Android Q has a trick to make Wi-Fi password sharing a whole lot simpler

Finally, no more digging through old papers to find your Wi-Fi password.
By Stan Schroeder  on 
Android Q has a trick to make Wi-Fi password sharing a whole lot simpler
Android Q has a lot of cool tricks up its sleeve. Credit: Google

Do you know your house's Wi-Fi password, or is it lost in a stack of papers in one of seven possible drawers?

If it's the latter (it sure is for me), you'll welcome Android Q's new, clever way of sharing Wi-Fi passwords: Via a QR code.

Android Authority reports that Android Q, which just came out in beta, now lets you go into your Wi-Fi settings, tap on your current network, then tap "Share," which will generate a QR code (note that you will have to authenticate with a fingerprint or pin to do this).

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Then, you can take another phone running Android Q, go to Wi-Fi settings, and tap the icon on the right of the Add network setting. This will give you the QR scanner; now scan the code on the other phone, and you'll connect to the Wi-Fi network.

There are two problems with this. One, it's still too damn complicated, but it's better than digging through those drawers for your password (on iOS, the solution is different but still too complicated). Two, it'll take a while before enough people run Android Q on their phones to make this useful.

Still, it seems that Android Q is chock-full of small improvements like this, and it puts a smile on my face. The entire "share your Wi-Fi password" problem feels like something that could've easily be solved years ago, but I'm happy to see Google finally working on it.

Topics Android Google

Stan Schroeder
Stan Schroeder
Senior Editor

Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He's got more battery-powered gadgets and band t-shirts than you. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing. Typically, this is a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.


Recommended For You
Google Password Manager now lets you share your passwords with family
Google logo


Apple to launch Passwords, a dedicated password manager, report claims
Apple WWDC

Move over LastPass! Apple announces new password manager at WWDC 2024
MacBook showing Passwords app

Android 15: 3 game-changing features coming to your phone
Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro

More in Tech
How to watch the 2024 WNBA online from anywhere in the world
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is guarded by Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark

How to watch Simone Biles at Paris 2024 online for free
Simone Biles competes in the floor exercise on Day Two of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Gymnastics Trials

How to watch Carlos Alcaraz at Paris 2024 online for free
Alcaraz at the Paris 2024 training day

How to watch Andy Murray at Paris 2024 online for free
Murray at the Paris 2024 training day

How to watch the men's 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024 online for free
 Karsten Warholm of Norway

Trending on Mashable

Android users, beware! Text message stealing malware is targeting smartphones to gain access to users' data
Android logo on smartphone

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 1
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'


Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 1
a phone displaying Wordle
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!