iOS 18 makes much of the prior data in Keychain Access, including website logins and Wi-Fi networks, more accessible in a new app called Passwords. This app also makes it easy to help others join Wi-Fi networks by sharing a QR code.

As I wrote in iOS 17 Hot Tips #3, it’s so simple for mobile devices to scan and act on QR codes, whether using Camera, Code Scanner, or in a previously captured image.

Client Notes

Last week, I helped Jim, Kenda, and Peter set up Apple Watches, two of them for kids, empowering them to feel safer and more connected. I also worked with Estella to increase her savvy with her devices’ integration and helped Birgit reconnect her printer.

Mac Passwords Wi-Fi Show QR Code

Generate Wi-Fi QR Code

On any Apple device with the Passwords app, open it and use biometrics (or your password) to unlock. Navigate to Wi-Fi and you’ll find a list of every network your device has ever connected to.

Select a network you want to share. Your current connection, if any, appears at the top. On Mac, click Show next to QR Code. On iPhone or iPad, tap Show Network QR Code.

Mac Passwords Wi-Fi Share QR Code

Share QR Code

If you’re with the person who wants to connect, you can of course just show them the QR code you just revealed.

Or, you might want to save it, such as to print for a conference or other event. Just take a screenshot (Mac, mobile), crop if you like, and save, share, or print.

iPhone Join Wi-Fi via QR Code

Join Wi-Fi via QR Code

To connect to a Wi-Fi network using a QR code, simply open the code reader of your choice, point it at the QR code, and join.

If you use the built-in Code Scanner on iPhone and iPad, the device will automatically act on the code and present the opportunity to join.

Are you hosing a guest in your home, organizing a large gathering, or anything in between? When providing Wi-Fi information, you no longer have to spell out a password, noting what letters are uppercase or lowercase, whether there are spaces or punctuation, or any other uniqueness.

Instead, you can simply post a QR code in your guest room, on the fridge, at the registration table, etc. and your guest(s) can instantly scan and join with confidence.

Plus, this feature may replace one Apple introduced years ago to share a Wi-Fi password. That function has always been temperamental, has a number of prerequisites, and doesn’t leave the user with a password they can look up later.