Forgetting WiFi passwords is a common frustration. Whether someone else initially connected your device or you simply can’t recall the complex string, reconnecting can be a hassle. Thankfully, Xiaomi phones offer a convenient solution: sharing WiFi network passwords as scannable QR codes.
By scanning a QR code, you can effortlessly connect to a WiFi network without the need to manually type in lengthy and complicated passwords. This feature simplifies the process of sharing your WiFi with guests or connecting your own devices quickly.
Curious to learn how it works? This guide will walk you through the complete process of both sharing a WiFi password as a QR code from your Xiaomi phone and scanning WiFi QR codes using various devices.
Sharing WiFi Password via QR Code on Xiaomi Phones
Before diving into scanning, let’s first understand how to generate a WiFi QR code using your Xiaomi phone. The process is straightforward:
- Ensure Connection: First, make sure your Xiaomi phone is connected to the WiFi network you intend to share.
- Access WiFi Settings: Navigate to your phone’s WiFi settings. A quick way to do this is by swiping down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade and then long-pressing the WiFi icon.
- Tap on Connected Network: Tap on the name of the WiFi network your phone is currently connected to. This action will typically open a screen displaying details about the WiFi connection, including the QR code.
- QR Code Displayed: Your Xiaomi phone will now display a QR code representing the WiFi network. This QR code contains the network name (SSID) and password, allowing others to connect by simply scanning it.
- Share the QR Code: You can now share this QR code with others. They can scan it directly from your phone screen, or you can take a screenshot and share the image digitally.
Now that you’ve generated the WiFi QR code, let’s explore how to scan it using different devices.
Scanning WiFi QR Codes on Xiaomi and Other Phones
There are several methods to scan a WiFi QR code, depending on the type of phone you are using. Here’s a breakdown of the most common approaches:
1. Using a Xiaomi Phone to Scan
Xiaomi phones often come equipped with a built-in QR code scanner, eliminating the need for third-party apps. Here’s how to use it:
- Locate the Scanner App: Search for “Scanner” within your Xiaomi phone’s app drawer or use the search bar in the app drawer to find the pre-installed “Scanner” application.
- Open the Scanner App: Launch the “Scanner” application.
- Scan the QR Code: Point your phone’s camera at the WiFi QR code displayed on another device or from a printed image. You can also typically import a QR code image from your phone’s gallery if you have a screenshot.
- WiFi Details and Password: Once scanned, the app will recognize the WiFi QR code and display the WiFi network name (SSID) and password.
- Connect to WiFi: Usually, a prompt will appear allowing you to directly connect to the WiFi network with a single tap.
2. Scanning with a Samsung Phone
Similar to Xiaomi, many Samsung phones also have a built-in QR code scanning feature. You can use this feature to scan WiFi QR codes:
- Access QR Scanner: Samsung phones often have a “QR scanner” readily accessible. You can typically find it by swiping down the notification panel and looking for a “Scan QR code” quick toggle or by searching for “QR scanner” in the app drawer.
- Open the QR Scanner: Launch the QR code scanner feature.
- Scan the WiFi QR Code: Aim your Samsung phone’s camera at the WiFi QR code. Like Xiaomi, you might also have the option to scan a QR code image from your gallery.
- View WiFi Information: After scanning, your Samsung phone will process the QR code and display the WiFi network details, including the password.
- Connect to the Network: You should see an option to connect to the WiFi network directly.
3. Scanning on Other Phones Without a Built-in QR Scanner
If you are using a phone that doesn’t have a pre-installed QR code scanner, don’t worry. There are still easy ways to scan WiFi QR codes:
- Google Lens: Many Android phones have Google Lens integrated into the camera app or available as a standalone app. Google Lens is a powerful tool that can scan QR codes. Simply open Google Lens, point your camera at the QR code, and it will recognize and process the WiFi information.
- Third-Party QR Scanner Apps: Numerous free QR code scanner applications are available on app stores like Google Play Store (for Android) and Apple App Store (for iOS). Search for “QR code scanner,” choose a reputable app with good reviews and a high number of downloads, and install it.
- Using a QR Scanner App: Once installed, open the third-party QR scanner app.
- Scan the QR Code: Use the app to scan the WiFi QR code, either by pointing your camera or uploading a QR code image.
- WiFi Details Displayed: The app will decode the QR code and show you the WiFi network name and password, allowing you to connect.
The Convenience of Scanning WiFi QR Codes
As demonstrated above, scanning WiFi QR codes provides significant convenience. The primary advantage is eliminating the need to manually enter WiFi passwords. This is especially helpful for complex passwords or when sharing WiFi access with guests who may find it cumbersome to type long passwords on their devices.
Furthermore, even if you’ve forgotten your own WiFi password, generating a QR code from a device already connected to the network (like your Xiaomi phone) allows you to easily share or reconnect without needing to look up or reset the password.
While sharing WiFi passwords via QR codes is particularly seamless on Xiaomi devices, the ability to scan these codes is widely accessible across various smartphone brands and through readily available scanner apps. This makes connecting to WiFi networks and sharing access a much more user-friendly experience.
By utilizing WiFi QR codes, you can simplify your digital life and make connecting to WiFi networks a breeze.
