We have all been there. Some friends come to visit you. As you talk and exchange memories at least one of them will ask to use your WiFi network. Since its 2019 they will need a password. If you are an organized person, it is likely that you know it by heart. Others will struggle to remember it or track down the sticky note on which it is written. To facilitate the process and improve your life, Android Q will arrive with a new Easy Connect feature.
Once you sign-in on the network by using an Android Q, you will have the option to generate a unique QR code which contains the credentials of your WiFi network. Your guests can scan this code and login without issues.
Third-party apps which offer the same functionality are already available, but the setup process is a bit complicated. A simple tap will do the job in Android Q, and the solution has been certified by the WiFi Alliance. Users will also have the option to add devices to their network by showing a QR code on a display. This feature will require devices which are compatible with the Easy Connect Wi-Fi standard.
How to use the new Easy Connect feature of Android Q
Using the feature
Keep in mind that your device has to run Android Q (which is currently available as a beta for Pixel devices). However, here’s how to use this function:
- Go to Settings -> Network & Internet
- Tap on your WiFi network and tap on the gear which can be seen in the upper right side of the screen
- Select the Share option and enter your passcode to a QR code
Using the QR code
- Android users:
- Go to WiFi settings and choose the Add network option
- You can scan the QR code, and the process will be completed automatically
- If you use Lens, you can connect directly by pointing the camera at the QR code and tapping on the network name which should appear under the code
- iOS users:
- The device has to run iOS 11 or better
- Open the camera app and point it at the QR code
- A notification should appear
- Tap on it, and you are good to go
The new WiFi sharing feature is only available on Android Q which is currently in its Beta phase on Google Pixel smartphones only.