How to Use
ShareWifi

Everything you need to know to get started. Learn how to install the app, share your Wi-Fi as a Host, and connect as a Guest in under 2 minutes.

📥 Install Download & setup 📡 Host Mode Share your Wi-Fi 📱 Guest Mode Connect to Wi-Fi
Understanding Roles

Host vs Guest

ShareWifi has two roles. You can be either one depending on the situation.

HOST

The one sharing Wi-Fi

You have a Wi-Fi connection or mobile hotspot and want to share it with someone else securely.

  • Generates encrypted QR code
  • Controls data & time limits
  • Sees live usage of connected guests
  • Can create paid hotspot plans
GUEST

The one connecting

Someone shared a QR code with you and you want to connect to their Wi-Fi or hotspot.

  • Scans QR code to connect
  • One-tap auto-connect
  • No password typing needed
  • Proxy auto-configured for hotspots
Step 1

Install ShareWifi

Get the app on your Android device. Takes less than a minute.

Requirements

  • Android 8.0 (Oreo) or above
  • Android 10+ recommended for best auto-connect experience
  • Both the Host and Guest need ShareWifi installed
  • Internet connection to download the app
1

Download from Google Play

Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for "ShareWifi", or click here to go directly to the listing.

2

Install & Open

Tap Install, wait for the download to finish, then tap Open. The app is lightweight (under 10 MB) and installs quickly.

3

Grant Permissions

ShareWifi will ask for a few permissions on first launch:

  • Location — required by Android to scan Wi-Fi networks (Android policy, not used for tracking)
  • Camera — needed to scan QR codes as a Guest
  • Nearby Devices — for Wi-Fi network detection on Android 12+
Tip: All permissions are used locally on your device. ShareWifi never sends your location or any data to external servers.
Host Mode

Share Your Wi-Fi as Host

You're connected to Wi-Fi or running a mobile hotspot and want to share it with someone.

1

Connect to Wi-Fi or Enable Hotspot

First, make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network, or turn on your mobile hotspot from Android Settings. ShareWifi works with both.

Tip: If sharing a mobile hotspot, your guests will use your mobile data plan. Consider setting data limits (Step 3) to control usage.
2

Open ShareWifi & Tap "Share"

Open the ShareWifi app. It automatically detects your current Wi-Fi network or hotspot. Tap the Share button to start the sharing process.

The app reads your Wi-Fi credentials locally and prepares to generate an encrypted QR code. Your password never leaves your device.

3

Set Data & Time Limits (Optional)

Before generating the QR code, you can set limits on how much the guest can use:

  • Data Limit — Set a cap in MB or GB (e.g., 500 MB, 1 GB)
  • Time Limit — Set how long the session lasts (e.g., 30 min, 2 hours)

When the limit is reached, the connection is automatically managed. You can change these limits even while the guest is connected.

Tip: If you're sharing in a cafe or hostel, set a 2-hour time limit so past customers don't keep using your Wi-Fi.
4

Show QR Code to Guest

ShareWifi generates an AES-256 encrypted QR code. Show this QR code to the person you want to connect. They scan it with their ShareWifi app and connect instantly.

Important: The QR code is encrypted. Generic QR scanner apps cannot extract the password. Only the ShareWifi app can decode it. This keeps your password completely hidden.
5

Monitor Live Usage

Once the guest connects, you'll see a live usage card on your screen showing:

  • Real-time upload & download speed
  • Total data consumed in the session
  • Session duration timer

This updates in real time so you always know exactly how much of your data is being used.

Guest Mode

Connect as a Guest

Someone is sharing their Wi-Fi with you via ShareWifi. Here's how to connect.

1

Open ShareWifi & Tap "Scan"

Open the ShareWifi app on your device. Tap the Scan QR button. This opens the camera so you can scan the Host's QR code.

2

Scan the QR Code

Point your camera at the QR code displayed on the Host's screen. ShareWifi reads the encrypted data, decodes it internally, and shows you the network name.

