How to Transfer Wi-Fi Passwords from iPhone to iPhone via AirDrop: 3 Working Methods

You find yourself in a situation where you urgently need to connect a second one iPhone Are you connected to the same Wi-Fi network, but the password is too complex to spell out? Or do you want to share the internet from one iPhone to another, but the standard "Tethering" feature is disabled by your carrier? In both cases AirDrop This built-in tool can be a lifesaver Apple Allows you to transfer not only files, but also network settings in just a few taps.

In this article we will look at three proven methods Sharing Wi-Fi between iPhones via AirDrop: from standard password sharing to workarounds if direct transfer is blocked. You'll learn which settings to check beforehand, why AirDrop sometimes doesn't detect the second phone, and how to resolve carrier restrictions. All instructions are applicable to iOS 15–17 and models from iPhone 8 to iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Before proceeding with the steps, make sure both devices meet the key requirements:

• 📱 iOS version: Both iPhones must have it installed iOS 11 or newer (optimally - iOS 15+).
• 🔒 Apple ID: The same account must be authorized on both phones (or at least added to each other's contacts).
• 📶 Connections: on the donor device (which distributes Wi-Fi) it must be enabled Bluetooth And Wi-Fi, and on the receiving one - only Bluetooth.

1. The standard way: transferring a Wi-Fi password via AirDrop

This is the simplest method and works if both iPhones are already connected to the same network. iCloud and are located nearby. It doesn't require sharing internet from your phone—it simply transmits data to connect to the existing network.

Here's how to do it:

1. On an iPhone that is already connected to Wi-Fi, open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of the current network (there will be a check mark next to it).
3. In the window that opens, click Password — the system will offer to copy it or share it via AirDrop.
4. Select AirDrop and wait until the second iPhone appears in the list of available devices.
5. On receiving iPhone A notification will appear - confirm receipt of the data.

After this, the second phone will automatically connect to the network. If this doesn't happen, check:

• 🔄 iOS Updates: on older versions (below iOS 11) the function may not work.
• 📵 Airplane mode: It must be turned off on both devices.
• 🔒 Restrictions: V Settings → Screen Time → Content Restrictions AirDrop usage should not be blocked.

Turn on Bluetooth on both iPhones|

Sign in to one Apple ID|

Make sure the devices are within 9 meters of each other|

Disable VPN (may block data exchange)-->

Important: This method only transmits the network password, but does not enable modem mode. If you need to share mobile Internet from one iPhone to another, read the next section.

2. Sharing Internet from iPhone to iPhone via AirDrop (workaround)

If your operator has blocked the "Modem Mode" function or you want to share the Internet without any extra settings, you can use in a roundabout way via AirDrop. This works by transferring a network configuration file, but requires additional steps.

Instructions:

1. On donor iPhone (which distributes the Internet) turn on Modem mode through Settings → Tethering (even if your operator blocks it, try enabling it - sometimes it works after a reboot).
2. If the modem mode is enabled, write down the network name and password (they will appear in the same menu).
3. On second iPhone try connecting to the newly created access point in the standard way via Settings → Wi-Fi.
4. If the connection fails, go back to the first iPhone, open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the name of your access point and select Password → Share via AirDrop.

This method doesn't always work, as many operators block internet tethering at the SIM card level. If you MTS, Beeline or Tele2, check your tariff - it's possible that modem mode is only available on a paid basis.

What should I do if AirDrop doesn't find my second iPhone?

Make sure both devices are enabled. Bluetooth And Wi-Fi (even if you're not connected to a network). Check AirDrop visibility settings: open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner), press and hold the block with AirDrop and select For everyone for 10 minutes. If the devices still don't see each other, restart both iPhones.

⚠️ Attention: Some corporate networks (such as those in offices or hotels) block password sharing via AirDrop for security reasons. In this case, you'll have to enter the password manually or use alternative methods to share the internet.

3. Alternative method: Using Family Sharing

If AirDrop doesn't work for some reason, you can use the function Family SharingIt allows you to automatically sync Wi-Fi settings between devices linked to the same Apple ID.

How to set up:

1. On an iPhone that is already connected to Wi-Fi, open Settings → [Your name] → Family Sharing.
2. If the feature is not enabled, press Set up family sharing and follow the instructions.
3. Add the second iPhone to the family device list (it must be authorized under the same Apple ID or added as a family member).
4. On the second iPhone, go to Settings → Wi-Fi — the required network should appear in the list automatically.

This method is convenient for regular use, but requires preliminary setup. It also only works if both devices are linked to the same "family" in iCloud.

