QUICK CONNECT
Virgin Media reveals little-known Wi-Fi sharing trick that solves most annoying problem every customer faces
Scroll down for other ways to quickly connect to Wi-Fi even if you're not a Virgin Media customer
VIRGIN Media has revealed a clever Wi-Fi trick that makes sharing your password so much easier.
Router passwords are notoriously long and complicated, filled with random letters and characters.
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As annoying as it is, this is important to prevent hackers from easily breaking into your network.
So changing it to something simple is not a safe option.
Whenever you're adding a new device or even sharing the Wi-Fi out with a friend visiting you have to go through the long process of typing out the code.
Some Wi-Fi routers come with the password on a card, which at least means you don't have to flip the router over.
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Meanwhile others have a handy QR code to scan.
However, Virgin Media goes a step further so you don't even have to get up.
And it's all in the company's free Virgin Connect app.
Open it and the app will show you a QR code you can share with anyone.
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All they have to do is scan it using their phone's camera and their phone will be connected without having to type any passwords out.
"Long gone are the days crawling on all-fours trying to find the WiFi code or faffing around with long passwords for your guests," Virgin Media said in an email.
"If you’re a Virgin Media broadband customer, it couldn’t be easier to share your WiFi network password."
If you don't already have the Virgin Connect app, download it now for iOS or Android.
Log in, then tap on the Home tab.
Here you'll find the QR code that you can show friends and family to scan.
If you're not with Virgin Media or this method doesn't work for you, there is another way that is even faster.
How to quickly join Wi-Fi from an iPhone
If you're using an iPhone and your friend is too, you're in luck.
As long as you have each other as contacts, you can instantly share the password to each other.
All the visitor has to do is tap on the home network in question.
A popup should appear on your iPhone's screen asking if you want to share it.
Go ahead with sharing and the other person's iPhone will connect to it automatically.
Quick Wi-Fi sharing trick for iPhone
iPhones attempting to connect to other Wi-Fi networks can avoid typing out the password a different way too.
Go into Settings and select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to.
Next, double tap in the Password box.
A small box saying Scan Text should appear, tap it.
A window will show up at the bottom of your screen revealing what your camera sees.
Hover the camera over the password details on the back of your router.
Tap the tiny text icon in the bottom right when the yellow lines appear.
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Tap the password text from the screenshot that appears and it should automatically enter the text into the password field above.
Finally, hit the Insert button and you're good to go.
Top tips on how to stay connected
BELOW are some tips from Ofcom on how to stay connected during the coronavirus crisis.
- Use your landline or wifi calls:More people are making calls on their mobile network during the day, so you may find you get a more reliable connection using your landline or by turning on "wifi calling" in your settings.
- Move your router clear of other devices: Keep your router as far away as possible from other devices, such as cordless phones, baby monitors, TVs and monitors, as they can all affect your wifi if they’re too close to your router. Also, place your router on a table or shelf rather than on the floor, and keep it switched on.
- Lower the demands on your connection: The more devices attached to your wifi, the lower the speed you get. Devices like tablets and smartphones often work in the background, so try switching wifi reception off on these when you’re not using them.
- Try wired rather than wireless:For the best broadband speeds, use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router rather than using wifi.
- Plug your router directly into your main phone socket:Where possible, try not to use a telephone extension lead, as these can cause interference which could lower your speed.
- Test the speed on your broadband line: You can run a speed test using . If possible, carry out tests over a few days and at different times of day.
- Get advice from your broadband provider: If your connection isn’t working as well as it should, you can find advice on your broadband provider’s website. If you need to contact them for help, keep in mind that because of coronavirus some companies have fewer people to help with your queries.
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