How to Share a Wi-Fi Password from iPhone: All the Methods for 2026

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a guest asks for your Wi-Fi password, but you can't remember it? Or want to connect a new gadget to the network, but you're too lazy to look for the piece of paper with the code? iPhone This problem can be solved in a few seconds - all you need to know is the hidden functions iOSIn this article, we'll cover all the current methods for transferring a Wi-Fi password from an iPhone, including little-known tricks for Android-devices and Mac.

Spoiler: The fastest method only works between devices. Apple (the so-called function Share Wi-Fi), but there are also universal solutions. We tested each method on iOS 17.4 and identified pitfalls - for example, why sometimes the "Share" button does not appear or how to bypass restrictions on AndroidYou will also learn how Retrieve the password from iPhone settings without jailbreaking, if you need to enter it manually on another device.

Important: All instructions are valid for current firmware versions, but some features may depend on your router model or network settings. If your iPhone older 6s, check compatibility at the end of the article.

Method 1: Quickly transfer passwords between Apple devices (iOS/macOS)

This is the official method from Apple, which works without installing third-party apps. The main requirement is that both devices must be in the same ecosystem (for example, iPhone → iPhone or iPhone → MacBook). The algorithm is triggered automatically when attempting to connect to the network.

How does this work:

• 📱 The donor device (the one that is already connected to Wi-Fi) must be unlocked and nearby.
• 🔄 On the second device, select the desired network in the Wi-Fi settings - a notification will appear on the first one iPhone.
• 🔑 Click "Share password" and confirm the action via Face ID/Touch ID.
• ✅ Done! The second device will connect to the network without entering any characters.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Doesn't work with Android, Windows or other brands.
• ❌ Both devices must be in your Apple ID (or in the contact list if the option is enabled in Settings → Apple ID → Contacts).
• ❌ Required iOS 11+ or macOS High Sierra+.

If the "Share Password" button does not appear, check:

⚠️ Attention: The function is disabled if the router is in use. WPA3 Enterprise or hidden SSIDAlso, make sure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices—they are used for data exchange.

Method 2: Retrieve the password from iPhone settings (without jailbreaking)

If you need to find out the password manually (for example, to enter it on Android-smartphone or Windows-laptop), it can be extracted from the system files iPhoneThis method works without root rights, but requires Mac or Windows with installed iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina+).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect iPhone to the computer via cable.
2. Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and create a backup copy (required) encrypted!).
3. Download the utility iBackup Viewer (free for Mac/Windows) and open the backup copy with it.
4. Go to the section System Files → com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist.
5. Find your network in the list - the password will be indicated in the field password.

An alternative option for macOS:

security find-generic-password -wa "YOUR_NETWORK_NAME"

Enter this command in Terminal, replacing YOUR_NETWORK_NAME on SSID your Wi-Fi. The password will be displayed in the response.

Method 3: Transferring a password to Android via QR code

To exchange password between iPhone And Android convenient to use QR codesThis method is universal and works even with devices on Windows or Linux, if they have a camera to scan.

Instructions for iPhone:

1. Install the application QR Generator (For example, QR Code Reader from Scan).
2. Open the app and select the "Wi-Fi" option.
3. Enter network details:
   • 📶 SSID (network name)
   • 🔒 Security type (WPA/WPA2 or WPA3)
   • 🔑 Password

Generate a QR code and show it to the camera Android-devices.

For Android:

• 🤖 Open your camera and point it at the QR code (most modern smartphones scan automatically).
• 🔗 Or use the app Google Lens (built in Google Photos).
• 📲 Confirm your connection to the network in the notification that appears.

Why doesn't the QR code work?

Make sure the code specifies the correct security type (eg. WPA2-PSK instead of WPA3). Some older Android devices do not support Wi-Fi scanning via QR without additional apps, such as QR & Barcode Scanner from Gamma Play.

Comparing iPhone Password Transfer Methods

As you can see from the table, the fastest way is the built-in function Share Wi-Fi, but it is limited by the ecosystem AppleFor cross-platform sharing, it's better to use QR codes or extract the password through a backup copy.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Even with simple methods, users encounter problems. Here are the most common scenarios and their solutions:

1. The "Share Password" button does not appear

• ✅ Check what's on iPhone-donor included Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
• ✅ Make sure the receiving device has selected exactly that network, to which the donor is connected.
• ✅ Restart both devices - sometimes resetting network settings helps.

