“Share Wi‑Fi” can mean two different things: giving another device access to a Wi‑Fi network you already use, or using your phone or computer to share its internet connection. For the first, share the network password with a nearby-device prompt, a QR code or manual entry. For the second, turn on a hotspot or tethering. A phone hotspot commonly shares cellular data; it does not necessarily rebroadcast the Wi‑Fi network the phone is connected to.
Choose what you need to share
| Method | What it shares | Works best for | Main constraint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple nearby password prompt | Access credentials for an existing Wi‑Fi network | Nearby compatible Apple devices | Requires Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, matching contact details, an unlocked device already on the network, and Personal Hotspot off. Apple Support |
| Wi‑Fi QR code | Access credentials for an existing network or hotspot | Guests whose devices can scan the code | Code display and scanning support vary by device and software. Apple Support; Microsoft Support |
| Manual password entry | Access credentials for an existing network | Devices without a compatible prompt or QR scanner | You need the network name and password. |
| Phone hotspot or tethering | The phone’s internet connection | Getting another device online when sharing the existing network’s credentials is not the goal | Carrier terms, data allowance, battery, device limits and connection method can matter. Apple Support; Google Android Help |
| Windows Mobile hotspot | A selected Wi‑Fi, Ethernet or cellular connection | Sharing a PC’s internet connection | Requires supported Windows settings and adapter; cellular source uses the data plan. Microsoft Support |
Share an existing Wi‑Fi network
Between nearby Apple devices
- On the receiving iPhone, iPad or Mac, open Wi‑Fi settings and select the network.
- Keep the Apple device that already knows the password unlocked and connected to that network. Both devices need Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth turned on; the people need each other’s Apple Account email address or phone number saved in Contacts, and Personal Hotspot must be off.
- When the sharing prompt appears on the connected device, tap Share Password and follow the prompt to finish joining. Apple’s instructions are for compatible Apple devices; exact interfaces can vary by OS version. Apple Support
If the prompt does not appear, Apple recommends restarting both devices. You can also enter the password manually. On iPhone, Apple says a saved network password can be viewed in the Passwords app, and a network QR code can be shown for scanning; availability and interface depend on OS version. Apple Support
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With a QR code or password
If the device that knows the network offers a Wi‑Fi QR-code option, display it for the other device to scan. For a Windows hotspot, Microsoft documents QR-code joining from a receiving device’s camera when supported. If a prompt or scanner is unavailable, give the recipient the network name and password to enter in Wi‑Fi settings. Apple Support; Microsoft Support
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQR-code options are not uniform across Android phones: menus and capabilities vary by manufacturer and OS version. Google’s Android instructions cover mobile-data hotspot and tethering rather than a single saved-network QR-sharing procedure. Treat a displayed or printed code as network access information: show it only to people you intend to let onto the network. A phone screen or ordinary printout is enough for occasional sharing; a printed sign is optional.
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- 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐎𝐧-𝐓𝐡𝐞-𝐆𝐨 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work. This is not a Mi-Fi device or mobile hotspot.
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Share your phone’s internet connection
Android hotspot or tethering
Google says most Android phones can share mobile data over Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth or USB. Menu names can differ by phone maker and Android version.
- Open your phone’s Hotspot setting and turn on the Wi‑Fi hotspot.
- Give the other device the hotspot name and password, then have it join from its Wi‑Fi settings.
- For Bluetooth tethering, pair the devices and enable Bluetooth tethering. For USB tethering, connect them with a cable and enable USB tethering.
Google states that an Android Wi‑Fi hotspot can share mobile data with up to 10 other devices. A Mac computer cannot tether to Android by USB, according to Google. Plugging in the phone while tethering can help preserve battery. Google Android Help
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- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
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iPhone Personal Hotspot
Personal Hotspot shares an iPhone’s cellular internet connection with other devices over Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth or cable. It does not take the iPhone’s current Wi‑Fi connection and pass that same network on to other devices. Turn on Personal Hotspot in Settings, then connect the recipient device using an available method. Apple Support
Availability depends on the carrier; additional fees may apply, and the number of connected devices depends on the carrier and iPhone model. Check your carrier’s terms before relying on hotspot access or a particular device limit. Apple Support
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Share a Windows computer’s internet connection
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
- Choose the internet connection to share. Windows can share a Wi‑Fi, Ethernet or cellular connection over Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth.
- If needed, edit the hotspot network name and password, then turn on Mobile hotspot.
- On the receiving device, join with the password or scan the QR code if the option is available and the camera supports it.
If the selected internet source is cellular, the shared connection uses that data plan. Microsoft Support
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- WIFI 7 SPEEDS UP TO 3.6 GBPS, ANYWHERE YOU GO: Powered by a 5G or 4G cellular connection, M7 delivers fast, reliable WiFi 7 performance. Real-world speeds depend on carrier network, signal strength, location, and connected devices
- GLOBAL COVERAGE WITH NETGEAR eSIM IN 140+ COUNTRIES: Purchase 5G or 4G data plans from the Nighthawk app with no contracts. Requires free NETGEAR account. Coverage and speeds vary by country and carrier
- US CARRIER SUPPORT: The M7 is certified for AT&T and T-Mobile, unlocked for flexible use across compatible carriers. For US local carrier eSIM or SIM activation and data plan details, contact your carrier directly
- POWERFUL BUILT IN SECURITY - includes firewall protection, WPA3 encryption, and automatic firmware updates help protect your data when using public WiFi
- CONNECT UP TO 32 DEVICES AND FREE UP YOUR PHONE: A dedicated hotspot outperforms phone tethering. Connect laptops, tablets, and smart devices simultaneously while keeping your phone free
Keep shared access under control
- Share the password or QR code only with people you intend to let onto the network. Anyone who can use the code may be able to join.
- For a one-time guest, displaying a code on your phone is sufficient; avoid leaving a printed code somewhere unintended visitors can scan it.
- Before enabling a phone hotspot, check whether it uses cellular data and whether your carrier permits it under your plan.
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