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You can share a Wi-Fi network saved on your computer by revealing its password, showing a QR code, or—on a nearby compatible Apple device—using Apple’s password-sharing prompt. The steps depend on whether your computer runs Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS. These methods share access to an existing network; turning a Windows PC into a hotspot is a separate task.
Windows: Find a saved Wi-Fi password or share a QR code
In Windows 11, you can display the password for the network you are using or for another saved network. The computer must have joined that network and still have its credentials saved.
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Show the password for the current network
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
- Select the connected network to open its properties.
- Choose Show beside Wi-Fi network password.
Read or copy the password for the person connecting. Windows labels can vary slightly by version. See Microsoft’s instructions for finding a Wi-Fi password in Windows.
Show a password for a saved network
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
- Select the saved network.
- Choose Show beside Wi-Fi network password.
Use a QR code when available
If Windows offers a QR connection option for the network, the recipient can scan it with a device that supports Wi-Fi QR codes. A Windows device with a camera can scan an incoming Wi-Fi QR code through the Camera app: switch to barcode mode, scan the code, select the link, and confirm the network in Settings. The exact options depend on the Windows version and device.
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Mac: Reveal the password, show a QR code, or share with Apple devices
Reveal or copy a saved password
- Open the Passwords app.
- Select Wi-Fi in the sidebar.
- Choose the saved network, then reveal the password or click it to copy.
The network record can also display a QR code. Apple’s steps are in Apple’s Passwords guide to sharing Wi-Fi passwords.
Share directly with a nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Keep your Mac unlocked and connected to the network. The other person selects that network on their Apple device; accept the prompt that appears on your Mac. Apple says both people should be signed in to their Apple Accounts, have each other’s contact details saved in Contacts, and be within Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range. Personal Hotspot must not be active.
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If the prompt does not appear, check those requirements and restart both devices. If sharing still fails, the recipient can enter the password manually. See Apple’s Wi-Fi password-sharing troubleshooting steps.
Copy a known password in macOS Ventura or later
Apple also documents this route: open System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced, select the More button beside a known network, then choose Copy Password. Menu names may differ across macOS versions. Details are in Apple’s Mac help for finding a Wi-Fi password.
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Chromebook: Sync saved networks to your other devices
Chromebook uses account sync rather than a general password-reveal-and-send flow. To sync saved networks between Chromebooks, sign in to the same primary account on each device and enable Wi-Fi networks in Sync settings on each one. This applies to secure, password-protected consumer or household networks; enterprise EAP networks are excluded. A work or school administrator may disable sync.
To sync networks with a connected Android phone, turn on Wi-Fi Sync in the Chromebook’s connected-device settings. Availability depends on account and sync settings. See Google’s Chromebook instructions for syncing Wi-Fi networks.
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Sharing the router password is different from creating a Windows hotspot
If you want another device to join the same home or office router, use the saved-password or QR steps above. A Windows Mobile hotspot instead rebroadcasts the computer’s internet connection under a separate network name and password.
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- Choose which connection to share and select Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Turn on the hotspot; the second device joins using the displayed hotspot password or QR code.
Microsoft’s instructions cover Windows 10 and Windows 11. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; see Microsoft’s Mobile hotspot guidance.
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If the password is unavailable or a connection fails
- The network is not saved on the computer: Ask the network owner or administrator. For your own router, check its admin interface, label, or documentation. At a public venue, ask staff or check posted instructions.
- The password was typed manually: Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so check uppercase and lowercase characters. Apple lists password recovery options in its Mac Wi-Fi password help.
- You want visitors to use separate credentials: A network owner may set up a guest network rather than share the main network password. Google documents viewing and sharing a Nest Wifi or Google Wifi password, including guest-network credentials, in Google Home’s Wi-Fi password instructions. Share access only with people you trust.
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