How to Transfer a Wi-Fi Password from iPhone to Mac: All the Methods in 2026

Transferring Wi-Fi password with iPhone on Mac It seems like a simple task until you encounter it for the first time. The Apple ecosystem is renowned for its integration, but even here there are nuances: in some cases, a single click is enough, while in others, you have to dig through the settings. This article will help you understand all the current methods—from the standard AirDrop to little-known tricks with QR codes And terminal.

We tested each method on iOS 17.4 And macOS Sonoma 14.3, took into account the limitations of the old versions and compiled compatibility table devices. And if you're afraid of losing network access, there's a link at the end FAQ with answers to common problems.

Spoiler: the fastest way takes less than 10 seconds, but it doesn't work on all models. And the most universal one requires just 3 steps, but it will require some preparation. Choose the option that suits you best!

1. Standard method: AirDrop + Share Password

This is the official method from Apple that works on devices with iOS 11 And macOS High Sierra or newer. The main condition is that both gadgets must be linked to one Apple ID and be nearby.

The algorithm is simple:

1. Unlock iPhone and connect to the desired Wi-Fi network.
2. On Mac Open the list of networks in the menu bar (Wi-Fi icon) and select the same network.
3. On iPhone a pop-up window will appear with an offer Share Password - click Send.

⚠️ Important: If the window does not appear, check:

• 🔄 Bluetooth And Wi-Fi enabled on both devices.
• 📱 iPhone unlocked (not sleeping).
• 🔒 On Mac V System Preferences → Sharing included AirDrop for contacts or all.

If this method doesn't work, don't worry - we have 4 more alternatives. For example, On devices older than 2018, the "Share Password" feature may not be supported due to the outdated Bluetooth 4.0 chip..

2. Via iCloud Keychain: Password Syncing

iCloud Keychain — is a password vault that syncs data across Apple devices. If you've ever saved your Wi-Fi password on iPhone, it can be extracted on Mac without additional manipulations.

Instructions:

1. On iPhone go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain and turn on synchronization.
2. On Mac open System Preferences → Apple ID → iCloud and make sure that Keychain included.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi on Mac — the system will automatically retrieve the saved password.

🔍 How do I check if my password is saved in Keychain?

1. On Mac open the application Bunch of keys (via Spotlight: Cmd + Space → enter "Link").
2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
3. Double-click on the entry and check the box Show password (You will be asked to enter your Mac account password).

What to do if Keychain is not syncing?

If passwords don't appear on your Mac, try:

1. Sign out of Apple ID on both devices and sign in again.

2. Enable two-factor authentication (if disabled).

3. Update iOS and macOS to the latest versions.

4. On your iPhone, go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings (this will delete all saved Wi-Fi settings, but often solves the problem).

⚠️ Attention: If you previously manually entered your password on Mac and saved it in Keychain, the system may use the old record instead of the synchronized one. In this case, delete the old record in Keychain.

3. QR code: a universal method for any device

If your Mac does not support AirDrop or Keychain (for example, older models from 2015-2017), you can generate a QR code with a password on iPhone and scan it on MacThis method even works on devices from different brands!

Steps for iPhone:

• 📲 Install the free app QR Generator (For example, QR Code Reader or i-nigma).
• 🔗 Enter the data in the following format:

  WIFI:S:{network_name};T:WPA;P:{password};;

  For example: WIFI:S:MyWiFi;T:WPA;P:12345678;;

• 📷 Generate a QR code and show it on the screen.

Steps for Mac:

• 🖥 Open the default app Camera (or download QR Journal from the App Store).
• 📸 Point your camera at the QR code with iPhone.
• 🔄 The system will prompt you to connect to the network - confirm the action.

4. Via Family Sharing: If the devices aren't yours

If iPhone And Mac belong to different people, but are included in one Apple family, the Wi-Fi password can be shared. This method is useful for parents who want to connect their child to the home network without revealing the password.

How to set up:

1. On iPhone network owner: Settings → Family → invite a user Mac to your group.
2. On Mac accept the invitation to System Preferences → Family.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi—the password will be automatically retrieved from the family vault.

⚠️ Attention: This method only works if:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Network owner (iPhone) enabled the option Password sharing in family settings.
• 🔒 Device (Mac) was added to the family group at least 24 hours ago (Apple restriction).

