How to Quickly Share a Wi-Fi Password from Another iPhone: All the Working Methods

Transfer password from Wi-Fi between devices Apple seems like a simple task - until you encounter errors like "Unable to share password" or a missing button Share password in the menu. In this article, we'll look at all current methods data transfer for network connection, including hidden functions iOS 17, bypassing restrictions and solving typical problems.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply bring two objects closer together iPhone to each other - and the password will be transmitted automatically. In practice, for a successful exchange, it is necessary to observe 4 key conditions: version compatibility iOS, correct settings iCloud, included Bluetooth And Wi-Fi, as well as the absence of router restrictions. If any of these conditions are not met, the system will either not offer the option or return an error.

We have tested all methods on devices from iPhone SE (2020) to iPhone 15 Pro Max with different firmware versions. Particular attention was paid alternative methods - through AirDrop, QR code and even iCloud Keychain, which work when the standard method fails. At the end of the article, you'll find a compatibility table and answers to frequently asked questions, including problems with routers where the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) protocol is disabled.

1. Standard method: the "Share password" button

This is the fastest and most official method from Apple, which works on devices with iOS 11 and newer. The algorithm starts automatically when the second iPhone is trying to connect to the same network that your device is already connected to.

How does this work:

1. Unlock both iPhone and make sure they are turned on Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
2. On the device that already connected to the network, open the lock screen or any screen (the main thing is not to close it).
3. On the second iPhone (the one that needs a password) select the desired network in Settings → Wi-Fi.
4. A pop-up window will appear on the first device with an offer Share the password for "Network_Name". Click Share password.

If the window does not appear, check:

• 🔄 Apple ID: Both devices must be linked to the same account iCloud (or to each other's contacts in Contacts).
• 📱 iOS version: on older firmware (below iOS 11) function is not available.
• 🔒 Router limitations: some models (eg TP-Link Archer C6) block the transmission of the password via WPS.

Devices unlocked|Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled|Both iPhones in range|Apple IDs added to each other's contacts-->

⚠️ Attention: If you use guest network (for example, in a hotel or cafe), the standard way it won't work — such networks often require authorization through a browser after connecting.

2. Alternative Method: AirDrop

When the standard method fails (for example, due to various Apple ID), comes to the rescue AirDropThis method requires a little more steps, but it is reliable and works even on devices with iOS 10.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On iPhone, which is already connected to Wi-Fi, open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the ⓘ icon next to the network name.
2. Copy the password (tap and hold the password field, then select Copy).
3. Open the app Notes and create a new note. Paste the password into it.
4. Click the button Share (square with an up arrow) and select AirDrop.
5. Choose the second one iPhone from the list of devices.

On the receiving device:

1. Accept file via AirDrop.
2. Open the note and copy the password.
3. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, select the network and insert the password.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works on all versions iOS (starting from iOS 7).
• ✅ Does not require being tied to one Apple ID.
• ✅ You can transfer passwords from hidden networks (SSID).

3. Tech-savvy Method: QR Code

If you don't have the opportunity to use AirDrop (for example, on corporate devices with restrictions), you can generate QR code with network data. This method is universal and works even between iPhone And Android.

How to create a QR code:

1. On the connected one iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the ⓘ next to the network.
2. Remember (or copy) network name (SSID) And password.
3. Open your browser and go to a QR code generator website (for example, qifi.org).
4. Enter your network details and generate a code.
5. Save the QR code image to Photo.

How to connect using a QR code:

1. On the second iPhone open the application Camera and point it at the QR code.
2. Click on the notification Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
3. Confirm the connection - the password will be entered automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. ASUS RT-AX88U) are used dynamic passwords, which change each time you connect. In this case, the QR code will become invalid after a few minutes.

How to check the network encryption type

Open Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ next to network. If in the section Security indicated WPA3, the QR code will work more reliably than with WPA2 (especially on social networks).

