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Trying to remember or find the password for a Wi-Fi network can be challenging, whether it's your own or someone else's. But if your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone already has access, you can easily share the password with a new device. You can even use two different methods depending on whether you're trying to connect another mobile device or a smart home appliance.
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Here's how this works.
1. Connect an iPhone or iPad
If you already have an iPhone or iPad with access to the Wi-Fi network, you can connect another iPhone or iPad. To do this, make sure both devices are near each other. On the new device, head to Settings, select Wi-Fi, and then tap the name of the network to which you want to connect.
The device that already has access should get a prompt asking if you want to share the password. Tap the Share Password button to send it to the other device. The new device will receive the password and automatically use it to connect to the network.
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This also works with a Mac. You can use a Mac that's already connected to Wi-Fi and share the password with an iPhone, an iPad, or another Mac. Similarly, you can share a password from an iPhone or iPad with a Mac that needs access to the network.
The main limitation here is that the owners of the two devices need to be in each other's Contacts app. Also, this option won't work if you want to share a password from an Apple device with an Android device, or vice versa. Thankfully, there is a fairly straightforward method available to cover these other scenarios.
Show more2. View the password
Let's say you can't use the automatic sharing method, or you want to connect another type of device, such as a smart TV, streaming device, gaming console, or smart speaker. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, select Wi-Fi, and then tap the name of the network. The password field should display the usual hidden characters in the form of asterisks. Tap that field.
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Authenticate through Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, and you'll then see the actual password. Tap it to copy it, or simply speak it or show it to the owner of the other device so they can manually enter it when prompted.
Show more3. Connect an Android device using Quick Share
Next up, let's say you want to connect an Android phone to a Wi-Fi network. You can use another Android phone that already has access and handle this in two different ways.
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The first option uses Quick Share. On the phone with access, go to Settings and look for the Wi-Fi screen under Network & internet or Connections. Select the name or the cogwheel icon of the Wi-Fi network that you want to share, tap Share or Share Network, and then tap Quick Share. If the device that needs Wi-Fi access appears in the list, tap it. That device should then receive the password and automatically connect to the network.
Show more4. Connect an Android device using a QR code
If Quick Share is not enabled, or you can't use this method for other reasons, you can instead scan a QR code. On the Android phone with access, go to the settings screen for the Wi-Fi network and tap Share or Share Network. When the QR code appears, scan it with the camera on the device that needs access. Tap the network name. The new device will pick up the network password and automatically connect.
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Show more5. View and share the network password
If you need to connect an iPhone, iPad, or smart home appliance, you can simply display the network password on your Android device. Head to Settings, select Network & internet or Connections, and then tap the name of the network. On certain devices, such as Samsung phones, you may see a crossed-out eye icon next to the name. If so, tap that icon, and then authenticate through a facial or fingerprint scan, or a passcode. The password then appears.
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Show moreOn other Android devices, go to the same screen, and then tap the Share icon. After you authenticate, the password should appear below the QR code.
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