How to Transfer Wi-Fi from One iPhone to Another: All the Methods for 2026

You find yourself in a situation where you only have one at hand iPhone Do you have a mobile internet connection, but your second device urgently needs internet access? Or do you want to save data by sharing your home Wi-Fi without entering a password? In this article, we'll discuss All current methods for transferring Internet data between iPhones - from the classical Modem mode to little-known functions iOSthat even consultants are silent about Apple.

It is important to understand that the methods differ not only in the complexity of the setup, but also in connection speeds, battery life, and compatibility with mobile operator plans. We tested each option on devices from iPhone SE (2020) to iPhone 15 Pro Max — see the performance data in the comparison table below. And if you need to distribute the Internet on Android or laptop, follow the links at the end of the article.

1. Modem mode (Hotspot) - a universal method with limitations

The most obvious method is to turn it on first iPhone function Modem mode (or Personal Hotspot). This turns your smartphone into a full-fledged Wi-Fi hotspot, to which you can connect a second iPhone, iPad or even MacBookBut there are some nuances:

• 📶 Speed ​​is limited mobile operator tariff (usually up to 50-100 Mbit/s even with 5G).
• 🔋 The battery drains 2-3 times faster — in an hour of active distribution you will lose 15-25% of the charge.
• 💰 Operators may block feature or charge an additional fee (e.g. MTS And Beeline limit traffic for the modem).

How to enable:

1. Open Settings → Tethering (or Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot on older versions iOS).
2. Activate the slider Allow others.
3. Remember or change Wi-Fi password (by default this is a random set of characters).
4. On the second iPhone go to Settings → Wi-Fi and select the network with the name of your first device.

Make sure mobile internet works on your first iPhone|

Check your remaining traffic in your operator account|

Connect your first iPhone to a charger (recommended)|

Disable automatic app updates on the second device

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⚠️ Attention: If the internet doesn't work after connecting, check the APN settings with your operator. For example, Tele2 manual entry may be required internet.tele2.ru V Settings → Cellular → Data Options → Cellular Data Network.

2. Transfer a Wi-Fi password via AirDrop without sharing data

If both iPhone are on the same network (for example, at home or in the office), you can Instantly share your Wi-Fi password without inclusion Modem modeThis method works through AirDrop and doesn't require mobile internet. Key advantages:

• ⚡ Instant transmission — takes 2-3 seconds.
• 🔒 Safely — the password is not displayed on the screen of the second device.
• 📱 Works between all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac).

Instructions:

1. Make sure both devices are enabled. Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
2. Bring the second one iPhone to the first (distance no more than 10 cm).
3. A notification will appear on the first device Share Wi-Fi - click Ready.
4. On the second iPhone Confirm connection to the network.

This method is ideal for guest networks or when you don't want to manually dictate a complex password like 7Fh9!kL2$pQ1However, there is a limitation: Both devices must be linked to the same Apple ID or be in family access.

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

Check that both iPhones are Settings → General → AirDrop selected For everyone (at least for 10 minutes). Also turn off the mode On the plane and reboot Bluetooth by holding the power button and either volume button until the slider appears Turn off (don't let go - just wait for the module to reboot).

3. iCloud Sharing – for couples and loved ones

Little known function iOS — Sharing Wi-Fi passwords via iCloudIt allows you to automatically synchronize all saved networks between devices linked to the same Apple ID or a family group. This is convenient if you often visit the same places (for example, a cafe or coworking space).

How to set up:

1. On the first iPhone go to Settings → [Your name] → Family (or Settings → iCloud → Family (on older versions).
2. Add a second user to the family group (if not already added).
3. Enable the option Password sharing V Settings → Passwords.
4. Connect the first one iPhone to the desired Wi-Fi network - the second device will automatically gain access to it.

Important: If you use Personal Hotspot via Bluetooth (and not Wi-Fi), the connection speed will drop by 5-10 times, but battery consumption will decrease by almost a third. This option is suitable for transferring small files or instant messaging, but not for video streaming.

Modem mode (Wi-Fi)|

Modem mode (Bluetooth)|

Transferring a password via AirDrop|

iCloud Sharing|

I don't use iPhone sharing.

