- Android may soon allow users to share Wi-Fi passwords using Nearby Share.
- The sharing service would streamline the currently convoluted process.
- As the commit hasn’t been finalized, it’s unclear when this feature could make its debut.
It’s a convoluted process sharing your Wi-Fi network with others, but future versions of Android may massively streamline this process using Nearby Share.
Per a commit to AOSP spotted by XDA, Android’s equivalent to AirDrop could be used as more than just a file and link sharing service this time around. Nearby Share could soon allow you to share your Wi-Fi password with others in the room, negating the need to dish out QR codes or scribbled notes. The commit envisions a button that would “display W-Fi sharing intent” while a long-press of this button would “open a Wi-Fi QR sharing” option.
Since Android 10, Google has allowed users to log in to networks using QR codes, but users are still required to physically scan them using their cameras. Nearby Share should mitigate this while providing support to all modern Android phones.
Before you start the celebrations, the commit hasn’t been set in stone just yet, but there’s a chance it could make its debut in Android 12. The next version of Android could also see improvements to OS update distribution and storage management.