How to Transfer Wi-Fi Password from iPhone to Computer: All Working Methods

Have you connected a guest to your home Wi-Fi but forgotten the password? Or do you need to transfer network settings from iPhone to a new computer without manually entering a complex combination of characters? With modern versions iOS And macOS It's done in seconds—no sticky notes or SMS with an access code. But what if you Windows or old Mac without support Continuity?

In this article - 5 proven methods transferring Wi-Fi password with iPhone to your computer, including workarounds for systems without native integration with AppleWe'll cover the nuances for different OS versions and warn you about common errors (for example, why AirDrop may not work) and we will show you how to avoid security problems. Spoiler: on iPhone With jailbreak, the password can be extracted even without a network connection - but this is risky.

1. The fastest way: Share Password (macOS and iOS 11+ only)

If you have Mac (model not older than 2012) and iPhone With iOS 11 or newer, use the built-in function ContinuityThis is the official method from Apple, which works without additional programs and does not require knowledge of the current password.

How does this work:

1. Make sure that on iPhone And Mac included Bluetooth And Wi-Fi, and are also authorized under one Apple ID.
2. On Mac Select the Wi-Fi network you are connected to iPhone (in the menu bar).
3. On iPhone A notification will appear saying “Share your Wi-Fi password” – click Send.

⚠️ Attention: The function does not work if Mac has already been connected to this network before. In this case, the password will have to be retrieved using other methods (see section 3). Also, check that the option is enabled on both devices. Handoff in the settings (Settings → General → AirPlay and Handoff on iPhone).

Devices are authorized under the same Apple ID|

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices|

Mac has not connected to this network before|

Handoff is enabled on the iPhone (Settings → General → AirPlay & Handoff)

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2. Transferring a password via AirDrop (for macOS and Windows with a workaround)

AirDrop allows you to send your Wi-Fi password as a text file or note. This method is universal: it works for Mac, and for Windows (provided that the PC is installed iTunes or iCloud for Windows).

Instructions for macOS:

• 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings on iPhone, click on the icon i next to the network name.
• 🔍 Scroll down and tap "Share Password" (if the option is active) or copy the password manually (in iOS 16+ needs to be confirmed Face ID/Touch ID).
• 📤 Click "Share" → select AirDrop → select target Mac.

Workaround for Windows:

1. Copy the password to iPhone (see step 2 above).
2. Open Notes (Apple Notes) and create a new note with a password.
3. Through AirDrop send a note to Mac, then export it to a file and transfer it to your PC via email or via the cloud.

⚠️ Attention: On Windows without iCloud AirDrop is not directly supported. If you don't have Mac at hand, use the method with QR code (section 4) or extract the password via iTunes (section 5).

3. Extracting the password from an iPhone backup (for Windows and macOS)

If iPhone ever connected to this Wi-Fi, the password is stored in the backup iTunes or iCloud. It can be extracted using third-party utilities, for example, iMazing or iExplorer (paid), or free WiFi Password Revealer For Windows.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows:

1. Connect iPhone to your PC and create a backup copy via iTunes (Necessarily encrypted!).
2. Download iBackup Viewer (free) and open the backup.
3. Go to the section System Files → HomeDomain → Library → Preferences.
4. Find the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist — it stores all saved networks and passwords.

For macOS (no third-party programs required):

1. Open Terminal (via Spotlight: ⌘ + Space → type Terminal).
2. Enter the command:
security find-generic-password -wa "WiFi_NETWORK_NAME"
3. Enter your Mac account password to view your Wi-Fi password.

⚠️ Attention: Extracting passwords from backups may violate company security policies (if iPhone corporate). Also, some networks (for example, with WPA3-Enterprise) may not display the password in a readable form.

4. Generate a QR code with a Wi-Fi password (universal method)

If you need to transfer the password to a computer with Windows, Linux or even Android-the device is easiest to generate QR codeIt can be scanned with a camera. iPhone or a special application on a PC (for example, QR Journal For Windows 11).

How to create a QR code on iPhone:

• 📲 Install the application QR Generator or WiFi Key Share (free in App Store).
• 🔑 Enter the network name (SSID) and password.
• 🖼️ Generate a QR code and save it to Photos.
• 📤 Send the image to your computer via AirDrop, email or messenger.

How to scan a QR code on Windows:

1. Open the QR code image on your PC.
2. Use the built-in scanner in Microsoft Edge (right click on the image → “Scan QR code”) or install QR Code Reader.
3. Follow the instructions to connect to the network.

5. Using iCloud Keychain (Apple devices only)

iCloud Keychain syncs passwords between devices Apple, including Wi-Fi data. If this feature is enabled, the password will automatically be updated to the new one. Mac or iPad when you first connect to the network.

How to enable and use:

• 🔄 On iPhone: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keychain → turn on Sync this iPhone.
• 💻 On Mac: System Preferences → Apple ID → iCloud → turn on Keychain.
• 🔗 Connect Mac to the Wi-Fi network - the password will be pulled up automatically.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Doesn't work on Windows.
• ❌ Requires two-factor authentication For Apple ID.
• ❌ If the network was added before turning on Keychain, the password may not sync.

6. Alternative methods: for advanced users

If the standard methods don't work, try one of these options (technical skills required):

For advanced users:

If you have iPhone With jailbreak, install the tweak WiFi Passwords from the repository BigBossIt displays all saved passwords in a readable format. Warning: Jailbreaking compromises the security of your device and can lead to blocking Apple Pay.

How to log into the router's web interface?

1. Find out the IP address of the router (usually indicated on a sticker or in the instructions).

2. Enter it into the address bar of your browser (for example, 192.168.1.1).

3. Log in (default logins/passwords: admin/admin or admin/password).

4. Find the section Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi — there will be a field with a password (it may be hidden behind asterisks, but in most routers it can be made visible).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring your iPhone's Wi-Fi password

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

Yes, but not directly. The most reliable methods are:

• 📱 Generate QR code on iPhone and scan it on Android.
• 📋 Copy the password manually (in iOS 16+ needs to be confirmed Face ID) and send via messenger.

Share Password feature from Apple works only between devices Apple.

Why isn't the "Share Password" notification appearing on my Mac?

Please check the following points:

• 🔄 Mac And iPhone authorized under one Apple ID.
• 📶 Enabled on both devices Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
• 🔄 In the settings Mac included Handoff (System Preferences → General).
• 🚫 Mac was already connected to this network before (in this case, the notification will not appear).

How do I find my Wi-Fi password if my iPhone isn't connected to the network?

If iPhone previously connected to this network, extract the password from the backup (see Section 3). If not:

• 🔧 View the password on another device that is connected to the network (for example, on Mac through Terminal).
• 📡 Reset your router (button) Reset on the back panel) and set up Wi-Fi again.

Is it safe to use third-party password extraction programs?

Most utilities like iMazing or iBackup Viewer are safe if downloaded from official websites. However:

• ⚠️ Avoid programs that require disable antivirus or enter Apple ID.
• 🛡️ Check reviews before using MacRumors or Reddit.
• 🔒 After extracting the password, delete the backup copy from your PC.

Is it possible to transfer a password from an iPhone to a computer without the Internet?

Yes, all the methods described (except synchronization via iCloud Keychain) work offline:

• 📲 AirDrop transmits data via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🖼️ QR code can be generated and scanned without a network connection.
• 💾 Extracting from a backup does not require the Internet.