5. For advanced users: extracting a password via Terminal

If you love command line or if other methods don't work, you can extract the password directly from the system files MacThis method requires administrator rights and only works if Mac I have already connected to this network before.

Instructions:

1. On Mac open Terminal (Cmd + Space → enter "Terminal").
2. Enter the command:

   security find-generic-password -wa "your_network_name"

   For example: security find-generic-password -wa "MyWiFi"

3. Enter the administrator password Macwhen the system asks.
4. The terminal will display the password in plain text - copy it and use it iPhone.

⚠️ Attention: This method reveals the password in cleartext. Don't use it on other people's or work devices—it violates the security policies of many companies.

🔧 Alternative option (if the Terminal does not show the password):

• Open Bunch of keys (Cmd + Space → "Keychain Access").
• Find your network in the list, right-click → Copy the password to the clipboard.

6. Manual entry: if nothing works

Sometimes the easiest way is to look at the password iPhone and enter it manually on MacUnfortunately, Apple doesn't directly display Wi-Fi passwords in Settings, but there's a workaround to extract them.

Method for Jailbroken iPhone:

• 📱 Install the tweak WiFi Passwords from the repository https://repo.packix.com/.
• 🔓 Open the app and copy the password for the desired network.

Method for iPhone without jailbreak:

• 🔄 Connect iPhone To Mac via cable.
• 🖥 Open Xcode (free in the App Store) or iMazing (paid).
• 📄 Export the backup and find the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist — it stores passwords in encrypted form (they will need to be decoded via online services).

Common problems and solutions

Even with detailed instructions, difficulties can arise. We've compiled a list of common errors and how to fix them:

Problem 1: On iPhone The "Share password" window does not appear.

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📱 Make sure that on iPhone included Wi-Fi And Bluetooth V Control center (swipe down from the top right corner).
• 🔒 Check what's on Mac V System Preferences → Networks → Wi-Fi → Advanced there is no check mark Ignore this network.

Problem 2: iCloud Keychain does not sync passwords.

• 🔄 Turn on and off Keychain in iCloud settings on both devices.
• 📡 Check your internet connection—syncing requires an active connection.
• 🔄 Update iOS And macOS to the latest versions.

Problem 3: The QR code cannot be scanned.

• 📸 Make sure your screen brightness is set iPhone at the maximum.
• 🔍 Try a different scanning app (eg. QR Reader for Mac).
• 📏 Zoom in on the QR code iPhone (expand image to full screen).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer a password from an iPhone to a Mac if they have different Apple IDs?

Yes, but only through QR code or manual input. The "Share Password" function and iCloud Keychain require one Apple ID. An alternative is to temporarily add Mac V Family Sharing (see section 4).

Why don't I see the Share Password option on my Mac?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 📅 Yours Mac older than 2018 (requires Bluetooth 5.0).
• 🔄 On iPhone disabled Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• 🔒 Devices are not linked to the same Apple ID.
• 📡 You are trying to share a network password 5 GHz, A Mac supports only 2.4 GHz (check in your router settings).

How to find the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone without jailbreaking?

Officially, there's no way. Apple doesn't provide an interface for viewing saved passwords. Workarounds:

• 🖥 Use it Mac With Terminal or With a bunch of keys (see section 5).
• 🔄 Connect iPhone To Windows-PC with the program iBackupBot (paid).
• 📄 Look at the password on the router itself (usually indicated on a sticker or in the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Is it possible to transfer password from Android to Mac?

Yes, but not through standard Apple tools. Use:

• 🤖 QR code (generator on Android + scanner on Mac).
• 📄 Manual input (check the password in Android settings: Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Share).
• 🔗 Special applications (For example, WiFi Key Recovery for Android + sending password via messenger).

Why won't my Mac connect to Wi-Fi after sharing my password?

Check the following:

• 🔄 Reboot your router (pull the plug for 30 seconds).
• 📡 Make sure the network is not hidden (there should be a check mark in the router settings) Broadcast SSID).
• 🔒 Check if it's blocking Mac connection to the network (in System Preferences → Networks → Wi-Fi → Advanced remove the network from the list and connect again).
• 🛠 Update your router's firmware (instructions are usually on the device's sticker).