How to share a Wi-Fi password

Published 1:02 pm ET Nov 4

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When guests come over, a common question you might get is, “What is your Wi-Fi password?” Discover how to share your Wi-Fi password on an iPhone, Android cell phone, laptop or gaming console and what precautions to take when sharing your login information.

How to share Wi-Fi password

Your home Wi-Fi network uses a modem and router to transmit the wireless signal throughout your residence. This network is protected with a password, and you can share this password with other devices or users to allow them to connect to your Wi-Fi.

Keep reading to learn how to set up a guest Wi-Fi network, or jump to instructions on how to share a Wi-Fi password based on your specific device.

How to share your Wi-Fi password with an iPhone
How to share your Wi-Fi password with an Android device
How to share your Wi-Fi password with a laptop
How to share your Wi-Fi password with a gaming console

Use a guest Wi-Fi network

While you have the option to share your personal Wi-Fi password with others, a safer option is to establish a guest Wi-Fi network. A guest network allows you to share a separate Wi-Fi password specifically for visitors without worrying about the security of your primary private network.

How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network

Not every router has guest Wi-Fi, but equipment provided by your internet provider will typically provide this option. If your router doesn’t provide a guest network, consider buying a router with a guest Wi-Fi feature.

Steps to set up your guest Wi-Fi network:

Log in to your Wi-Fi router.
Switch on the guest Wi-Fi option.

Note: If you use your internet provider app to manage your Wi-Fi network, the guest Wi-Fi option is found under “Settings” or “Control Center.” Then select “Wi-Fi network.”

Share Wi-Fi password

Once a guest Wi-Fi connection is established, you’re ready to share the password with your visitors. You can also use these steps to share your primary Wi-Fi network’s password when connecting new devices in your home.

How to share your Wi-Fi password with an iPhone

On the device that needs the password: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and select the network name under “Other Networks.”
The device sharing the password will then receive a pop-up notification that says “Share Password.” Tap to confirm.
If the notification does not appear, make sure both cell phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switched on. You can find both selections in the Settings app.
Both systems must be using iPhone Operating System (iOS), signed into iCloud and have each other saved in their contacts.

If you’re still experiencing issues, you can also select the network name and enter the password manually.

To find your current Wi-Fi password on your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Edit (top right corner) > Tap the info icon (blue lowercase “i” in a circle) to the right of your network name > Tap “Password” to reveal your login credentials.
On the device that needs the password, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Select the network name and type in the password from step 1.

How to share your Wi-Fi password with an Android device

Create a Wi-Fi sharing QR code to instantly share your Wi-Fi password.

Navigate to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Tap the gear icon to the right of your Wi-Fi network name.
In the bottom left corner, click “QR code.”
You can share the image to any nearby mobile device from this screen.
You can also select “Save as image” in the bottom left corner to save the code for future use.
Guests can scan the QR code using the camera function on their phones to instantly share your Wi-Fi password.
If you change your Wi-Fi password, you will need to generate a new Android QR code.

As with iPhones, you can also manually enter the Wi-Fi password.

Find the password on the already-connected device by navigating to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Saved networks > Select the Wi-Fi network name > Share > View the password underneath the QR code.
Enter the password on the unlinked device by going to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Saved networks > Select the Wi-Fi network name to enter the password.

How to share your Wi-Fi password from a laptop

Quickly find your Wi-Fi password on a Windows or Mac computer.

How to find your Wi-Fi password with a Windows computer

Go to Settings.
Select Network & internet (left side menu).
Select “Wi-Fi” on the right side of the screen.
Click on your network name.
Scroll down to “View Wi-Fi security key.”
Click on “View.”

How to find your Wi-Fi password with a Mac

First, select the Wi-Fi icon on the top menu bar to view your Wi-Fi network name — you will need this in the next steps.
Next, go to the search function (the magnifying glass, top right menu bar).
Type “Keychain Access.”
Using the search function in the top right of that pop-up window, search for your network name from step one.
Double-click on your network name.
Select the box that says “Show password.”
Enter your Mac username and password.
Click “Allow” to view your Wi-Fi password. ”

How to share your Wi-Fi password with a gaming console

Share your Wi-Fi password with a gaming console like Xbox, Nintendo Switch or Playstation using the following steps.

Xbox: Go to Settings > General > Network settings > Set up wireless network > Press “X” to refresh > Select your Wi-Fi network > Type in the password.
Nintendo Switch: Push the home button > Select the System Settings icon > Scroll to Internet on left-panel menu > Move right to select Internet Settings > Select network name and type in the password.
Playstation: To enter the Wi-Fi password manually, go to Settings > Network > Set up internet connection > Select network name and enter the password.

Other tips for sharing your Wi-Fi password

Sharing your Wi-Fi network for a few hours shouldn’t result in a lasting impact on your high-speed internet. Still, consider the following implications of sharing your password on certain types of internet connections:

Sharing your Wi-Fi password to connect more devices will split the bandwidth among more users, which could result in noticeably slower upload and download speeds on individual devices.
Users with prepaid internet or internet plans with limited data, such as some satellite internet plans, should account for the additional data usage when sharing Wi-Fi.
Once a device connects to your system, it will automatically reconnect whenever it is in range of your Wi-Fi network. Routinely changing the Wi-Fi passwords for your primary and guest networks will keep your network more secure.

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Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

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