How to quickly transfer a Wi-Fi password from one iPhone to another: all the methods

Transferring your home or office Wi-Fi password between devices Apple seems like a simple task until you run into limitations iOSUnlike Android, where the password can be copied from the settings, on iPhone it is hidden behind the asterisks, and the standard exchange is through Settings → Wi-Fi It doesn't always work, especially when it comes to guest networks with limited access or routers with complex security settings.

In this article - 5 proven methods share Wi-Fi password between iPhone, including methods for devices running different versions iOS (11 to 17+), as well as workarounds for cases where the standard functionality doesn't work. Let's look at the nuances for networks with WPA3, dual-band routers and situations where the second iPhone not yet connected to the internet. All instructions have been tested on iPhone 12/13/14/15 and are relevant for current firmware versions.

1. Standard password sharing via iOS (the fastest way)

If both iPhone work on iOS 11 and later, and you have them turned on Bluetooth And Wi-FiThe system offers automatic password exchange. This method requires no manual entry and takes less than 10 seconds. However, it will only work if three conditions are met:

  • 📱 Both devices are logged in under the same account Apple ID (or contacts are synchronized via iCloud).
  • 🔒 On the first iPhone the password for the required network has already been saved (the device is connected to it).
  • 📶 Second iPhone is within the coverage area of ​​this network (sees it in the list of available ones).

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Unlock both iPhone and place them close together (at a distance of up to 1 meter).
  2. On the second device (the one you want to connect), open Settings → Wi-Fi.
  3. Select the network you want to connect to. A prompt will appear. Share Password.
  4. On the first iPhone (where the password is already saved) click Share in a pop-up notification.
  5. Wait for the second device to connect automatically.

If the offer window does not appear, check:

  • 🔄 Bluetooth And Wi-Fi enabled on both devices.
  • 📱 Devices are not in mode Do Not Disturb or Airplane mode.
  • 🔧 On the first iPhone V Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Keychain synchronization enabled iCloud Keychain.

2. Sharing via iCloud Keychain (for synced devices)

iCloud Keychain — is a secure password storage that synchronizes data between devices. AppleIf the function is enabled, passwords from Wi-Fi are automatically copied to all your iPhone, iPad And MacThis method is convenient when you need to share a password with more than one device at once.

How to check and enable synchronization:

  1. On the first iPhone go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain.
  2. Make sure the switch is on iCloud Keychain active (green).
  3. Repeat step two iPhone (If the device is new, authorization may be required).
  4. Connect the second one iPhone to the network Wi-Fi — the password will be pulled up automatically.
What should I do if Keychain isn't syncing passwords?

If passwords do not appear on the second device, check:

1. Both iPhone authorized under one Apple ID.

2. The function is enabled on the devices Two-factor authentication (required for iCloud Keychain).

3. The devices are connected to the Internet (via a mobile network or other point Wi-Fi).

4. In Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings no reset was performed (this deletes saved passwords).

Important: Syncing via iCloud Keychain only works for networks with WPA/WPA2 security. This method may not work for WPA3 or enterprise networks (such as those in offices).

3. Transferring a password via AirDrop (if standard methods don't work)

If automatic exchange does not work (for example, due to different versions iOS or non-standard router settings), you can send the password manually through AirDropThis method requires that you know the password or be able to see it on the first device.

Instructions:

  1. On the first iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the symbol ℹ next to the network name.
  2. Click on the field "Password" - a window will open asking you to copy it (to iOS 16+) or enter Face ID/Touch ID for viewing.
  3. Copy the password (hold your finger on the field, then select "Copy").
  4. Open the app Notes and create a new note. Paste the password into it.
  5. Click the button Share (square with an up arrow) and select AirDrop.
  6. Choose the second one iPhone from the list of devices. A notification will appear—accept the file.

An alternative option is to send the password via Messages (messages) or Mail, But AirDrop faster and does not require the Internet.

Turn on Wi-Fi And Bluetooth on both devices

Make sure that AirDrop configured to receive from contacts or all (Settings → General → AirDrop)

Check that on the first iPhone the screen is unlocked

Copy the password in advance (it will disappear from the clipboard after 2 minutes)

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4. Using a QR code (for networks that support this function)

Many modern routers (for example, ASUS, TP-Link, Keenetic) allow you to generate QR code to connect to Wi-FiThis is convenient if you need to share access with multiple devices, including Android or Windows-laptops. On iPhone The QR code can be scanned using the standard application. "Camera".