4. Why AirDrop Doesn't Transfer Wi-Fi Passwords: Common Errors

If you follow the instructions but the password transfer doesn't work, the problem may be due to one of these reasons:

• 🔌 No connection: Check that both iPhones are turned on. Bluetooth And Wi-Fi (even if you are not connected to the network).
• 📱 Outdated firmware: on iOS 10 and below, the password transfer function via AirDrop is not supported.
• 🔒 Profile restrictions: If your iPhone was issued by a company or school, it may have a configuration profile installed that blocks AirDrop.
• 🌐 Network problems: Some public Wi-Fi (in cafes, airports) block the transmission of their passwords.

Critical detail: If the donor iPhone has a VPN enabled, AirDrop may not detect the second phone. Disable the VPN before transferring data.

Another common problem is iPhones don't detect each other in the AirDrop list. Solutions:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📍 Make sure the distance between phones does not exceed 9 meters.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

5. How to share internet from iPhone to iPhone if AirDrop doesn't work

If none of the methods work, there are alternative options for distributing the Internet:

1. USB cable + Lightning/USB-C: Connect the iPhones with a cable, then turn on the donor Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Connect via USB.
2. QR code: Generate a QR code for your Wi-Fi network using apps like QR Generator and scan it with a second iPhone.
3. Hotspot via Mac: if you have MacBook, connect both iPhones to it and share the Internet through General access in macOS settings.

For the USB method you will need original cable from Apple or a certified equivalent - cheap cables may not transmit data for modem mode.

⚠️ Attention: when distributing the Internet through Modem mode Your operator may charge additional fees for traffic, even if you have an unlimited plan. Check the terms in your personal account or with support.

6. Security: Risks of Wi-Fi sharing via AirDrop

Although AirDrop is considered a secure channel, there are a few things to keep in mind when sharing Wi-Fi passwords:

• 🔐 Data interception: Theoretically, if a jailbroken device is nearby, they could intercept the transmitted password. Avoid using AirDrop in crowded public places.
• 📲 Unauthorized access: If you share your home network password, make sure the second iPhone belongs to a trusted person.
• 🔄 Auto-connection: After transmitting the password, the second iPhone will automatically connect to this network, which may be undesirable for guest or temporary hotspots.

To minimize risks:

• After using a temporary hotspot (for example, in a hotel) Forget the network on the second iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → Forget this network.
• Use complex passwords for home Wi-Fi (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters).
• Turn it off AirDrop for everyone when not using it: For contacts or Turn off.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sharing Wi-Fi between iPhones

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

No, AirDrop works only between devices AppleTo transfer the password to Android use alternative methods:

• Scan the QR code with the password (you can generate it through applications like WiFi Key Share).
• Send the password via messenger (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp).
• Use the function Nearby Share on Android (similar to AirDrop), but to do this you will have to enter the password manually on the iPhone.

Why doesn't the second iPhone connect to Wi-Fi when transferring a password via AirDrop?

There may be several reasons:

• The network requires additional authentication (for example, in hotels or airports you need to open a browser and accept the terms).
• The router has the function enabled MAC filtering, and the new iPhone is not included in the list of approved devices.
• The password was changed after transmission (check its relevance in the router settings).

Solution: Try connecting manually by entering the password on the second iPhone, or restart the router.

Is it possible to share internet from an iPhone to an iPad using AirDrop?

Yes, the process is no different from transferring between two iPhones. The main thing is that iPad was installed iOS 11 or newer (or iPadOS corresponding version). If you need to distribute mobile Internet, turn on Modem mode on the iPhone and connect to it from the iPad via Settings → Wi-Fi.

How many devices can I connect to my iPhone's tethering mode?

The quantity depends on the iPhone model and iOS version:

• iPhone 8/8 Plus/X and newer (iOS 13+): up to 5 devices simultaneously.
• Old models (iPhone 7 and below): up to 3 devices.

Please note: connecting multiple devices may significantly reduce internet speed and drain the battery faster.

What should I do if my operator has blocked my modem mode?

If your plan doesn't support tethering, try these workarounds:

1. Call your operator and find out if the "Modem Mode" option can be activated for an additional fee.
2. Use USB cable for distribution - some operators block only Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
3. Install VPN (For example, 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN) - sometimes this bypasses the restrictions.
4. Switch to a tariff with unlimited Internet (usually modem mode is allowed on them).

⚠️ Attention: Using a VPN to bypass operator restrictions may violate your contract. Please check your plan's terms before using a VPN.