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 password between iPhone It may seem like a trivial task, but in practice users face limitations iOS, the lack of visible "Share" buttons, or incompatibility of firmware versions. Unlike Android, where the password is often displayed in the network settings, Apple hides this information for security reasons. However, there are at least 7 working methods - from built-in functions iCloud Keychain to workarounds using Mac or third-party applications.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of password transfer, including The hidden "Share Wi-Fi" feature in iOS 17+, which works without any additional steps if both devices meet the requirements. We'll pay special attention to the nuances: why the method sometimes doesn't work, how to bypass the limitation on older versions iPhone (For example, iPhone 6s or SE 1st generation), and what to do if you don't have access to MacBook or iPadAll instructions have been tested on iOS 15–17 and are relevant for 2026.

1. Built-in Wi-Fi Sharing (iOS 11 and later)

The easiest way is to use the built-in function password exchange, which appeared in iOS 11 and works on all subsequent versions. The main condition: both iPhone should be unlocked, be nearby (within a radius Bluetooth) and have it enabled Wi-Fi And BluetoothThe algorithm is triggered automatically when a second device attempts to connect to the network.

How does this work:

  • 📱 Bring the second one iPhone to the first (distance no more than 1 meter).
  • 🔍 On the second device, select the name of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available ones.
  • 🔑 On the first iPhone a pop-up window will appear with an offer Share Wi-Fi password - click Share.
  • ✅ Second iPhone will automatically connect to the network.

If the window does not appear, check:

  • 🔄 Apple ID: both devices must be linked to one Apple ID (or to contacts in iCloud).
  • 📶 Network settings: on the first iPhone must be enabled Wi-Fi And Bluetooth (Airplane mode with the phone turned on is not enough) Wi-Fi).
  • 🔒 Screen lock: Both devices must be unlocked.

Both iPhones are updated to iOS 11 or later|Devices are linked to the same Apple ID or added to contacts|Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on both devices|Screens are unlocked|The second device is trying to connect to the network-->

⚠️ Attention: The function does not work if the first iPhone connected to the network via VPN or uses guest access (for example, in hotels). It may also be blocked by corporate policies on work devices.

2. Via iCloud Keychain (password synchronization)

If both iPhone tied to one Apple ID, the Wi-Fi password can be synchronized via iCloud Keychain — built-in password manager AppleThis method is suitable if you are setting up a new iPhone or want to prepare network access in advance.

Instructions:

  1. On the first iPhone go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain and turn on the option iCloud Keychain.
  2. Make sure that on the second one iPhone also included iCloud Keychain under the same Apple ID.
  3. Connect the second one iPhone to any Wi-Fi network (even to mobile Internet).
  4. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, select your network - the password will be pulled up automatically.

The advantage of this method: passwords are synchronized between all devices on one Apple ID, including Mac And iPadHowever, there are some nuances:

  • 🔄 Synchronization may take up to 5 minutes.
  • 🔒 If the network uses hidden SSID, it must first be added manually.
  • 📱 On iPhone With iOS 10 and older iCloud Keychain works unstably.
What should I do if iCloud Keychain isn't syncing my password?

If the password is not pulled up, try:

1. Restart both devices.

2. Manually update iCloud data: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain → Update Now (if the option is available).

3. Make sure that mobile network synchronization is enabled on your devices: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → iCloud Drive → Mobile Data

3. Using AirDrop (for plaintext passwords)

If the built-in methods don't work, you can pass the password manually via AirDropTo do this you first need to find out the password on the first iPhone (which is impossible without Mac or jailbreak), or use a workaround: send the password from another device (for example, from MacBook or Windows-PC).

Algorithm:

  1. On Mac or PC Find your Wi-Fi password:
    • On Mac: Programs → Utilities → Keychain Access, find the network name, open properties and check the box Show password.
    • On Windows: Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Wireless Network → Status → Wireless Network Properties → Security.
  • Copy the password and send it via AirDrop:
    • On Mac: right-click on the file with the password → Share → AirDrop.
    • On iPhone: open Files or Notes, create a text file with the password and select Share → AirDrop.
    • On the second iPhone Accept the file and copy the password.
    ⚠️ Attention: Transferring the password in clear text via AirDrop or instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp) unsafeIf there are other devices nearby, use this method only in a trusted environment.

    Built-in Wi-Fi Share|iCloud Keychain|AirDrop or Messengers|QR Code|Other Method-->

    4. Generating a QR code for Wi-Fi (universal method)

    One of the most reliable ways is to generate QR code with Wi-Fi connection data. This method works on any device, including Android, and does not require synchronization via Apple IDTo generate the code, you can use online services or applications from App Store.

    Step-by-step instructions:

    1. Find out the exact network data:
      • 📶 Network name (SSID) — the name of your Wi-Fi.
      • 🔐 Security type (usually WPA2/WPA3).
      • 🔑 Password (if you don't know, see the section about Mac or Windows higher).
    2. Generate a QR code:
      • 🌐 Use an online service (for example, Qifi) - enter the data and download the code.
      • 📱 Or install the application QR Code Generator from App Store.
  • Scan the code on the second one iPhone:
    • Open Camera and point it at the QR code - a notification will appear Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
    • Click on the notification and confirm the connection.