How does this work:

  1. Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  2. Find the section Wi-Fi → QR code (the name may differ).
  3. Generate and save the QR code for the first time iPhone (you can take a screenshot).
  4. On the second iPhone open "The camera", hover over the QR code and click on the pop-up notification Connect to the network.

If your router does not support QR code generation, you can create one manually using online services (for example, QR Code Generator). For this you will need:

  • 📛 Network name (SSID).
  • 🔐 Password.
  • 🔒 Security type (WPA2/WPA3).

ASUS

TP-Link

Keenetic

Xiaomi

D-Link

Other-->

5. Manual connection via router settings (for advanced users)

If none of the previous methods worked (for example, the network is hidden or uses MAC filtering), you can connect the second one iPhone Via the router's web interface. This method requires access to the admin panel and knowledge of the current password.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Connect the first one iPhone to the router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter (For iPhone 15 Pro With USB-C).
  2. Open your browser Safari and enter the IP address of the router (usually indicated on the device sticker).
  3. Log in (default login/password - admin/admin or see documentation).
  4. Go to the section Wi-Fi → Security Settings (or similar).
  5. Check your current password and change it to a temporary one if necessary (e.g. 12345678).
  6. Connect the second one iPhone to the network with a new password, then return the old password in the router settings.

⚠️ Attention: If you are unsure about your router settings, do not change the parameters. DHCP, DNS or Wi-Fi channelIncorrect values ​​may result in loss of internet access.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

In rare cases (for example, when using corporate networks with 802.1X (or routers with non-standard firmware), standard password exchange methods don't work. Here's what you can try:

Way When to apply Necessary conditions
Usage Mac as an intermediary If you have MacBook or iMac Mac must be connected to the same network, turned on iCloud Keychain
Reset network settings on the second iPhone If the device does not see the network after several attempts Save passwords for other networks in advance (they will be deleted after the reset)
Connection via USB (For iPhone 15) If Wi-Fi And Bluetooth disabled Needed USB-C — Lightning cable and Mac With macOS Ventura or newer
Contacting your provider If the network is provided by an Internet service provider (eg. Rostelecom, Beeline) The password can be specified in the contract or personal account.

⚠️ Attention: If you use USB-connection for password transfer, make sure that on Mac the latest version is installed iTunes (For iPhone up to model 14) or Finder (For iPhone 15). Otherwise, the system may not recognize the device.

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

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

Yes, but not through standard means. iOSOptions:

  • 📱 Scan QR code (if the router generates it).
  • 📋 Send password via messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram) or AirDrop (if on Android software for reception is installed).
  • 🖥️ View password on Mac through Keychain Access (application "Bunch of keys") and send it manually.

On Android The password can be copied from the settings: Settings → Wi-Fi → [Network] → Share (device PIN required).

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

Reasons and solutions:

  • 🔄 Bluetooth or Wi-Fi off - turn them on on both devices.
  • 📱 Devices are not authorized under one Apple ID - check in Settings → [Your name].
  • 🔒 On the first iPhone disabled iCloud Keychain — turn on Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Passwords and Keychain.
  • 📶 The network uses WPA3, and one of the devices on iOS 12 or older - update the firmware or use AirDrop.
How to find out the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone if it's hidden?

On iOS 16 and later:

  1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on the symbol ℹ next to the network name.
  3. Tap the field "Password" — will be required Face ID/Touch ID or the device passcode.

On iOS 15 and later The password cannot be viewed directly. Alternatives:

  • 🖥️ Look at Mac V Keychain.
  • 📋 Reset the password through the router settings.
Does password sharing work between iPhone and iPad?

Yes, all the methods described (iCloud Keychain, AirDrop, standard exchange) work between iPhone And iPad, If:

  • 📱 Devices are authorized under one Apple ID.
  • 🔧 Synchronization enabled iCloud Keychain.
  • 📶 Both devices are connected to the Internet (for iCloud).

For iPad without cellular service (Wi-Fi only) You may need to temporarily connect to another network to synchronize iCloud.

Is it possible to share the password for a hidden network (without broadcasting the SSID)?

Yes, but with restrictions:

  • 🔍 Standard exchange via iOS won't work - the network is not displayed in the list.
  • 📡 Use AirDrop or iCloud Keychain (if the network is already saved on the first device).
  • 🖥️ Alternatively, enter it manually SSID and the password on the second iPhone (V Settings → Wi-Fi → Other network).

For hidden networks with MAC filtering may need to be added MAC address second iPhone to the list of allowed devices on the router.

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