Text block containing:
      WIFI:T:[Security];S:[SSID];P:[Password];H:false;;
    • Replace the placeholders with Magic Variables from previous steps (Security, SSID, Password). Map “WPA/WPA2” → WPA, “WEP” → WEP, “None” → nopass.
    • Generate QR Code (Input: the Text block)
    • Quick Look or Save to Photos to display or save the QR.
  3. Run the shortcut, enter your SSID and password (paste the password you revealed in Method 1 if needed), then show the QR on screen for the Android device to scan.

If your network is hidden, set H:true in the text block. The final format follows the common standard: WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourSSID;P:YourPassword;H:false;;

Create a Wi‑Fi QR code with a trusted website

If you’d rather not build a shortcut, use a generator that processes data locally in your browser, such as qifi.org. Enter your SSID, choose the security type (WPA/WPA2 in most homes), and your password to generate a QR code. Save the image to Photos and display it full screen. Avoid generic QR sites that upload data to a server. If you must use one, delete the QR image afterward and change your password or use a guest network.

How to scan the Wi‑Fi QR code on Android

Most Android 10 and newer devices can join Wi‑Fi by scanning a QR code:

  • Using the Camera app: Open the Camera and point it at the QR code. Tap the Wi‑Fi prompt that appears.
  • Pixel (Android 12+): Settings > Network & internet > Internet > Add network > QR code icon.
  • Samsung (One UI): Settings > Connections > Wi‑Fi > ⋮ (three dots) > Scan QR code.
  • OnePlus/Oppo: Settings > Wi‑Fi > Add network > QR icon.

If the phone runs Android 9 or older and the Camera doesn’t recognize the code, install a reputable QR scanner or enter the password manually.

Method 3: Share a Guest Network Instead

A guest network gives visitors internet access without exposing your main devices, shared folders, or smart‑home hubs. It also makes cleanup simple—change or disable the guest password when they leave.

  1. Open your router’s admin app or web panel.
  2. Enable Guest Network and set:
    • SSID: Something recognizable (e.g., “Home‑Guest”).
    • Security: WPA2 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode. Avoid WEP or open networks.
    • Password: Strong but shareable (a clear passphrase that’s easy to dictate or read).
    • Client isolation: On, if available, to block guest‑to‑guest access and keep guests from seeing your main network.
  3. Generate a QR code for the guest SSID (Method 2) and save it to Photos for future visitors.

Method 4: Share from Your Router Label or Admin App

Many routers ship with a label that lists the default SSID and password, and some include a scannable QR code. If you haven’t changed those credentials, show the label to the Android user to scan or read. If you have changed them, your router’s admin app often has a Share or Show Password option and may generate its own QR code. This is especially handy if your iPhone runs iOS 15 or earlier and can’t display the password in Settings.

Method 5: Share Securely with a Password Manager

If you already store Wi‑Fi credentials in a cross‑platform password manager, share access directly through the app. Most major managers (1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, LastPass) let you share a single item securely, restrict recipients, and revoke access later. Some can also display a Wi‑Fi QR code for quick joining. This avoids pasting passwords into chats.

