There are few things that universally frustrate all human beings. One of them is finding a metal cookie tin and opening it to discover that it is not full of biscuits, but sewing supplies. Apart from that, there is the hassle of having to enter a very long Wi-Fi password full of capital letters, numbers, and symbols. Even if we memorize this password, having to type, for example, WPA2!MyHomE-34%KxL every time we connect a device to the network is a bit overwhelming.
Yes, long, random passwords are necessary for security, but they are also a nightmare for everyday usability. It’s a real pain when a guest arrives or we buy a new device and we are faced with the daunting task of typing in the password. If you’ve forgotten it, or can’t find the piece of paper you wrote it down on, you’re in for another kind of problem. The good news is that setting up an efficient Wi-Fi system doesn’t have to be a headache.
Nowadays, there are tools for adding devices and sharing access without having to type in any old-fashioned codes. These types of systems are available on modern operating systems such as Android (10 plus and above) and iOS.
Share WiFi Access in Seconds
The best and safest way to avoid typing passwords is to use your smartphone’s native features. These features allow the device, if it already has the password saved, to securely share this password with a guest. It is the most efficient solution without compromising the security of the entire Wi-Fi network:
- Android QR. To activate it on your Android 10 or higher, go to “Settings > Networks & Internet > Wi-Fi.” Then, tap on the active network and choose the “Share” option. For security reasons, the system will ask for your fingerprint or security PIN to authenticate that you are giving permission for this action.
- The Interactive Ticket for iOS. Apple’s version is a little smoother and is called password sharing. This allows an iPad or iPhone to automatically share the credentials with another Apple device. To do this, both devices must be close to each other, have Bluetooth enabled, and be in each other’s contact lists. When the guest tries to connect to the Wi-Fi network, a password sharing button will appear on the host’s screen. If you press it, the process is completed without anyone having to see or type the password at any time. Apple’s version is definitely a little faster and more efficient than Android’s.
WPS for Configuration Without a Screen
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) was also created as a shortcut. Its purpose is to integrate devices that have neither a keyboard nor a screen into the network. This category includes printers, security cameras, and certain home automation devices that do not even have the option of adding a mouse or keyboard. To do this, there is a method called Push Button Connect or PBC.
PBC is the most convenient method for the initial configuration of the router. To do this, press the button on the router and then start the connection on the peripheral device. The connection is established securely in less than two minutes. This is the most recommended WPS method for the initial configuration of fixed equipment at home or in a small office.
As you can see, creating a Wi-Fi network where you don’t have to type in the password over and over again is not difficult at all. If you want to let your friends connect to Wi-Fi with their mobile phones, use QR codes. If you need to install peripherals without a screen, it is best to use the WPS button. If you need to perform local tasks that require high speed, use Wi-Fi Direct.