How to Share WiFi Password on iPhone - Instant Setup (iOS 18, 2025)
Trying to give someone your WiFi password? Stop reading it character by character. iPhone can share WiFi passwords instantly with a single tap—no typing required.
This guide shows you how to share WiFi password from iPhone to iPhone, iPad, or Mac using Apple's built-in feature. Works on iOS 18 and all recent versions.
Quick Steps:
- Connect your iPhone to WiFi
- Have friend tap your WiFi network name
- Bring devices close together (within 1 foot)
- Tap "Share Password" on your iPhone
- Password transfers automatically - done!
Let's dive into the details.
Requirements for WiFi Password Sharing
Before you can share, both devices need to meet these requirements:
Device Requirements
Sharing device (yours) needs:
- iPhone 5s or newer
- iOS 11 or later (iOS 18 recommended)
- Already connected to the WiFi network
Receiving device needs:
- iPhone 5s or newer, iPad (4th gen+), or Mac
- iOS 11+ (iPhone/iPad) or macOS High Sierra+ (Mac)
- WiFi turned ON
- Not already connected to that network
Contact & Proximity Requirements
You must have each other in Contacts:
- Sender's Apple ID email must be in receiver's Contacts
- Receiver's Apple ID email must be in sender's Contacts
- Or both devices signed into same iCloud account
Devices must be close:
- Within 1 foot (30 cm) of each other
- Bluetooth and WiFi enabled on both
- Devices unlocked during sharing
Important: If someone isn't in your Contacts, sharing won't work. Add them first.
How to Share WiFi Password (iPhone to iPhone)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Person receiving WiFi (friend):
- Go to Settings → WiFi
- Tap the WiFi network name (same one you're connected to)
- Password field appears but don't type anything
- Leave this screen open
Person sharing WiFi (you):
- Make sure your iPhone is unlocked
- Keep your iPhone connected to that WiFi
- Move your iPhone within 1 foot of your friend's iPhone
Automatic popup appears on your iPhone:
- Shows "Share Your WiFi"
- Displays network name
- Shows friend's name (from Contacts)
- Tap Share Password button
- Wait 2-3 seconds
- "Password Shared" confirmation appears
Friend's iPhone:
- Automatically fills in password
- Connects to WiFi immediately
- No typing required!
Done! The entire process takes 5-10 seconds.
iOS 18 Improvements
New in iOS 18:
- Faster device discovery (finds friend's device in 1-2 seconds vs 5-10 seconds)
- Works even if WiFi network has special characters
- Better compatibility with older devices
- Improved security (encrypted password transfer)
How to Share WiFi Password (iPhone to iPad)
Same process as iPhone to iPhone:
- iPad: Settings → WiFi → Tap network name
- iPhone: Be unlocked and connected to WiFi
- Bring devices within 1 foot
- iPhone: Tap "Share Password" when popup appears
- iPad: Automatically connects
Note: iPad must have Cellular + WiFi model OR be using same Apple ID as iPhone for seamless sharing.
How to Share WiFi Password (iPhone to Mac)
Mac Running macOS Ventura or Later
- Mac: Click WiFi icon in menu bar
- Select the WiFi network
- Password field appears - don't type
- iPhone: Unlock and hold near Mac (within 1 foot)
- iPhone: "Share Your WiFi" popup appears
- iPhone: Tap "Share Password"
- Mac: Automatically fills password and connects
Mac Running Older macOS (High Sierra to Monterey)
- Mac: System Preferences → Network → WiFi
- Select network from dropdown
- Click "Ask to Join"
- iPhone: Move close to Mac
- iPhone: Share Password popup appears
- Tap Share
- Mac: Connects automatically
Troubleshooting: WiFi Sharing Not Working
Problem 1: No "Share Password" Popup Appears
Checklist - verify ALL of these:
- ✅ Both devices have WiFi enabled (Settings → WiFi → ON)
- ✅ Both devices have Bluetooth enabled (Control Center → Bluetooth ON)
- ✅ Devices are within 1 foot of each other
- ✅ Your iPhone is unlocked (not on lock screen)
- ✅ Your iPhone is connected to the WiFi network
- ✅ Friend's device is NOT connected to that WiFi yet
- ✅ Friend is in your Contacts with their Apple ID email
- ✅ You are in friend's Contacts with your Apple ID email
- ✅ Airplane mode is OFF on both devices
- ✅ Personal Hotspot is OFF on your iPhone
Quick fix that works 70% of the time:
- Both devices: Toggle WiFi OFF then ON
- Both devices: Toggle Bluetooth OFF then ON
- Wait 10 seconds
- Try again
Problem 2: Not in Each Other's Contacts
This is the #1 reason sharing fails.
