How to Transfer a Wi-Fi Password from One iPhone to Another: All the Methods as of 2026

Transferring your home or office Wi-Fi network password between devices Apple — a problem that every second user faces iPhoneDespite the apparent simplicity, the process has its nuances: from version iOS to router security settings. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods—from standard data exchange via Settings to workarounds for older models.

Ecosystem feature Apple is that it offers several built-in mechanisms for exchanging data between devices. However, not all of them are equally convenient: for example, the function Share Wi-Fi password It only works if strict conditions are met (both phones must be unlocked, close by, and have the latest firmware). We tested each method on iPhone 15 Pro Max (iOS 17.4) and iPhone SE 2020 (iOS 16.7) to identify limitations and suggest alternatives.

Important: If you are trying to transfer the password to a device with Android or WindowsSome of the methods in this article won't work. For cross-platform sharing, use universal solutions like QR codes or manual input.

1. Standard method: Share Wi-Fi password function

The easiest and safest method is the built-in option Share Password, which appears automatically when trying to connect a second one iPhone to the network. However, it only works if all conditions are met:

• 📱 Both devices have been updated to iOS 11 or later (This function is not available on older versions).
• 🔒 Accounts Apple ID phones should have Family Sharing or each other's contacts are saved in Phone book.
• 📶 Both iPhone connected to Bluetooth And Wi-Fi, and the distance between them does not exceed 10 meters.
• 🔄 The device from which the password is being shared is already connected to the target network.

How it works in practice:

1. Unlock both iPhone and make sure they are close by.
2. On the second phone (the one you want to connect), open Settings → Wi-Fi and select the desired network.
3. On the first iPhone a pop-up window will appear with an offer Share Password. Click Send password.
4. On the second device, confirm the connection - the password will be transferred automatically.

If the window does not appear, check:

• 🔄 Restart both phones - sometimes resetting temporary data helps.
• 📋 Make sure the second user's contact is saved in Phone book with the same Apple ID, as on the device.
• 🛠️ Update firmware: in iOS 17.3+ Fixed bugs with password exchange via Ultra Wideband (UWB).

⚠️ Attention: If the network uses WPA3 Enterprise or 802.1X (corporate authentication), standard password exchange will not work. In this case, use the methods in the following sections.

2. Transferring a password via AirDrop

If the built-in function does not work, an alternative is AirDrop — technology for wireless file transfer between devices AppleTo exchange a password, you need to create a text file or screenshot with network data.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On the first iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the icon ⓘ next to the network name.
2. Copy the network name (SSID) and password (if the password field is hidden, click Show password and confirm access by Face ID/Touch ID).
3. Open the app Notes and create a new entry with the text:
   

   Network: [Wi-Fi name]
   Password: [copied password]

4. Click Share (square with an up arrow) and select AirDrop.
5. Choose the second one iPhone from the list of devices and wait for confirmation of reception.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Works even if the devices are not on the same network.
• 📎 You can transmit additional information (for example, MAC address router for binding).
• 🔄 All models are supported iPhone With iOS 7+.

Restrictions:

• 🚫 Doesn't work if it's disabled on the second device AirDrop (check in Control center).
• 🕒 Transfer speed depends on the version Bluetooth (on iPhone 12+ is used Bluetooth 5.0, which speeds up the process).

3. Using a QR code to transfer a password

A universal method that works not only between iPhone, but also with devices on Android or WindowsTo generate a QR code, you will need a third-party application, for example, QR Code Generator or WiFi Key Share.

Instructions:

1. Install on first iPhone QR code generating app (for example, Visual Codes).
2. Open the app and select the option Create a QR code for Wi-Fi.
3. Enter network details:
   • 📡 SSID (Wi-Fi name)
   • 🔑 Password
   • 🔒 Security type (WPA/WPA2 or WPA3)

Generate the code and save it in Photo.

Send the QR code image to the second one iPhone through AirDrop, iMessage or WhatsApp.

On the second device, open the camera, point it at the QR code and confirm the connection.

Comparison of popular QR code generating apps:

Important: Wi-Fi QR codes contain the password in clear text. Do not share these images over unsecured channels (such as public chats or social media).

How to generate a QR code without third-party apps?

In standard Calculator iOS has a hidden feature for generating QR codes. Rotate your iPhone to landscape mode, enter the expression wiFi:[SSID]:T:WPA;P:[PASSWORD];; (replace [SSID] And [PASSWORD] to the current data) and copy the result as an image.

4. iCloud Sharing (Note Sharing)

If both iPhone tied to one Apple ID or are in Family Sharing, you can use shared notes in iCloudThis method is suitable for transferring not only passwords, but also other network settings (for example, static IP).

