How to Quickly Share a Wi-Fi Password Between iPhones: All the Methods and Life Hacks

Transferring your home or office Wi-Fi password between iPhone It may seem like a trivial 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 transferring passwords between devices Apple, including hidden features for older models and solutions to common problems.

The main method is to use a built-in function Share Wi-Fi Password, which operates using technology Apple ContinuityHowever, it has strict requirements: both iPhone must be in the same ecosystem, with the included Bluetooth And Wi-Fi, and also have current versions iOSIf even one condition is not met, the system will simply ignore the request. But there are workarounds!

We have tested all methods on devices from iPhone 8 to iPhone 15 Pro Max With iOS 14–17, so the instructions are relevant for 95% of users. If your case is unusual, you'll find more information at the end of the article. FAQ with solutions to rare problems.

1. The main method: Share Password (iOS 11 and later)

This is the fastest and safest method, but it only works if you follow the instructions everyone conditions:

• 📱 Both iPhone must be under control iOS 11 or newer (as of 2026, this applies to 99% of devices).
• 🔄 Function Bluetooth And Wi-Fi enabled on both phones.
• 👥 Devices must be linked to the same device Apple ID (or at least be in one Family Sharing).
• 📶 iPhone, who shares the password, is already connected to the desired network Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 On both devices Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys Password synchronization is enabled.

If everything matches, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock both iPhone and place them close together (at a distance of up to 1 meter).
2. On the phone that receives password, open Settings → Wi-Fi and select the desired network.
3. On the phone that gives away password, a pop-up window will appear with a prompt Share password for "[network name]". Click Share password.
4. Done! Second one iPhone will automatically connect to the network.

An important nuance: if you have iPhone With iOS 17 and newer, the system may ask for confirmation via Face ID or Touch ID — This is an additional security measure. On older versions iOS (11–16) no confirmation required.

Both iPhones are unlocked and nearby|Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on|Donor iPhone is connected to the desired network|iCloud password sync is enabled|Devices are on the same Apple ID or Family Sharing-->

2. Why doesn't the "Share Password" button work?

If the function does not appear, the problem lies in one of the 5 key parameters:

Critical detail: the "Share Password" feature doesn't work with networks that require browser login (such as cafes or airports). In such cases, use the methods in the next section.

iPhone 15/15 Pro|iPhone 14/14 Pro|iPhone 13/13 Pro|iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation)|iPhone 12 or later-->

3. Alternative ways to share a Wi-Fi password

If the standard method doesn't work, try one of these options:

Method 1: Via "Passwords" in iCloud settings

This method works even if the devices are not nearby, but requires that the password is already stored in iCloud Keychain:

1. On iPhone, which gives away password, open Settings → Passwords (will be required Face ID/Touch ID).
2. Find the name of your network Wi-Fi in the list and click on it.
3. Click Share password and select the sending method (AirDrop, Messages or Mail).
4. On the second iPhone Open the received message and copy the password.

Method 2: Via QR code (for any device)

If you don't have access to iCloud or the second iPhone not from Apple, generate QR code:

1. Install a free app like QR Code Generator or WiFi Key Share.
2. Enter the network name (SSID) and password.
3. Generate QR code and scan it second iPhone through the camera.

🔹 Advantage: works even on Android And Windows.

🔹 Flaw: some public networks block connections through QR.

networksetup -getairportnetwork en0 | awk -F': ' '/Current Wi-Fi Network/{print $2}' | xargs -I {} qrencode -t UTF8 "WIFI:S:{};T:WPA;P:$(security find-generic-password -wa {});;"

(replace en0 on en1, if it didn't work).-->

Method 3: Via Family Sharing (for permanent access)

If you often share passwords with loved ones, add them to Family Sharing:

1. Open Settings → [Your name] → Family Sharing.
2. Click Add a participant and follow the instructions.
3. Once confirmed, all devices in the family group will be able to automatically connect to saved networks.

What should I do if Family Sharing isn't working?

If you receive an error "Unable to invite" when adding a participant, please check:

1. Both devices have it enabled iCloud And Family Sharing.

2. The phone being invited does not have restrictions enabled. Screen time (check in Settings → Screen Time → Content Restrictions).

3. Make sure the option is enabled on the inviting device Sharing purchases in the settings Family Sharing.

If the problem persists, exit Apple ID on both devices and sign in again.

4. How to share a password from iPhone to Android or other devices

If the second phone is not iPhone, standard function Apple It won't work. But there are workarounds:

Method 1: Manually Enter Password

The most secure, but requires knowing the password:

1. On iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the symbol i next to the network name.
2. Click Copy next to the field Password (will be required Face ID/Touch ID).
3. Paste the password into a message or note and send it to the second phone.