Solution - Add to Contacts:
On receiving device (friend's iPhone):
- Open Contacts app
- Tap + to add new contact
- Enter your name
- Tap add email
- Enter your Apple ID email (the one you use for iCloud)
- Tap Done
On your iPhone (sharing device):
- Do the same - add friend's name + Apple ID email to Contacts
How to find Apple ID email:
- Settings → [Your Name] at top → shows Apple ID email
Try sharing again after both have each other saved.
Problem 3: Apple ID Email Not Matching
Receiving device must use the Apple ID email in Contacts.
Check what email they're using:
- Friend's device: Settings → [Name] at top
- Email shown = Apple ID email
- This EXACT email must be in your Contacts
If they have multiple emails associated:
- Add all their emails to their Contact card
- WiFi sharing works if any email matches
Problem 4: Devices Too Far Apart
WiFi sharing uses Bluetooth for device discovery.
Distance requirements:
- Ideal: 6-12 inches apart
- Maximum: 3 feet (1 meter)
- Direct line of sight helps
Tip: Actually touch the two devices together back-to-back. This guarantees they're close enough.
Problem 5: Old iOS/macOS Version
Minimum versions required:
- iPhone/iPad: iOS 11 or later
- Mac: macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later
Check your version:
- iPhone: Settings → General → About → Software Version
- Mac: Apple menu → About This Mac
Update if needed:
- iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update
- Mac: System Preferences → Software Update
Problem 6: Password Has Special Characters
Some older iOS versions struggle with:
- Emojis in password
- Certain special characters
- Very long passwords (30+ characters)
Solution:
- Change WiFi password to simpler one temporarily
- Share password to friend
- Change password back after they're connected
Or share manually:
- Settings → WiFi → tap (i) next to network
- Show password (use Face ID/Touch ID)
- Read it to them or AirDrop screenshot
How to View Your WiFi Password (Manual Share)
If automatic sharing won't work, view and share manually:
iOS 16 and Later (Easiest)
- Settings → WiFi
- Tap (i) icon next to connected network
- Tap Password field
- Authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID/passcode
- Password appears
- Tap password to copy
- Send via Messages or read aloud
iOS 15 and Earlier
No built-in way to view password.
Options:
- Ask whoever set up the WiFi
- Check router settings (if you have admin access)
- Use Keychain on Mac (if synced):
- Keychain Access app → Search for WiFi name → Show password
Alternative Ways to Share WiFi
Method 1: QR Code (Android/Guest-Friendly)
Create QR code others can scan:
- Use website: qifi.org (free QR code generator)
- Enter WiFi name and password
- Download QR code image
- Save to Photos app
- Show QR code to guests
- They scan with camera app → auto-connects
Great for: Guests without Apple devices, Airbnb hosts, coffee shops
Method 2: Personal Hotspot (Mobile Data)
Share your cellular connection instead:
- Settings → Personal Hotspot
- Enable Allow Others to Join
- Share password shown
- Others connect to your iPhone as WiFi
Use case: When WiFi is down, share your cellular data
Method 3: Write It Down
Old school but effective:
- Settings → WiFi → tap (i) → View password
- Write on whiteboard/sticky note
- Post in guest room or office
Method 4: AirDrop Screenshot (Quick Workaround)
- Settings → WiFi → tap (i) → Password
- Authenticate to reveal
- Take screenshot (Side + Volume Up)
- AirDrop screenshot to friend
- They type password from screenshot
Faster than reading aloud but less secure (screenshot saved in Photos).
WiFi Sharing Security & Privacy
Is WiFi Sharing Secure?
Yes. Apple uses end-to-end encryption.
Security features:
- Password transferred via encrypted Bluetooth connection
- Password not sent through internet/cloud
- Contact verification prevents random people getting password
- Password not displayed on sharing device (screen-free transfer)
Safer than:
- Texting password (can be intercepted)
- Writing on paper (can be photographed)
- Saying aloud (can be overheard)
Who Can You Share With?
Only people in your Contacts with correct Apple ID email.
Cannot share with:
- ❌ Strangers (even if nearby)
- ❌ Android users via this method (use QR code instead)
- ❌ People not in your Contacts
- ❌ Devices not signed into iCloud
Control who gets access: Only add trusted people to Contacts.
Revoking Shared WiFi Access
Shared password doesn't expire.