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4. Hidden Settings: How to Speed ​​Up Wi-Fi Sharing on iPhone

Even if you turned it on Modem mode, the speed may be lower than expected. Here 3 little-known tricksto optimize the connection:

• 🔄 Change Wi-Fi band: go to Settings → Personal Hotspot → Wi-Fi Password and select Maximum compatibility (if there are problems connecting old devices) or 5 GHz only (for maximum speed).
• 📵 Disable background updates: on the second iPhone go to Settings → General → Content Update and deactivate the option to save traffic.
• 🔋 Use charging: connect the first one iPhone to the outlet - iOS will automatically increase the signal strength by 10-15%.

Another life hack: if you are distributing the Internet in a place with a poor signal (for example, in the subway or at the dacha), enable "Maximum Compatibility" mode in the modem settings. This will force iPhone use range 2.4 GHz, which passes through walls better, albeit at a lower speed.

5. Errors and problems: why the iPhone does not distribute Wi-Fi

Even with proper setup, glitches may occur. Here top 5 reasons, Why Modem mode not working and how to fix them:

1. The operator blocks the function: some tariffs (for example, Smart Zero from MegaFon) don't support internet tethering. Solution: change your plan or call support at *105# (For MTS).
2. Incorrect APN settings: check the parameters in Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Network. For Beeline APN must be specified internet.beeline.ru.
3. Conflict with VPN: if on the first iPhone included VPN, turn it off - it may block traffic transmission.
4. Limit on the number of devices: by default iOS allows you to connect up to 5 gadgets, but some operators reduce the limit to 1-2.
5. iOS crash: Restart both devices or reset network settings (Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings).

⚠️ Attention: If you lose mobile internet after resetting your network settings, check to see if your carrier profile has been reset. You can reset it in your personal account or via SMS (for example, send a message with the text INTERNET to the number 5050 For Tele2).

6. Alternative methods: when standard methods don’t work

If none of the above options suit you, consider these non-obvious solutions:

• 🔌 USB cable + Lightning adapter: connect the first one iPhone to the second through USB-C/Lightning cable and an adapter (for example, Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter). IN Settings → Tethering an option will appear USB only - This is the most stable method, but requires additional accessories.
• 🌐 Cloud proxy: Install the app on both devices Shadowrocket or Stash and set up shared access via the server (suitable for bypassing operator blocking).
• 📡 External router: If you frequently share internet, buy a portable 4G router (for example, TP-Link M7350) and insert a SIM card into it. This will relieve the load on the battery. iPhone.

For USB connection it is important to use original cable — Cheaper alternatives may not transmit data. Also, make sure that the second one iPhone the parameter is enabled Trust this computer (a request will appear the first time you connect).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sharing Wi-Fi from iPhone to iPhone

Can I share Wi-Fi from my iPhone if I have an unlimited data plan?

Yes, but operators often impose restrictions on traffic in Modem mode even with "unlimited". For example, MTS may limit speed after 30 GB, and Beeline — after 50 GB. Check details in your personal account or by phone. *111#.

Why does the second iPhone connect to the hotspot, but the Internet doesn't work?

There are several reasons:

1. On the first iPhone mobile internet is disabled (check Settings → Cellular).
2. The operator is blocking distribution (try changing the APN or tariff).
3. On Low power mode (turn off in Settings → Battery).
4. Glitch in iOS - reboot both devices.

How to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to iPhone without a password?

The only way is to use AirDrop to transfer the password (see section 2) or iCloud Sharing (section 3). Himself Modem mode always requires a password for security reasons.

How many devices can I connect to an iPhone using Personal Hotspot?

By default - up to 5 devices simultaneously (depending on the model) iPhone and versions iOS). However, operators can reduce this limit. For example, Iota Allows only 1 connection on Unlimited tariffs.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to iPhone via Bluetooth?

Yes, but the speed will be low (5-10 Mbps). To enable:

1. On the first iPhone: Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Use → Bluetooth.
2. On the second iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth, select the first device and confirm pairing.

This method is suitable for sending messages or mail, but not for video.

If you need to share the Internet with devices of other brands (for example, Android or Windows), check out our guides:

• 📱 How to Share Wi-Fi from iPhone to Android
• 💻 Setting up Modem Mode on a Laptop
• 🎮 Connecting a PlayStation or Xbox to an iPhone Hotspot