How to Quickly Share a Wi-Fi Password Between iPhones: All the Methods for 2026

Transfer password from Wi-Fi between devices Apple seems like a simple task until you run into the system's limitations. Unlike Android, where it is enough to show the QR code or copy the password to the clipboard, iPhone requires knowledge of hidden functions iOSThis article reveals all current methods exchanging passwords between iPhones, including little-known tricks for devices without AirDrop or when disabled Bluetooth.

We tested each method on iPhone 12, 14 Pro And SE (3rd generation) with the latest versions iOS 17.4We paid special attention to situations where the standard notification method doesn't work—for example, when changing the router or if the guest iPhone can't see the network. At the end of the article, you'll find compatibility table methods with different versions iOS and answers to frequently asked questions about security.

1. Standard method: connection notification

This is the simplest method that works out of the box on all iPhones with iOS 11 and newer. The algorithm is triggered automatically when the second iPhone trying to connect to the same network Wi-Fi, to which your device is already connected.

How does this work:

• 📱 On main iPhone (already connected to WiFi) unlock the screen and leave it active.
• 🔄 On second iPhone select the desired network Wi-Fi in the settings (Settings → Wi-Fi).
• 🔑 On first iPhone a pop-up notification will appear with an offer share passwordClick "Share Password".
• ✅ The second iPhone will automatically connect to the network without entering any characters.

Important nuances:

• 🔒 Both iPhones must be linked to one Apple ID (or be in one Family Sharing).
• 📶 Bluetooth And Wi-Fi must be enabled on both devices.
• 🕒 The notification only appears for 2 minutes after attempting to connect.

2. Transfer via AirDrop (without notification)

If the standard method does not work (for example, due to different Apple ID), use AirDropThis method requires manually creating a password file, but it works even between unknown iPhones.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Notes on main iPhone and create a new note.
2. Enter text:
   

   WiFi: [network_name]
   Password: [your_password]

3. Click on Share (the button in the upper right corner) and select AirDrop.
4. Select the target iPhone from the list of devices.
5. On the second iPhone, accept the file and copy the password from the note.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌐 Works between any iPhones, even without being linked to one account.
• 📎 You can share passwords for several networks simultaneously.
• 🔄 Supports iPad And Mac in the same ecosystem.

Both devices can see each other via AirDrop|Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on|Screen unlocked on both iPhones|Airplane mode is off-->

What should I do if AirDrop can't find my device?

Make sure that both iPhones are Settings → General → AirDrop "For all" (temporary mode) is selected. If the issue persists, reboot both devices—this resets the wireless module cache.

3. Using iCloud Keychain (for family accounts)

iCloud Keychain — is a secure password storage that syncs across devices. AppleIf you have configured Family Sharing, passwords Wi-Fi will automatically become available on all iPhones in the family.

How to enable synchronization:

1. On main iPhone go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys.
2. Make sure the switch is on iCloud Keychain active.
3. On the second iPhone, follow the same steps and wait for synchronization (it may take up to 5 minutes).

Limitations of the method:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Requires configuration Family Sharing (Settings → Family).
• ⏳ Synchronization may be delayed if your internet connection is weak.
• 🔐 Passwords are being transmitted only between trusted devices.

4. Generate a QR code (for devices without an Apple ID)

If you need to share a password with an iPhone that is not linked to yours Apple ID (for example, with a friend or colleague), generate QR codeThis method is universal and works even with Android-devices.

Instructions:

1. Install the free app QR Code Generator (For example, QRbot or Visual Codes).
2. Select the "Wi-Fi" type and enter:
   • 📡 SSID (network name)
   • 🔑 Password
   • 🔒 Encryption type (WPA/WPA2 or WPA3)

Generate a code and show it to the second iPhone.

On the second device, scan the code via Camera → QR scanner.

Advantages of QR code:

• 🌍 Powered by any devices with a camera.
• ⚡ Instant connection without manual input.
• 🛡️ You can limit the validity period of the code (in some generators).

5. Manual entry via "Settings" (if nothing works)

When automatic methods are not available (for example, on an iPhone with iOS 10 or disabled Bluetooth), the classical method remains - show password and enter it manually.

How to find out the password on an iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the symbol "i» next to your network name.
3. Scroll down and click "Copy password» (required) Face ID/Touch ID or password code).
4. Paste the password into a message or note and transfer it to the second iPhone.

Important notes:

• 🔐 The "Copy Password" feature is now available in iOS 16On older versions, you'll have to look at the password on the router.
• 📵 If Wi-Fi connected via WPS, the password may not be displayed.

6. Alternative methods for advanced users

If standard methods don't work, consider these options:

Example of use Shortcuts:

1. Open the app "Labels».
2. Create a new shortcut with the action "Get Wi-Fi passwords».
3. Add the action "Share» and select AirDrop or Messages.
4. Save the shortcut and run it when needed.

How to export passwords via iTunes?

Connect your iPhone to your computer and create encrypted backup in iTunes/Finder. Wi-Fi passwords will be saved in the backup file (they can be extracted using utilities like iMazing or iExplorer).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The method you choose depends on your situation. Here's a quick guide:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For the family: use iCloud Keychain or standard notification.
• 🤝 For friends: AirDrop or QR code.
• 🛠️ For older iPhones: manual entry or router settings.
• 🔧 For automation: Shortcuts (labels).

If you frequently share passwords, we recommend:

1. Tune Family Sharing for loved ones.
2. Install a QR code generator for guests.
3. Create a shortcut in Shortcuts for fast transmission.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sharing Wi-Fi passwords

❓ Is it possible to share a password with an Android device?

Yes, but only through QR code or manual entry. Standard notification iOS And AirDrop work only between devices Apple.

❓ Why isn't the password transfer notification appearing?

Check:

• 🔄 Bluetooth And Wi-Fi enabled on both devices.
• 👤 Both iPhones are linked to one Apple ID (or in one Family Sharing).
• 📵 The second iPhone is within range Bluetooth (up to 10 meters).

If the problem persists, restart both devices.

❓ Is it safe to share a password via QR code?

Yes, if you generate the code in a trusted app (eg. QRbot) and show it only to trusted people. Avoid publicly sharing screenshots of QR codes containing passwords.

⚠️ Attention: Some QR code generators save history - use apps with this feature self-destruction code after scanning.

❓ Is it possible to see the Wi-Fi password on an iPhone without a router?

Yes, starting from iOS 16Go to . Settings → Wi-Fi → [network name] → Copy passwordOn older versions iOS The password can only be found through the router settings.

❓ Do these methods work on iPad or Mac?

Yes, all methods (except manual entry via Settings on Mac) work similarly. For example, on Mac Can:

• 🖥️ Share your password via notification (like on iPhone).
• 📎 Transfer via AirDrop from the Notes app.
• 🔗 Use iCloud Keychain for synchronization.

⚠️ Attention: Functions iOS may change with the release of new versions. For example, in iOS 18 (expected fall 2026) updates are planned for AirDrop And iCloud KeychainFor critical tasks, please refer to the official documentation for current settings. Apple.