Before you start
- An Android phone connected to (or that has saved) the Wi-Fi network
- Your screen lock PIN, pattern or fingerprint
Method 1 On Google Pixel and most Android phones
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Step 1: Open Internet settings
Open Settings > Network & internet > Internet. (On some phones it’s Settings > Wi-Fi.)
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Step 2: Open the network
Tap the gear icon next to the network you’re connected to. For a saved network you’re not on, open Saved networks first.
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Step 3: Tap Share
Tap Share and confirm it’s you with your PIN, pattern or fingerprint.
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Step 4: Show the code
A QR code appears, with the network password written underneath. Hold it up for the other person to scan.
Method 2 On Samsung Galaxy phones
On recent One UI versions, the password is also shown on this screen after you tap the eye icon and confirm with your fingerprint or PIN.
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Step 1: Open Wi-Fi settings
Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi.
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Step 2: Tap the gear icon
Tap the gear icon next to the connected network.
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Step 3: Tap QR code
Tap QR code at the bottom of the screen. Tap Save as image if you want to print it or send it.
Method 3 How the other person joins
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Step 1: Android
Open the Camera app, point it at the code and tap the Wi-Fi pop-up. Or go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the QR icon next to Add network and scan.
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Step 2: iPhone
Open the Camera app, point it at the code and tap Join Network when the yellow banner appears.
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Step 3: Laptop
Laptops can’t usually scan codes, so read out the password shown under the QR code instead.
Other quick ways to share Wi-Fi
- Quick Share / Nearby Share: on the Share screen, tap Nearby or Quick Share to send the network to a nearby Android phone.
- iPhone to iPhone: if both phones are near each other and have each other in Contacts, the iPhone offers to share the password automatically when your friend tries to join.
Troubleshooting
I don’t see a Share or QR code button
Your phone may be managed by work, or the network uses enterprise (802.1X) security, which can’t be shared as a QR code. Update Android if you’re on an old version.
The other phone scans the code but can’t connect
The router may block new devices with MAC filtering, or the phone may be out of range of the 5 GHz band. Move closer to the router, or check the router’s device list.
My camera doesn’t react to the QR code
Clean the lens, increase screen brightness on the phone showing the code, and hold the camera steady about 20–30 cm away. On Android, Google Lens can scan it too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see my Wi-Fi password on Android without root?
Yes. The Share screen on Android 10 and later shows the password under the QR code. You only need your screen lock to view it.
Is sharing Wi-Fi with a QR code safe?
The code contains your network name and password, so treat it like the password itself. Anyone who photographs it can join. Use a guest network for visitors.
Does the QR code change if I change my password?
Yes. After you change your router password, reconnect your phone and generate a new QR code; old printouts stop working.
Summary
Open your Wi-Fi network’s settings, tap Share (or QR code on Samsung), confirm with your fingerprint or PIN, and let your friend scan it with their camera. The password is shown underneath if anyone needs to type it.
