Guide on How to Distribute a Wi-Fi Key: A Simplified Approach

Transferring keys to others can sometimes become complex, particularly when assisting acquaintances in connecting to your Wi-Fi system. Each device comes with a slightly unique method for sharing a Wi-Fi key with someone else, and that’s why I’ve taken the initiative to compile the steps into this convenient manual. Utilize the section titles below to directly access the instructions for distributing a Wi-Fi key on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Android devices, and Windows PCs.

If you’re worried about safety, I recommend utilizing a key manager like 1Password or NordPass to store and distribute your Wi-Fi key. Key managers securely store all your keys and passcodes in a unified, encrypted database, and most of them offer functionalities for key distribution.

Steps to Distribute Your Wi-Fi Key on an iPhone or iPad

Apple has streamlined the process of sharing Wi-Fi keys between Apple handheld devices. Here’s the method for accomplishing this task on an iPhone or iPad:

1. Access Settings and ensure that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are activated on your device. Follow the same procedure on your friend’s device.
2. Verify that both devices have their Personal Hotspot turned off (if applicable).
3. Ensure that you are logged into Apple with your Apple ID, and the email associated with your Apple ID is saved in your friend’s contacts. Similarly, their Apple ID email should be stored in your contacts.
4. Position your friend’s device within the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range, if not done already.
5. Unlock your iPhone or iPad and check that it’s connected to the appropriate Wi-Fi network.
6. Have your friend try to connect to the same network through the Wi-Fi option in their settings.
7. Upon your friend’s connection attempt, a pop-up notification will emerge on your device, asking if you want to distribute the Wi-Fi key to the intended recipient. Click the “Share Key” button to transmit the key, then tap “Done” to close the pop-up.

Ways to Reveal a Wi-Fi Key on an iPhone or iPad

If your aim is solely to access your Wi-Fi key on your iOS gadget instead of distributing it to another person, adhere to the directions below to view the Wi-Fi key on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi. Tap on the Wi-Fi network’s name for which you need to see the key.
2. In the subsequent screen displaying the network details, locate the “Key” entry (typically the third one from the top).
3. By default, the Wi-Fi key appears as a string of dots in a sequence. Tap on the key entry and confirm your Face ID to reveal the Wi-Fi key.

How to unveil your Wi-Fi key on a Mac

You can also uncover your Wi-Fi key on your Apple laptop, even if you don’t utilize a open-source password manager for Macs. However, it requires a different set of steps compared to iOS devices. Follow these guidelines to unveil your Wi-Fi on a Mac laptop or computer:

1. Access the Wi-Fi settings by choosing System Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Connect to the Wi-Fi network you aim to discover the key for, if you haven’t already.
3. Tap the far right button beside the Wi-Fi network, which should resemble three dots within a circular boundary.
4. After the drop-down menu displays, opt for “Copy Password,” the second choice.
5. Insert the key somewhere accessible for viewing, like the Notes app.

How to distribute your Wi-Fi key on Android devices

Most Android devices permit you to distribute your Wi-Fi key with other mobile devices and tablets via a QR code. Follow these steps to distribute your Wi-Fi key from Android devices:

1. Head to Settings > Wi-Fi and network > Wi-Fi. Occasionally the “Wi-Fi and network” page is named “Connections.”
2. Identify the Wi-Fi network you want to distribute and touch the gear/information icon next to it.
3. Choose the “Share” button, which should display a new screen with a QR code. This screen should also exhibit the key.
4. Have your acquaintance scan the QR code via their mobile device’s camera. Their device should automatically hitch the Wi-Fi network.
5. If your friend possesses an Android device with a camera that struggles with QR codes, there is a workaround. Instruct them to head to Settings > Wi-Fi and network > Wi-Fi, and glide down until they spot the “Add Network” option.
6. A button resembling a QR code next to “Add Network” should exist. Advise your friend to tap the button to pull up a QR code reader they can utilize to scan the code on your phone.
7. If you can’t get the QR code to function, then your friend can retrieve the key from your device and input it into theirs manually.

How to distribute your Wi-Fi key on Windows computers

Regrettably, Microsoft no longer authorizes Windows computers to automatically distribute Wi-Fi log-in information for security reasons. Instead, you’ll need to find the Wi-Fi key and then distribute it with your friend manually. Each Windows version has marginally different steps, and some screens may boast a different moniker, but here’s a fundamental overview of how to uncover your Wi-Fi key on Windows computers:

1. Click on the Windows icon, then pick Settings > Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Choose the name of the Wi-Fi network you are utilizing, then pick “Wireless Properties.”
3. A Wireless Network Properties window should emerge. Opt for “Security” and find the Network security key field (this is your Wi-Fi key).
4. By default, the Wi-Fi key will manifest as a series of small dots in a row. To unveil the key, tick on the “Show characters” box. From there, you can copy-paste the key to distribute it with your friend.

FAQ

How do you distribute your Wi-Fi key?

Every gadget showcases a slightly distinct method for distributing a Wi-Fi key, contingent on both the gadget itself and the operating system it is operating. Below is an outline of the common steps for distributing a Wi-Fi key on any gadget, but you should scroll up for further explicit instructions for iPhones, iPads, Macs, Android phones, and Windows computers.

SEE: How to Run a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)

How to distribute your Wi-Fi key on nearly any gadget:

1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi and Internet, then pick the network you are currently connected to.
2. Uncover the Wi-Fi network key. Exhibit it to your friend for them to enter the key manually on their gadget.

Keep in mind that you can always utilize a key manager to distribute your Wi-Fi key with other individuals. Check out our suggestions for the best Mac and iOS key managers and the best Android key managers.

How do I enable Wi-Fi sharing on my phone?

The majority of iPhones and Android phones don’t require you to activate a specific functionality to enable Wi-Fi sharing. On iPhones, simply have your friend’s gadget connect to the same network as you, and a pop-up will inquire if you desire to distribute the key with them. On Android, navigate to the Wi-Fi network’s page to pull up a QR code that your friend can scan on their phone.

How do I distribute my Wi-Fi with another phone?

Fortunately, modern smartphones simplify distributing your Wi-Fi with another phone. Pursue the guidelines below to distribute your Wi-Fi key between almost any smartphones:

• How to distribute a Wi-Fi key from iPhone to iPhone: Have your friend log into the same Wi-Fi network you are connected to. You should receive a pop-up on your phone inquiring if you wish to allow them to connect. Opt for the “Share key” button to automatically log their gadget into the Wi-Fi.
• How to distribute a Wi-Fi key from iPhone to Android: Head to Settings > Wi-Fi and pick the network you are connected to. Touch the name of the network, then tap the “Password” section on the following screen to unveil the Wi-Fi key. Show it to your friend for them to manually input the key on their Android gadget.
• How to distribute a Wi-Fi key from Android to Android: Head to Settings > Wi-Fi and network > Wi-Fi and pick the network you are connected to. Hit the “Share” button, which should display a QR code with the key beneath it. Have your friend scan the QR code via their mobile device’s camera, or they can manually type in the key.
• How to distribute a Wi-Fi key from Android to iPhone: Pursue the same actions for Android to Android gadgets since iPhone cameras can all scan QR codes.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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