    Advantages of the method:

    • ✅ Powered by any devices (including Android And Windows).
    • ⚡ Fast - no need to synchronize via iCloud.
    • 🔒 Secure – the password is not transmitted in clear text.
    QR code generation method Pros Cons
    Online services (Qifi, QR Stuff) No need to install applications Requires entering a password in the browser
    Apps from the App Store Works offline, more settings You need to download software
    Terminal on Mac (networksetup) Maximum security Requires knowledge of commands

    5. Via Mac (if iPhone can't see the password)

    If you have Mac, connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can export password and pass it on iPhoneThis method bypasses the restrictions. iOS, where network passwords are hidden from the user.

    Instructions for macOS:

    1. Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain Access.
    2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
    3. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password.
    4. Enter your account password Mac (administrator).
    5. Copy the displayed Wi-Fi password.
    6. Send it via AirDrop, iMessage or any messenger on the second iPhone.

    Alternative way through Terminal (for advanced users):

    security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME" | pbcopy

    This command will copy the password to the clipboard. Replace NETWORK_NAME to the name of your Wi-Fi.

    ⚠️ Attention: On Mac with a chip Apple Silicon (M1/M2) access to passwords may be restricted by system security settings. If Keychain Access doesn't show password, check permissions in System Preferences → Privacy & Security.

    6. Using third-party applications (if nothing helps)

    If the built-in methods do not work, you can use third-party applications from App Store, who can export Wi-Fi passwordsMost of them require jailbreak or access to Mac, but there are also legal solutions.

    Top 3 Password Sharing Apps:

    • 🔓 WiFi Password Share - allows you to send passwords via AirDrop or iMessage (requires Mac for initial setup).
    • 📱 Network Analyzer — shows a list of networks and their parameters (on some firmware versions it displays passwords).
    • 🌐 QR Code WiFi — generates QR codes for connection (similar to online services, but offline).

    How to use WiFi Password Share:

    1. Install the app on both iPhone.
    2. On the first device, export the password to a file (for example, via Export → AirDrop).
    3. On the second iPhone Import the file and connect to the network.

    Restrictions:

    • 🚫 Most apps don't show passwords on iPhone without Mac or jailbreak.
    • 💰 Some functions are paid (for example, export to iCloud).
    • 🔒 Security risk: Passwords transmitted through third-party services may be intercepted.

    7. Workarounds: SMS, instant messengers, paper

    If technical methods are unavailable, you can always resort to "old-fashioned" methods:

    • 📝 Write down the password on paper and transfer it physically.
    • 💬 Send password via iMessage, WhatsApp or Telegram (delete message after connecting!).
    • 📞 Dictate the password over the phone or via voice message.

    Warnings:

    • ⚠️ Do not send passwords via open channels (for example, public chats or social networks).
    • ⚠️ If the network is used in an office, transmitting the password may disrupt corporate security policy.
    • ⚠️ Passwords like 12345678 or password Easy to hack - use complex combinations.

    To generate a strong password, use the built-in manager Apple:

    1. Go to Settings → Passwords → Password suggestions.
    2. Click Another password and select a length of at least 12 characters.
    3. Copy the generated password and use it for Wi-Fi.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring Wi-Fi passwords between iPhones

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

    Check:

    • Both devices have been updated to iOS 11 or newer.
    • Bluetooth And Wi-Fi included on both iPhone.
    • The devices are nearby (within the radius Bluetooth).
    • First iPhone already connected to the network.

    If nothing helps, restart both devices.

    ❓ Is it possible to transfer a password from iPhone to Android?

    Yes, but only through:

    • 🔸 QR code (universal method).
    • 🔸 Messengers or AirDrop (if the password is known).
    • 🔸 Third-party applications like WiFi Password Share (requires Mac).

    The built-in "Share Wi-Fi" feature only works between devices. Apple.

    ❓ How do I find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone without a Mac?

    Without Mac or jailbreak impossible View the password directly. Alternatives:

    • View password on router (usually on a sticker or in the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
    • Use Windows-PC, connected to this network (see the section about Mac).
    • Reset the password on the router and set a new one.
    ❓ Does password transfer work on a jailbroken iPhone?

    Yes, on jailbroken devices you can:

    • Install the tweak WiFi Passwords from Cydia, which shows all saved passwords.
    • Export passwords to a file and transfer it via AirDrop.

    ⚠️ Risks: Jailbreaking compromises security iOS and may lead to blocking Apple ID.

    ❓ Why isn't iCloud Keychain syncing my Wi-Fi password?

    Possible reasons:

    • The devices are different Apple ID.
    • Option disabled iCloud Keychain in the settings.
    • The network uses hidden SSID.
    • Synchronization issues iCloud (check your internet connection).

    Solution: Restart your devices and turn them on iCloud Keychain again.

    • 📖 Read also

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