If you are wondering how to connect a smartphone to Wi-Fi without entering the password, we may have the answer. Entering the Wi-Fi password every time you want to connect to a new device is annoying.
Fortunately, there are more and more alternatives to connect to the Wi-Fi network without entering the password. We will show you how to do this in three different ways. You can use the WPS button, you can use the camera to scan a QR code, or someone who is already connected can pass you the code with Nearby Share.
How to connect a smartphone to Wi-Fi without entering the password?
WPS button
For some time now, most routers have included this WPS button. WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. The idea is, instead of entering the password, to press a button for scanning for nearby WPS networks, and, in some cases, enter a numeric PIN code that should be shorter than the full password.
Connecting to a router over Wi-Fi using WPS is very easy but you need to have physical access to the router to press the button. On Android, you need to go to the Wi-Fi settings, enter the three dots menu, and tap Settings. One of them should be called WPS Connection.
QR code
Some routers include a printed QR code that will let devices connect directly to the Wi-Fi. The problem is that if you change the Wi-Fi password – which is highly recommended – the code stops working. The solution in this case is to create a new QR code for the Wi-Fi password.
With a valid code, all you need to do to connect to the Wi-Fi network is to use any QR code scanning method. Most apps recognize that it’s a QR code from a Wi-Fi connection, and you’ll be able to connect easily without having to enter passwords, press buttons, or do anything weird – just scan a QR code.
Nearby Share
On Android phones, starting with Android 12, it will be possible to share the password of a Wi-Fi network directly with Nearby Sharing.
On an iPhone, the process is similar but even easier and consists of two steps. On the iPhone on which you want to connect, you must tap on the Wi-Fi key. Then, bring the other iPhone that already has connected to the Wi-Fi and iOS will ask you if you want to share the Wi-Fi key with the other person.
After a few seconds, the Wi-Fi key will be transferred. Both phones need to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled in this process.