⚠️ Attention: if field Password inactive (gray), meaning the network is using enterprise authentication (e.g. WPA2-Enterprise). In this case, the password cannot be copied using standard tools - use the method with QR code or specialized applications like WiFi Password Show.

Method 2: Via Mac (if you have an Apple computer)

If you have Mac, connected to the same network:

1. Open Terminal and enter:

   security find-generic-password -wa [network_name]

2. Enter your account password Macwhen the system asks.
3. Password from Wi-Fi will be displayed in the terminal - copy it.

🔹 Important: This method only works if Mac I have previously connected to this network and saved the password.

5. Solving rare problems

Sometimes password transmission is blocked for unobvious reasons. Here are the most common scenarios and their solutions:

Problem: "Unable to share password" on iOS 17

IN iOS 17 Apple has tightened security requirements. If you see this error:

• 🔄 Reboot both iPhone.
• 📶 Turn it off and on again Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
• 🔒 Make sure that both devices are enabled Two-factor authentication For Apple ID.
• 📱 If nothing helps, reset your network settings: Settings → General → Transfer/Reset → Reset network settings.

Issue: Share Password button missing on iPhone SE

On iPhone SE (all generations) sometimes the button disappears due to a bug with Bluetooth. Solution:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and "forget" all devices (press i → Forget this device).
2. Restart your phone.
3. Please try sharing the password again.

Problem: The network requires login through a browser.

It is often used in hotels, airports and other public places. Captive Portal — the authorization page after connecting. In this case:

• 🌐 Connect first iPhone to the network and log in to your browser.
• 📱 Ask the second user to connect to the same network.
• 🔄 On the first iPhone Open your browser and log in again—sometimes this will "unblock" the network for the second device.

⚠️ Attention: Some networks block multiple devices per account. In this case, you'll have to use Modem mode (see next section).

6. If nothing works: share the Internet via modem mode

When all methods have been exhausted, the last option remains - to make from iPhone access point:

1. Open Settings → Tethering.
2. Enable the option Allow others.
3. Remember or change the access point password (by default it is indicated in the menu).
4. On the second device, connect to the network named [Your name]'s iPhone.

🔹 Pros: It always works, even without Wi-Fi router.

🔹 Cons: consumes battery power and mobile data (if you don’t have an unlimited data plan).

1. Your operator is not blocked Modem mode (applicable to some corporate tariffs).

2. The phone is turned on Mobile Internet (Settings → Cellular → Data).

3. No active VPN - some VPN services block distribution.-->

7. Security: How to avoid sharing your password with strangers

Function Share password It's convenient, but it can become a security hole if exploited. To prevent a leak:

• 🔐 Turn off automatic password syncing in iCloud, if you frequently connect to public networks.
• 👥 Check the list of devices regularly Family Sharing (Settings → [Your name] → Family Sharing).
• 📵 Don't share your password through AirDrop in public places - it can be intercepted.
• 🔄 Change your home password periodically Wi-Fi (at least once every 6 months).

⚠️ Attention: If you shared your password with someone else's device via QR code, please change the network password immediately after use. QR codes can be easily copied and reused!

For maximum protection, configure it on your router guest network with a separate password. This way, you can provide internet access without compromising your main network.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to share a password from iPhone to iPad or Mac?

Yes, it is a function. Share password works between all devices Apple (iPhone, iPad, Mac) if they meet the requirements: one ecosystem Apple ID, included Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, current version iOS/macOS.

On Mac A pop-up window will appear in the upper right corner of the screen.

Why does iPhone ask me to confirm my identity when I share my password?

Starting from iOS 17, Apple added additional protection: when transmitting a password, the system may ask Face ID, Touch ID or a device password. This prevents unauthorized access if the phone falls into the wrong hands.

If the verification fails, restart your device or check your settings. Face/Fingerprint and Passcode.

Is it possible to share the password for the 5 GHz network?

Yes, but there is a nuance: if the second iPhone does not support 5 GHz (For example, iPhone 6s or older), it will not be able to connect to such a network even if the password is transmitted successfully.

Solution: Set up a separate network on your router 2.4 GHz or enable compatibility mode (b/g/n instead of ac/ax).

What should I do if I forgot my Wi-Fi password but my iPhone is connected?

There are 3 ways to find out the password:

1. On iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → [network name] → Password (confirmation required) Face ID).
2. On Mac: open Terminal and enter the command from Section 4.
3. Via the router: go to the web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and look at the password in the settings Wi-Fi.

Does password transfer work between iPhones with different regional settings?

Yes, regional settings (Settings → General → Language and Region) do not affect the operation of the function Share passwordThe main thing is that the devices are in the same ecosystem. Apple and met technical requirements.

Exception: if one of the devices has geolocation restrictions enabled (for example, via Screen time), the function may be blocked.

If your question is not covered in the FAQ, check official documentation Apple or contact support - interfaces and limitations may change with the release of new versions iOS.