How to Transfer Wi‑Fi Passwords to a New Phone

When passwords may follow automatically

• iPhone-to-iPhone transfer with the same Apple Account and supported settings;
• Android setup transfer using the same Google Account and old device unlock;
• a password manager that stores network details deliberately.

Do not rely on automatic transfer alone

Guest, enterprise, hotel and captive-portal networks may require a fresh sign-in. Work and school Wi‑Fi may need a certificate or managed profile that only the administrator can issue.

Safe fallback

1. Find the router label or trusted password record.
2. Confirm that you can access the router or broadband account.
3. Connect the new phone manually.
4. Test internet access and local devices.
5. Forget any network that belongs to a previous owner or workplace.

Avoid insecure sharing

Do not send home or business Wi‑Fi passwords in a public message. A QR code is convenient but reveals access to anyone who can scan or photograph it, so show it only to an intended person and change the password if it has spread.

Use account sync for convenience, but keep critical networks documented

Platform transfer or account sync may restore saved Wi-Fi networks, although managed, captive-portal and enterprise networks can require fresh credentials or certificates.

• Verify the new phone joins the home network after a restart.
• Do not transfer or display passwords for networks you are not authorised to share.
• Record router admin and recovery details separately from the Wi-Fi password.
• Remove obsolete public and temporary networks after migration.

For an essential workplace or accessibility device network, arrange a fresh approved setup rather than depending on a copied credential that may fail silently.