You never see the password. The app handles everything securely behind the scenes.

3

Tap "Connect" — Done!

Tap the Connect button and your device connects to the Wi-Fi network automatically. No password typing, no manual configuration. The entire process takes under 3 seconds.

Tip: On Android 10+, the connection happens instantly via the system Wi-Fi API. On older versions, the app configures the connection and you may need to confirm once.
4

Proxy Auto-Configuration (Hotspot)

If you connected to a mobile hotspot (not a regular Wi-Fi router), ShareWifi automatically detects and configures the proxy settings. This ensures all your apps work correctly — WhatsApp, banking apps, browsers, everything.

No manual IP or port configuration needed. It just works.

Note: If internet doesn't work after connecting to a hotspot, try disconnecting and reconnecting once. The proxy needs a moment to initialize on some devices.
5

Auto-Reconnect (Saved Networks)

ShareWifi remembers networks you've connected to via QR code. Next time you're in range of the same network, the app can auto-connect you without scanning again.

Walk into your friend's house or your regular cafe, and you're online in seconds — no repeated scanning needed.

Troubleshooting

Common Questions & Fixes

Quick answers to the most common issues.

Do both Host and Guest need ShareWifi? +
Yes. The QR code is encrypted with AES-256, so only the ShareWifi app can decode it. If the Guest doesn't have ShareWifi, they won't be able to connect via the QR code. Both users need the app installed.
The QR code scan isn't working +
Make sure you're scanning with the ShareWifi app (not your phone's default camera or any other QR scanner). Ensure good lighting and hold the phone steady about 15-20 cm from the QR code. If the code appears blurry on the Host's screen, ask them to increase screen brightness.
Connected but no internet on hotspot +
This usually means the proxy hasn't configured yet. Try these steps: (1) Disconnect from the network in your Wi-Fi settings, (2) Re-scan the QR code and connect again, (3) Make sure the Host's device has an active mobile data connection, (4) On some devices, toggle Wi-Fi off and on once. ShareWifi's proxy auto-configuration needs a stable connection to the host device.
Can I share with multiple guests at once? +
Yes! You can show the same QR code to multiple people. Each person scans it and connects independently. As the Host, you'll see a live usage card for the connected session. Data and time limits apply per session.
What happens when data or time limit is reached? +
When the limit you set is reached, the connection is automatically managed by ShareWifi. The Guest will need to request a new QR code from the Host to continue using the connection. The Host can generate a new code at any time with new limits.
Is my Wi-Fi password safe? +
Absolutely. Your password is encrypted with AES-256 military-grade encryption inside the QR code. The Guest device never sees or stores the password in plain text. Even if someone screenshots the QR code, they cannot extract the password without the ShareWifi app. The password stays on your device and is never sent to any server.
Does ShareWifi use my data or battery in the background? +
ShareWifi uses minimal resources. The auto-connect feature runs a lightweight background check for saved networks but uses negligible battery. The app does not upload any data to external servers. All operations happen locally on your device.
Can I earn money by sharing my Wi-Fi? +
Yes! ShareWifi has a Paid Hotspot feature that lets you create plans with custom pricing, data allowances, and time limits. Guests pay via UPI and get instant access. Perfect for hostels, cafes, events, or anyone who wants to monetize their internet connection. Learn more about features.
Which Android versions are supported? +
Minimum: Android 8.0 (Oreo). Recommended: Android 10 or above for the best experience. On Android 10+, the Wi-Fi connection API allows instant, seamless auto-connect. Older versions may require a manual confirmation step.
Is ShareWifi available on iOS / iPhone? +
Currently, ShareWifi is available only on Android via Google Play. iOS does not allow apps to programmatically connect to Wi-Fi networks in the same way Android does, which limits the auto-connect functionality. An iOS version is being considered for the future.

Ready to Get Started?

Download ShareWifi for free. No sign-up, no ads, no hassle. Start sharing in under a minute.

Download Free on Google Play