Troubleshooting and Edge Cases

  • WPA3‑only networks: Older Android devices may not support WPA3. If possible, set your router to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode (a.k.a. “Transition mode”) or use a guest network with WPA2.
  • Hidden SSIDs: Add H:true in your QR code string. Some Android models still prefer manual entry: Add network > enter SSID and security type > password.
  • Special characters in SSID/password: The Wi‑Fi QR format requires escaping special characters such as semicolons (;), commas (,), colons (:), quotes (” ’), and backslashes (\). Good generators handle this automatically. If you’re building the string manually, escape them with a backslash.
  • Dual‑band or multiple SSIDs: If your router broadcasts “Home‑2G” and “Home‑5G” (or a 6 GHz SSID), be sure the QR references a band the Android device supports. Very old phones may not see 5 GHz; most devices today don’t support 6 GHz unless they’re Wi‑Fi 6E/7 capable.
  • Captive portals: Hotel, school, or café networks that show a sign‑in page don’t have a shareable password in the usual sense. The Android phone must join the open SSID and complete the web sign‑in.
  • Enterprise (WPA2‑Enterprise/EAP) networks: These typically require unique usernames/certificates and aren’t reliably shareable via standard Wi‑Fi QR codes. Ask the network admin for the correct setup or a guest SSID.
  • WPS buttons: Wi‑Fi Protected Setup is deprecated and widely disabled because of security flaws. Skip it and use a password or QR code instead.
  • Android won’t scan the code: Increase screen brightness on the iPhone, zoom so the QR fills more of the screen, and avoid reflections. If the Camera app won’t read it, try the Scan or QR option inside Android’s Wi‑Fi settings.
  • Wrong password errors: Double‑check capitalization and spaces. If you copied from iOS Settings, make sure there are no leading/trailing spaces when pasting into a generator.
  • MAC address randomization: If your router uses MAC filtering, Android’s randomized MAC may be blocked. Disable MAC filtering or add the device’s MAC (found in Wi‑Fi details on Android) to your router’s allow list.

Privacy and Safety Tips

  • Prefer a guest network for visitors and for smart‑home devices you don’t fully trust.
  • Avoid posting QR codes or passwords in shared photo albums or group chats you don’t control.
  • After a large gathering, rotate your guest password.
  • If you must send the password digitally, use an end‑to‑end encrypted messenger and delete the message later.
  • Use WPA2 or WPA3 security. Don’t rely on open networks.

Which Method Should You Use? A Quick Comparison

Method Speed Reveals Password On Screen Works Offline Best For
Show/copy password in iOS Settings Fast Yes Yes One‑off shares, iOS 16+
QR code via Shortcuts (offline) Very fast No text shown; QR encodes it Yes Frequent guests, privacy‑minded users
QR code via trusted website Very fast No text shown; QR encodes it Usually (if local processing) Quick setup without Shortcuts
Router label/admin app Fast Often yes Yes When iPhone can’t reveal password
Password manager share Medium Optional Yes Households/teams already using a manager
Guest network + QR Fast after setup No text shown; QR encodes it Yes Visitors and events

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple’s Wi‑Fi sharing to send the password directly to Android?

No. Apple’s proximity Wi‑Fi sharing works only between Apple devices signed into iCloud and saved as contacts. Use one of the methods above—revealing the password, a QR code, your router app, or a guest network.

What’s the safest way to share with someone I don’t know well?

Create a guest network protected by WPA2/WPA3 and share it via a QR code. This keeps your main devices off‑limits and lets you change or disable access later without touching your primary network.

Will a Wi‑Fi QR code expose my password to others?

Anyone who scans the QR can extract the password, so treat the QR like the password itself. Display it only when needed, don’t share it in public channels, and delete saved QR images when you’re done. If you’re concerned, use a guest SSID.

My Android phone can’t join a WPA3 network. What should I do?

Switch your router to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode (sometimes called “WPA2/WPA3 Personal” or “Transition mode”) or create a guest network using WPA2. Many older Android devices don’t support WPA3.

Do I need to escape special characters when building a QR code?

If you use Shortcuts or a reputable generator, it should handle escaping automatically. If entering the string manually, escape characters such as semicolons, commas, colons, quotes, and backslashes by preceding them with a backslash.

Why can’t I see the password in my iPhone’s Wi‑Fi settings?

You must be on iOS 16 or later, and the network must be saved on your device. If the option is missing or grayed out, you may be on an older iOS version, the SSID isn’t saved, or a device policy is restricting access. Use a Mac with iCloud Keychain, your router app, or the QR/guest network methods instead.

Is WPS (router push button) a good alternative?

No. WPS is considered insecure and is disabled on many modern routers. Stick with WPA2/WPA3 passwords and QR codes for quick, secure sharing.

Related Posts