2. QR code can't be scanned on Android

• ✅ Try a different scanning app (e.g. Barcode Scanner from ZXing Team).
• ✅ Make sure the QR code contains the correct security type (e.g. WPA2-PSK/AES).
• ✅ Check your screen brightness iPhone - in low light the camera Android may not recognize the code.

3. Unable to extract password from backup

• ✅ Make sure the backup is encrypted (otherwise passwords are not saved).
• ✅ Use the latest version iBackup Viewer - Old versions are not supported iOS 17+.
• ✅ Check that iPhone unlocked when creating a backup.

⚠️ Attention: If you use WPA3 on the router, some older devices (for example, Android 9 and below) may not connect to the network even with the correct password. In this case, temporarily switch to WPA2 in the router settings.

Bonus: How to Share Wi-Fi from iPhone to Windows or Linux

For Windows And Linux The universal way is to generate a QR code on iPhone and scan it with a webcam. But there are alternatives:

For Windows 10/11:

• 🖥️ Install the application WiFi QR Code Generator from Microsoft Store.
• 📱 Generate a QR code on iPhone (as in Method 3) and scan it with your laptop camera.
• 🔧 Or enter the password manually, extracted from the backup (see Method 2).

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

• 🐧 Use the terminal to scan the QR code:

  sudo apt install zbar-tools
  zbarcam --raw

  Point the camera at the QR code with iPhone — network data will be applied automatically.

• 📝 Or enter the password manually in nm-connection-editor (network manager).

Security: How to Share Wi-Fi Without Risks

Sharing your main network password can be dangerous, especially if you share it with strangers. Here's how to minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Set up a guest network on the router:
  • Limit the speed for guests.
  • Disable access to local devices (such as printers or NAS).
  • Set a separate password that can be changed without resetting the main network.
• 🕒 Use temporary access:
  • Some routers (eg. ASUS or TP-Link) allow you to issue a password for a limited time (1-24 hours).
• 🚫 Don't share your password via instant messengers - it can be intercepted or saved in the chat history.

If you frequently host guests, consider purchasing a router with a WiFi function. Wi-Fi for guestsFor example, in Keenetic or MikroTik This can be configured in 2 clicks:

1. Go to the router admin panel (usually at the address 192.168.1.1).
2. Search section Guest network or Guest Network.
3. Activate it and install it separately SSID (For example, MyWiFi_Guest).

⚠️ Attention: The guest network password can also be transmitted via iPhone - just connect to it and use any of the methods described above.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to Android without a QR code?

Yes, but to do this you need to manually find out the password (via a backup copy or router) and enter it on AndroidOr use apps like Share WiFi (available in App Store And Google Play), which synchronize passwords via the cloud.

Why isn't Wi-Fi Sharing working between my iPhone and Mac?

Please check the following points:

• Both devices must be linked to the same one. Apple ID.
• On Mac must be installed macOS High Sierra or newer.
• Bluetooth And Wi-Fi must be enabled on both devices.
• Make sure that Mac trying to connect to the same network, that and iPhone.

If the problem persists, restart both devices.

How to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to TV (Samsung/LG/Sony)?

The methods depend on the TV model:

• 📺 Samsung (Tizen): Generate a QR code on iPhone and scan it with the TV camera (if supported) or enter the password manually in the network settings.
• 📺 LG (webOS): Use the function Wi-Fi Direct or enter the password via the remote control.
• 📺 Sony (Android TV): Scan the QR code with the app Google Lens (if there is a camera) or enter the network data manually.

To make it easier, configure it on your router WPS (if supported) and connect the TV using the button on the router.

Does password transfer work on a jailbroken iPhone?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• The "Wi-Fi Share" feature may become unstable due to modified system files.
• To extract the password, you can use tweaks like WiFi Passwords from Cydia, but it is less secure than official methods.
• Some banks and services (for example, Apple Pay) can block jailbroken devices.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from an iPhone to devices without a camera (like smart speakers)?

For devices without a camera (eg. Amazon Echo or Google Home) the only option is to manually enter the password extracted via:

• Backup copy iPhone (cm. Method 2).
• Router admin panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

For Amazon Echo you can use the app Alexa on iPhone - it will automatically pick up the password from the network to which the phone is connected.