How to Transfer a Wi-Fi Password from iPhone to Another Phone: All the Methods

You are connected to Wi-Fi on your iPhone, but urgently need to share the password with a friend, colleague, or family member? Don't rush to find the piece of paper with the code or reboot the router—in iOS There are several built-in password sharing methods that are faster and more secure. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods: from standard exchange via AirDrop to workarounds for older versions iOS and devices on Android.

The main problem with sharing a Wi-Fi password is that it safetyIf you simply dictate a combination of characters or send it via messenger, you risk the code falling into the wrong hands. Apple solved this problem with encrypted communication via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct, which is available between devices on iOS 11+ And macOS High Sierra+. But what if the recipient Android Or an older version of the system? We've tested all the options and compiled them in one guide.

Method 1: Standard password sharing between iPhones (iOS 11 and later)

This is the easiest and most secure method that works between devices. AppleThe main condition is both iPhone should be unlocked, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. Here's how it works:

• 📱 Bring the second one iPhone (the one who needs to share the password) to your device at a distance 10–15 cm.
• 🔄 On the second phone, select your Wi-Fi network in the settings. Your iPhone will automatically show a pop-up window asking you to share the password.
• 🔑 Click Share password, after which a notification about a successful connection will appear on the second device.

This method works even if you don't remember the password itself—the system transmits it in encrypted form. Important: both devices must be linked to one Apple ID (for example, through Family Sharing) or be in your contacts. If the pop-up window doesn't appear, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge level (on some models, exchange is blocked when the charge is below 20%).
• 📶 Have an active internet connection (even if you share a password from another network).
• 🔄 Condition AirDrop - it must be turned on in mode For everyone or For contacts only.

⚠️ Attention: If on the second iPhone VPN or third-party firewall is enabled (for example, 1.1.1.1), password sharing may be blocked. Disable them before trying.

Method 2: Transferring a Password via AirDrop (for iPhone and Mac)

If the standard exchange does not work or you want to send the password to MacBook, use AirDropThis method is suitable for devices in the same ecosystem. Apple and requires the recipient to be in your contacts.

Instructions:

1. Open the app Settings on yours iPhone and go to Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the icon ⓘ next to the name of your network.
3. Tap the field Password — the system will copy it to the clipboard.
4. Open the control panel (swipe down from the top right corner) and hold the icon AirDrop.
5. Select the recipient's device from the list (it should appear as Contact or All).

Once sent, a notification will appear on the recipient's device asking them to accept the password. This method is more secure than sending via instant messaging apps, as the data is transmitted over secure channel without saving in the cloud.

Method 3: How to find out the Wi-Fi password on iPhone and send it manually

IN iOS There is no direct access to saved Wi-Fi passwords, but they can be retrieved using workarounds. If you need to send a password to Android or another device where standard exchange does not work, follow these instructions:

For Jailbroken iPhone:

• 📱 Install the tweak WiFi Passwords from the repository BigBoss.
• 🔓 Open the app and copy the password for the desired network.
• 📤 Send it via any messenger (we recommend Telegram with self-destructing message).

For iPhone without jailbreak:

• 🖥️ Connect iPhone To Mac with installed Xcode.
• 🔍 Use the utility Keychain Accessto find your saved passwords (they are stored in your keychain iCloud).
• 📋 Copy the password and send it to the recipient.

⚠️ Warning: Extracting passwords via Keychain Access requires knowledge of your password Mac and may violate corporate network security policies. Do not use this method for public access points.

What if my password isn't displayed in Keychain Access?

If the network was connected via WPS or Enterprise authentication method (for example, in offices), its password may not be saved in the keychain. In this case, you'll have to look it up on the router or request it from the network administrator.

Method 4: Transferring a password via QR code (for Android and other devices)

If the recipient uses Android or another device, the most universal way is to generate QR code with connection data. To do this:

1. Download the app QR Generator (For example, QR Code Reader from TapMedia).
2. Select an option Wi-Fi and enter:
   • 📶 Network name (SSID).
   • 🔑 Password.
   • 🔒 Encryption type (WPA/WPA2 or WEP).

Generate a QR code and save it in Photo.

Send the image to the recipient via messenger or AirDrop.

On Android Simply open the QR code using your camera or an app. Google Lens, and the system will automatically offer to connect to the network. This method safer, than sending a text password, since the code can be made one-time or time-limited.

Method 5: Using the Guest Network feature on your router

If you frequently share Wi-Fi with guests but don't want to reveal your master password, set up guest network on the router. This is a separate access point with limited rights (for example, no access to local devices).

How to enable guest network:

1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Go to the section Wi-Fi → Guest network (the name may differ).
3. Please enter the network name (SSID) and password.
4. Limit network speed or time if necessary.
5. Save the settings and connect the guest to the new network.

Benefits of a guest network:

• 🔒 The main password remains secret.
• 🛡️ Guests will not be able to access your devices on the local network (printers, NAS, cameras).
• ⏱️ You can set a time limit (for example, 2 hours).

⚠️ Note: On some routers, the guest network is slower than the main network due to processor limitations. Before setting it up, check whether your model supports this feature (information is available in the manual or on the device's sticker).

📊 Which Wi-Fi transfer method do you use most often?
Standard exchange between iPhones
QR code
AirDrop
Guest network on a router
Another

Common problems and their solutions

Even the most reliable methods can fail. Here are some common errors and how to fix them:

• 🚫 "Unable to share password":
  • Make sure both devices are enabled. Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
  • Reboot both iPhone.
  • Update iOS to the latest version.
• 🔄 AirDrop doesn't detect the device:
  • Make sure that the receiving device has AirDrop included in the mode For everyone.
  • Turn it off VPN or MAC address filtering in the router settings.
• 📵 The QR code is not scanned.:
  • Check the image contrast (black code on a white background).
  • Use official generation apps (eg. Google Authenticator for Android).

If none of the methods worked, there is a classic way - look at the password on the router sticker (usually it is a combination of 8-12 characters under Wi-Fi Key or Password). In extreme cases, you can reset the router settings using the button Reset and set a new password.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to Android without a QR code?

Yes, but to do this you will have to manually copy the password from Settings (if you have iOS 16+, the password can be seen after clicking on the icon ⓘ near the network) and send it via messenger. However, this is less secure than a QR code or AirDrop.

Why does it say "Unable to connect" when exchanging a password?
This error occurs if:
• The router has filtering enabled. MAC addresses (add new MAC to whitelist).
• The network uses a non-standard encryption type (eg. WPA3-Enterprise).
• The receiving device is enabled Airplane mode or VPN.

Try rebooting your router or temporarily disabling network protection.

How to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to Windows PC?

Direct exchange between iPhone And Windows impossible. Options:

1. Generate a QR code on iPhone and scan it with your PC camera (you will need a scanner app).
2. Copy the password to the clipboard (as in Method 3) and enter it manually on your PC.
3. Use Mac as an intermediary: send the password via AirDrop on MacBook, and then transfer it to your PC.

Does password sharing work between iPhone and iPad?

Yes, the exchange works between all devices on iOS/macOS (including iPad And MacBook), if they meet the requirements:

• iOS 11+ or macOS High Sierra+.
• The devices are unlocked and nearby.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled.

Is it possible to revoke Wi-Fi access after sharing the password?

Direct access revocation is not possible, but you can:

• Change the Wi-Fi password in the router settings.
• Disable the device manually through the router's web interface (section DHCP Clients or Connected Devices).
• Enable filtering by MAC addresses and delete unnecessary addresses.