To revoke access:
- Change WiFi network password (router settings)
- Their device loses connection
- You stay connected (just reconnect with new password)
Or:
- Use router's MAC address filtering
- Block their device specifically in router admin panel
Tips & Tricks for WiFi Sharing
Tip 1: Share WiFi at Events
Setting up guest WiFi for party/event:
- Create simple guest network (no special characters in password)
- First guest connects via password sharing
- Each subsequent guest can get password from any connected guest
- Chain sharing - everyone helps everyone connect
Or use QR code (better for 10+ guests).
Tip 2: Pre-Add Contacts Before Guests Arrive
Expecting visitors?
- Ask for their Apple ID email ahead of time
- Add to Contacts before they arrive
- Instant connection when they get there (no fumbling with passwords)
Tip 3: Share Between Your Own Devices
Own multiple Apple devices?
Sign into same Apple ID on all:
- iPhone auto-shares WiFi to your iPad, Mac, Apple Watch
- No contact exchange needed
- All devices sync WiFi passwords via iCloud Keychain
Tip 4: Use Family Sharing
Family members automatically in Contacts.
- Set up Family Sharing (Settings → [Name] → Family Sharing)
- All family members can share WiFi instantly
- No manual Contact adding needed
Tip 5: Fix Network First, Then Share
Friend can't connect even after getting password?
Network might be the issue:
- Test: Can you access internet on your iPhone?
- If network slow/down, sharing password won't help
- Restart router first
- Then share password
Tip 6: Rename Network for Easier Sharing
Generic names confuse people.
Better naming:
- ❌ "NETGEAR-2837463"
- ✅ "Smith Family WiFi"
- ✅ "Apartment 3B - 2.4GHz"
Change in router settings (improves user experience).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I share WiFi password to Android? A: Not using Apple's built-in method. Alternative: Create QR code (qifi.org), Android scans it to connect automatically.
Q: Do both people need to be in each other's Contacts? A: Yes. Sharer must have receiver's Apple ID in Contacts, and receiver must have sharer's Apple ID in Contacts. This is a security feature.
Q: Can I share WiFi without unlocking my iPhone? A: No. Your iPhone must be unlocked to share. Receiver's device should be on the WiFi password entry screen.
Q: Why does "Share Password" popup not appear? A: Most common reasons: (1) Not in each other's Contacts with correct Apple ID email, (2) Bluetooth or WiFi disabled, (3) Devices too far apart (need 1 foot or closer), (4) Your iPhone is locked.
Q: Can I share WiFi password through Messages or AirDrop? A: Not directly - the auto-share feature only works via proximity Bluetooth. Workaround: View password (Settings → WiFi → (i) → Password), copy it, then send via Messages or AirDrop.
Q: Does the other person see my WiFi password? A: No. Password transfers invisibly - they never see it on screen. Their device automatically connects without displaying password.
Q: How close do devices need to be? A: Within 1 foot (30cm) ideal. Maximum 3 feet. Closer is better - some users touch devices back-to-back.
Q: Can I share WiFi password to Windows PC? A: No. This feature only works between Apple devices. For Windows: View password on iPhone (Settings → WiFi → tap i → Password) and type manually, or create QR code.
Q: Will sharing WiFi drain my battery? A: No. The brief Bluetooth handshake uses negligible battery (less than 0.1%).
Q: Can I share WiFi if I'm connected via Ethernet on Mac? A: Mac must be connected to WiFi (not Ethernet) to share that WiFi's password. Connect Mac to WiFi first, then share.
Conclusion: Never Type a WiFi Password Again
Apple's WiFi password sharing is one of those "magic" features that works flawlessly when set up correctly. The key is having each other in Contacts with correct Apple ID emails.
Remember the essentials:
- Add each other to Contacts (with Apple ID emails)
- WiFi and Bluetooth ON (both devices)
- Within 1 foot of each other
- Your device unlocked and connected to WiFi
- Tap "Share Password" when popup appears
Pro tip: Before guests arrive, ask for their Apple ID email and add to Contacts. They'll think you're a tech wizard when their iPhone connects instantly!
Recommended Networking Accessories
Improve your home WiFi experience for guests:
- WiFi 6 Router (Mesh System) - Better coverage throughout home
- WiFi Extender/Repeater - Reach dead zones for guest rooms
- Ethernet to WiFi Adapter - Convert wired to wireless
- WiFi QR Code Signs - Instant connection for Android guests
- Smart Plug with WiFi - Remote router restart when issues arise
Guest network tip: Most modern routers support guest networks—create one for visitors to keep your main network private while still using password sharing.
Related guides:
Shared WiFi password successfully? Now share this guide with friends who still read 16-character passwords aloud! 😄
