How to connect to Wi-Fi without a password

Wi-Fi has certainly made our lives simpler, but there’s always the added struggle (read: awkwardness) of asking a host for the password. And while there are times when using your mobile data may seem simpler, what if we tell you there’s a way you can connect to a network without a password? Don’t worry, this article will not be covering ways to hack into a system. Instead, we will go through easy, ethical ways you can share network connectivity with your friends. Read on:

Sharing a Wi-Fi network without a password: Is it really possible?

There are plenty of reasons why you may have to share a Wi-Fi network with someone. The most common reasons could be when you’re a part of a large party or a study group trying to join a shared or workplace network. If you find yourselves in these situations, here are some ways you can connect to a Wi-Fi network without a password:

1. Using WPS

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) on your router is a process set to enable secure Wi-Fi connectivity between your devices. To establish this connection, you often only have to press a button (or, in some cases, enter a PIN). Once this is done, the router should automatically go into pairing mode.

That said, several contemporary routers have done away with this setting for security reasons. But if you still find yourself around a WPS-supported device and an Open System, WPA-Personal, and WPA2-Personal credentials, here are some steps you can follow:

Step 1: On your Android phone, open Wi-Fi settings 

Step 2: Next, within supported Android devices, navigate to Advanced Wi-Fi settings and select the WPS option

Step 3: Once this is done, go to your router and press the WPS button behind it. Remember to do this as soon as possible, preferably within minutes

After this, your phone should have connected automatically to the Wi-Fi network.

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2. Using a QR code

The Device Provisioning Protocol, often recognised as DPP, is known as the Wi-Fi Easy Connect method. This is often effortless as well as safe, and users can quickly share a connection with their friends. Here’s how:

On Android:

Step 1: On your Android phone, open Wi-Fi Settings and then tap on the Wi-Fi Discovery menu

Step 2:  Within this, you should typically find a Settings cog button next to the Wi-Fi network you wish to join

Step 3: The next page should lead you to a QR Code option

Step 4: Here, enter your device lock screen PIN when/if prompted

Step 5: After this, a QR code should appear on your phone screen. You can share this with other compatible smartphone owners who can log in using a Wi-Fi QR Code Scanner on their device

It is, however, crucial to keep in mind that this is only available for users with Android 10 or higher.

On iOS:

Step 1: For an iPhone, the device owner may have to go through an additional step of opening the Passwords app on their iPhone

Step 2: Once here, they can tap on the Wi-Fi option located on the app’s home screen

Step 3: Tap on the Wi-Fi network you wish to share, and the QR code should appear on your iPhone’s screen.

Step 4: The receiver can scan this QR code with their built-in camera app or use the Wi-Fi QR Code scanner found within the Wi-Fi settings menu 

However, keep in mind this functionality is only available for iPhone users with iOS 18, and above. Apart from this, users can always share Wi-Fi with another iPhone, provided both these phones have their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switched on. This also doesn’t work if the iPhones are connected to a hotspot.

The Wi-Fi seeker can then tap on the network they wish to connect (on the Wi-Fi discovery menu). Then, the sharer will receive a pop-up on their iPhone home screen with a ‘Share Password’ button. On granting access, your friend should be able to connect to the network with ease.

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3. With Android Quick Share

Android Quick Share or Nearby Share is the company’s equivalent of Apple’s AirDrop. The feature is currently available for select devices running Android 6 and higher. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Tap their Wi-Fi network in your Wi-Fi discovery menu to share the network

Step 2: Next, you should find a Share Wi-Fi or Share Network option on your screen; tap on it

Step 3: If the Wi-Fi seeker has enabled Nearby Share or Quick Share on their Android device, you should be able to see their device name pop up on the discovery menu on your smartphone 

Step 4: Tap on the device you wish to send and share Wi-Fi credentials or access 

Step 5: Once received, they should get the Wi-Fi credentials. On tapping the received file, they should be able to use this particular Wi-Fi network on their device  

Using Wi-Fi without a password: What are some possible risks?

While these steps make it fairly simple to use a Wi-Fi network without a password, it’s always a good idea to avoid this activity unless absolutely necessary. A Wi-Fi network is an easy hotspot for hackers, and connecting to an open or vulnerable network means putting your device at risk.

Once malicious elements get into your device via Wi-Fi, they could be used for dangerous or illegal activities. This can further lead to data breaches, identity theft, and malware infections. As a Wi-Fi owner, it is good practice to have a strong password on your router, and only share it with those whom you know. Alternatively, if you’re a Wi-Fi seeker, make sure you only use the above-mentioned methods for trusted Wi-Fi networks and for all the right reasons!

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