Transfer password from Wi-Fi between devices Apple — one of those little things that saves time and nerves. Imagine: a guest comes to your home, and instead of dictating a complex password like X7#kL9!pQ2$v (which he will still enter on the third try), you just press a couple of buttons on your iPhone — and his smartphone is already connected. Or you bought a new one. iPhone 15 Pro, but the old one hasn't been handed over yet, and all networks need to be quickly transferred without manual input.
In this article - 5 proven methods share password from Wi-Fi between iPhone, including hidden features iOS 17/18, bypassing limitations and resolving errors. We will examine not only the standard method through AirDrop, but also alternatives for cases when it doesn't work: from QR code before manual export via iCloudAnd also - why sometimes iPhone stubbornly refuses to share the password and how to fix this.
1. Standard method: Share password via AirDrop (iOS 11 and later)
This is the fastest and official method that works for everyone iPhone With iOS 11 and above. The main condition: both devices must be unlocked, be nearby (within a radius Bluetooth) and have them enabled Wi-Fi And BluetoothHere's how it works:
On the second iPhone (to the one to whom you need to transfer the password) run:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Select the network you want to connect to (it should be in the list of available ones).
- Click on the network name and a password entry window will appear.
On the first iPhone (the one that is already connected to the network):
- 🔄 A pop-up window will appear with an offer Share Password. Click
Ready. - 📱 Second iPhone automatically connect to the network without entering any characters.
Both iPhones are unlocked | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on both devices | The devices are within 10 meters | The desired network is selected in Wi-Fi Settings on the second iPhone -->
⚠️ Attention: If on the second iPhone If you don't see a request to connect to the network (step 3), it means it has already connected to this access point. Delete the network in Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → “Remove this network” and try again.
2. Alternative method: Wi-Fi QR code (works on any device)
If AirDrop does not work (for example, due to old versions) iOS or problems with Bluetooth), can be generated QR code with network data. This method is universal: the code can be shared even with Android-devices or laptops.
To generate a QR code on iPhone:
- Install a free app like QR Code Generator or WiFi Password QR from App Store.
- Enter the network name (
SSID) and password. - Generate the code and save it in
Photo.
To connect via QR code on the second iPhone:
- 📷 Open
Cameraand point to the saved QR code. - 🔗 A notification will appear asking you to connect to the network - click on it.
- ✅ Done! You'll be connected without entering a password.
| Way | Required conditions | Speed | Versatility |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDrop (Share Password) | iOS 11+, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, Apple ID | ⚡ Instantly | Only Apple |
| QR code | Any version of iOS, application for generation | 🐢 1-2 minutes | Any devices |
| iCloud Keychain | iCloud, Family Sharing | 🐇 30 seconds | Only Apple |
⚠️ Attention: Some public networks (such as those in hotels or airports) use authorization portals — even after connecting via QR code, you may still need to enter your login/password in the browser. In such cases, the method AirDrop useless.
Standard|Share Password|QR Code|Manual Entry|iCloud Keychain|Other-->
3. Sync via iCloud Keychain (for devices on the same Apple ID)
If both iPhone tied to one Apple ID and the function is enabled iCloud Keychain, passwords from Wi-Fi Sync automatically. This is convenient for family devices or when replacing a smartphone.
How to enable synchronization:
- On both iPhone go to
Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain. - Activate the switch «iCloud Keychain».
- Confirm the action with a password
Apple ID.
After that:
- 🔄 All saved passwords (including Wi-Fi) are synchronized between devices within 1-2 minutes.
- 📱 On the new one iPhone just select the network in
Settings → Wi-Fi— the connection will occur without entering a password.
What should I do if iCloud Keychain isn't syncing passwords?
1. Make sure that both devices are enabled. Wi-Fi And iCloud Drive (Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Drive).
2. Make sure that the date and time on your devices are set automatically (Settings → General → Date & Time).
3. Reboot both iPhone and wait for synchronization to complete (may take up to 5 minutes).
4. If the problem persists, exit Apple ID and sign in again on both devices.
⚠️ Attention: If you previously manually deleted a network on one of your devices, it may not appear in iCloud KeychainIn this case, you will have to reconnect to it on the "main" iPhoneso that the password is saved in the cloud.
4. Manually export your password via Settings (iOS 16 and later)
Starting from iOS 16, Apple allowed viewing saved passwords from Wi-Fi right in the settings. This allows copy the password and send it via messenger or notes - useful if standard methods do not work.
How to find the password:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Click on the ⓘ symbol next to the name of the current network.
- Tap the field "Password" — input required
Face ID/Touch IDor device password. - Click
Copyand paste the password into a message or note.
Limitations of the method:
- 🔒 Only works for networks that iPhone currently connected.
- 📵 You cannot view passwords for networks you have connected to previously (unless they are saved in iCloud Keychain).
5. Bypassing restrictions: if “Share password” doesn’t work
Sometimes a standard function fails to work even when all the conditions are met. Here are the causes and solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The "Share Password" window does not appear. | Bluetooth is turned off or the devices are too far away | Turn on Bluetooth, bring your iPhone closer (up to 1 m) |
| The window appears, but there is no connection. | The network requires authorization through the portal | Use QR code or manual entry |
| The function is not available | Outdated iOS version (below 11.0) | Update your software or use alternative methods |
Additional checks:
- 🔄 Reboot both iPhone - this resets the cache
BluetoothAndWi-Fi. - 📱 Make sure that on the second iPhone the mode is not enabled On the plane.
- 🔒 Check what's on the first iPhone function not enabled
Screen limitFor Settings (Settings → Screen Time → Content Restrictions).
If nothing helps, there remains reset network settings on the second iPhone:
Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network SettingsAfter this, try connecting again.
6. Security: Risks of Sharing Your Wi-Fi Password
Transfer password from Wi-Fi — convenient, but not always safe. Here's what to pay attention to:
- 🔐 Public networks: Never share your home password. Wi-Fi with strangers. If the guest needs the Internet, use guest network on the router.
- 📡 QR codes: Don't scan codes from unknown sources—they may redirect you to a phishing portal.
- 🌐 iCloud Keychain: If your
Apple IDcompromised, attackers will have access to all stored passwords, including Wi-Fi.
How to minimize risks:
- 🔄 Change your password regularly Wi-Fi (once every 3-6 months).
- 📱 Use complex passwords (e.g.
W9#pL2!kQ7$m) instead of simple combinations like12345678. - 🔒 Set up filtering on your router
MAC addressesto restrict access to your devices only.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring Wi-Fi passwords between iPhones
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi password from iPhone to Android?
No, the Share Password feature only works between devices. Apple. For Android use QR code (section 2) or manual input.
Why doesn't my second iPhone prompt me to connect to Wi-Fi?
This device has probably connected to this network before. Please remove the network in Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → Remove this network and try again.
How do I share a password if I have an iPhone 6 with iOS 12?
On iOS 12 There is no "Share Password" function. Please use QR code or manual export via Settings (if the version supports viewing passwords).
Is it possible to transfer a Wi-Fi password to a Mac?
Yes, the method is similar: on Mac select network in System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi, and on iPhone The "Share Password" window will appear. Synchronization via iCloud Keychain.
What should I do if I forgot my Wi-Fi password and my iPhone isn't connected?
View the password on another device that is connected to this network (for example, on Mac V Bunch of keys), or reset the router to factory settings (the password will be on the sticker).
If your question is not covered in the article, check the official documentation. Apple by functions AirDrop And iCloud Keychain - there may be current updates for new versions iOS.