4. Cloud sharing: iCloud Keychain

If both iPhone tied to one Apple ID, passwords from Wi-Fi automatically synchronized via iCloud KeychainHowever, this process doesn't always happen instantly. Here's how to speed up synchronization:

Instructions:

1. On both devices, make sure the feature is enabled. Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Keychain (key chain).
2. On the connected one iPhone go to Settings → Wi-Fi and wait until the network appears in the list Well-known networks.
3. On the second device, reboot iPhone (this often speeds up synchronization).
4. After reboot, open Settings → Wi-Fi — the network should appear in the list with a mark Auto-connection.

🔹 Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Doesn't work if the router is enabled client isolation (each device is connected separately).
• ❌ It may not sync if the device is in the "Sleep mode" Low energy consumption.

⚠️ Attention: If you have recently changed the network password on your router, iCloud Keychain may store outdated data. In this case, remove the network from the list of known networks on both devices and reconnect.

5. Manual entry: when nothing works

If all automatic methods fail, there remains the classic method - manual password entryHowever, there are some nuances here that can help avoid mistakes:

How to enter a password correctly:

• 🔤 Check it out character register: Wi-Fi passwords are case sensitive (eg. Password ≠ password).
• 🔢 Make sure you don't confuse the numbers 0 with a letter O, A 1 With l.
• 📶 If the network hidden, first enter its name (SSID) manually in the section Other....

Common mistakes when entering data manually:

Standard Password Exchange|AirDrop|QR Code|iCloud Keychain|Manual Entry-->

6. Troubleshooting: Why can't I share my password?

If none of the methods worked, the problem may lie in the settings of the devices or router. Here diagnostic checklist:

Problems on iPhone:

• 📵 Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is turned off: check Control center (swipe down from the top right corner).
• 🔄 Outdated firmware: update iOS V Settings → General → Software Update.
• 🚫 Screen time limits: check Settings → Screen Time → Content Restrictions.

Problems with the router:

• 🔒 WPS is disabled: enable it in the router settings (section Wi-Fi → WPS).
• 🔄 The security protocol is too old.: Update your network settings to WPA2/WPA3.
• 📡 Channel congestion: Try connecting at a different time or change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings.

⚠️ Attention: Some corporate networks (for example, in offices or universities) use authorization through the portalIn this case, even after connecting to Wi-Fi, you will need to enter your login and password in the browser - transfer this data via iPhone impossible.

7. Security: How to share a password without risks

Sharing your Wi-Fi password is always a potential security risk. Here rulesthat will help prevent data leakage:

What NOT to do:

• 🚫 Send password via messages or social media (even in private chats).
• 🚫 Save password in Notes without encryption (use Protected Notes).
• 🚫 Connect to public networks without VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or 1.1.1.1).

How to share your password securely:

• 🔐 Use AirDrop with limited visibility (For contacts only).
• 🔐 Generate temporary QR code and remove it after use.
• 🔐 Set up guest network on a router with a separate password for friends.

⚠️ Attention: If you frequently share access to your home network, consider creating a separate network for guests in your router settings. This will restrict access to your local devices (printers, NAS, smart speakers).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the Share Password button appear?

There are several reasons:

• The devices are not tied to one Apple ID (or not added to each other's contacts).
• The protocol is disabled on the router. WPS.
• One of the devices is running iOS older than version 11.

Solution: Check your settings iCloud and router, update the firmware.

Is it possible to share a password with Android?

Yes, but only through QR code or manual input. Standard function Share password works only between devices Apple.

For Android:

1. Generate a QR code on iPhone (for example, through qifi.org).
2. Scan it with your camera Android-devices.

How to share a hidden network password?

Hidden networks (with SSID broadcast disabled) require manual network name entry. After that:

• Use AirDrop to transfer the password.
• Or enter the password manually on the second device in the section Other... in the Wi-Fi settings.

What should I do if the internet doesn't work after I've given the password?

The problem may be in the router settings:

• Check if it is enabled client isolation (Client Isolation).
• Make sure your router has enough free IP addresses in the DHCP pool.
• Reboot your router and both iPhone.

Is it possible to revoke access after the password has been transferred?

Yes, there are two ways:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password in your router settings.
2. Set up MAC address access control and remove the device from the list of allowed ones.

On iPhone You can also remove a network from the list of known ones: Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → Forget this network.