How to set up:

1. On the first iPhone open the application Notes and create a new entry.
2. Add network data to it:
   

   Wi-Fi Name: [SSID]
   Password: [password]
   Security type: WPA2/WPA3
   Router MAC address: [optional]

3. Click on the icon Share (in the upper right corner) and select Grant access.
4. Please specify Apple ID the second user or select him from contacts.
5. On the second iPhone open the invitation in iMessage or Notes and copy the data.

Advantages:

• 🔄 Real-time synchronization – changes to a note will immediately appear on both devices.
• 🔒 Data is stored in encrypted form (if enabled) Two-factor authentication For Apple ID).
• 📱 Works on all devices with iOS 10+.

⚠️ Attention: If the note contains a password for a corporate network with 802.1X, its transfer may violate the company's security policy. Check with the IT department's policies before sharing.

5. Manual password entry (alternative for older iPhones)

If none of the previous methods worked (for example, on iPhone 5s With iOS 12), the classic method remains—manual input. To simplify the process, use the clipboard or voice input.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On the first iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the icon ⓘ near the network.
2. Copy the password (if the field is hidden, click Show password and confirm access).
3. Send the password to yourself by email, iMessage or save in Notes.
4. On the second iPhone Open the received message, copy the password and paste it into the Wi-Fi connection field.

Tips to make things easier:

• 🎤 Use it voice input: Tell Show password V Wi-Fi settingsto avoid manual copying.
• 📋 If your password is long, split it into parts (for example, the first 8 characters and the last 8).
• 🔍 Check the case of your passwords Wi-Fi case sensitive (PassWord ≠ password).

Common mistakes:

• ❌ Entering spaces at the beginning or end of the password (they are not visible, but interfere with the connection).
• ❌ Replacing similar characters (0 instead of O or 1 instead of l).
• ❌ Ignoring the security type (for example, trying to connect to WPA3 how to WPA2).

6. Workarounds for Corporate Networks

If your network uses WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise (common in offices and universities), standard password transfer methods won't work. In this case, you'll need:

1. Check with your network administrator to see if the connection is supported via configuration profile (.mobileconfig).
2. If yes, please request the profile file and send it to the second one iPhone through Email or AirDrop.
3. On the second device, open the file - it will automatically set up the network settings.

If the profile is unavailable:

• 📋 Write manually:
  • 📡 SSID
  • 👤 Username (if required)
  • 🔑 Password
  • 🔗 Authentication server (e.g. radius.company.com)
• 🔄 On the second iPhone select network in Settings → Wi-Fi, please specify the security type Enterprise and enter the data.

⚠️ Attention: Sharing corporate network data with third parties may violate the organization's security policy. Please obtain permission from the IT department before sharing.

Comparison of password transfer methods

To choose the best method, please refer to the version iOS, model iPhone and network type. Below is a comparison table:

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer a Wi-Fi password from iPhone to Android?

Yes, but not in all ways. Use:

• 📷 QR code (generate on iPhone and scan it on Android).
• 📋 Manual input (copy the password and send it via messenger).
• 📧 Cloud services (For example, Google Drive for exchanging text file).

Standard function Share password And AirDrop work only between devices Apple.

Why doesn't the "Share Password" window appear?

Check:

• 📱 Both iPhone unlocked and nearby (no further than 10 meters).
• 🔄 Bluetooth And Wi-Fi enabled on both devices.
• 👤 The second user's contact is saved in Phone book.
• 🔧 On the first iPhone mode disabled Do not disturb or Airplane mode.

If the problem persists, restart both devices or update iOS.

How to find out your Wi-Fi password if you forgot it?

On iPhone With iOS 16+:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the icon ⓘ next to the current network.
3. Click Show password and confirm access by Face ID/Touch ID.

On iOS 15 and later The password is not displayed - use Mac (V Keychain) or router (usually the password is indicated on the sticker).

Is it possible to share a Wi-Fi password via iMessage?

Yes, but not directly. Send the password as a text message:

1. Copy the password to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Open iMessage and create a new message.
3. Paste the password and send it to yourself or another user.

⚠️ Do not send passwords through unsecured channels (SMS, public chats).

Why doesn't the QR code connect to Wi-Fi?

Possible reasons:

• 📡 Unfaithful SSID or a password in a QR code.
• 🔒 The security type in the code does not match the router settings (for example, specified WPA2, and the network operates on WPA3).
• 📱 The second device's camera does not recognize QR codes (try a different scanning app).
• 🔄 The router is blocking new devices from connecting (check your settings) MAC filter).