How to Share Wi-Fi Networks and Passwords Using QR Codes on Android

Modern wireless networks typically use long, complex passphrases containing randomized alphanumeric characters and symbols to protect against unauthorised access. While robust security credentials safeguard home and office routers, sharing them verbally with visiting colleagues, friends, or family members often leads to repeated typos and connection frustration. Android includes a native, encrypted Wi-Fi sharing utility integrated into its network settings that encodes your Wi-Fi SSID, security standard (such as WPA3 or WPA2), and passphrase into a standardised Quick Response (QR) code. Generating this code allows nearby smartphones, tablets, and computers to connect instantly using their camera, while also revealing the plain-text password for manual entry.

Generating a Wi-Fi QR Code on Android

Android generates Wi-Fi QR codes securely on device without transmitting your credentials to external servers. Because accessing network keys represents elevated access, the operating system requires biometric authentication before rendering the code:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap Network & internet (or Connections on Samsung Galaxy devices).
3. Tap Internet (or Wi-Fi) to display your active wireless connection.
4. Locate your currently connected network at the top of the list and tap the Settings icon (represented by a gear or cog) positioned next to the network name.
5. On the Network details page, tap the Share button (represented by a QR code icon or split arrow).
6. Confirm your identity using your fingerprint, Face Unlock, PIN, or pattern lock when prompted by the operating system security gate.
7. Android renders an interactive QR code in the centre of the display. Directly beneath the code, your exact Wi-Fi password is displayed in plain text, making it easy to read aloud or copy if someone is connecting a device without a camera.

Sharing Passwords Instantly via Quick Share

In addition to displaying the visual QR code for physical scanning, modern Android builds integrate Google’s Quick Share framework directly into the Wi-Fi sharing sheet. To beam connection credentials wirelessly to nearby compatible Android phones or Chromebooks:

1. With the Wi-Fi QR code open on your screen, tap the Quick Share button located at the bottom of the sharing card.
2. Ensure Bluetooth and Location are active on both the sending and receiving devices.
3. Select the target recipient’s device name from the detected nearby list.
4. The recipient receives a prompt asking whether to accept the network credentials. Once accepted, their device automatically connects to the wireless router without requiring camera alignment.

Scanning a Wi-Fi QR Code to Connect from Another Device

If you are receiving network access on a second device, connecting takes only seconds using native camera tools without downloading third-party scanning apps:

1. Android Devices: Open the Camera app, point the viewfinder at the QR code on the host screen, and tap the Connect to network banner that appears on screen. Alternatively, open Settings > Network & internet > Internet, scroll to the bottom of the list, and tap the Add network QR icon.
2. iPhones and iPads: Open the iOS Camera app, frame the Android QR code, and tap the yellow Join “[Network Name]” Network banner to authenticate instantly.
3. Laptops: Use built-in webcam utilities or read the plain-text password shown directly beneath the QR code on the host phone.

Utilising Android’s native Wi-Fi QR sharing ensures visiting guests connect in seconds while keeping your router’s master security keys protected against transcription errors.