How to Transfer Wi-Fi from One iPhone to Another via AirDrop: All the Methods

Sharing Wi-Fi access between devices Apple — a task that users face when setting up a new iPhone, helping friends, or in situations where you need to quickly connect a second device to the network. Many people mistakenly believe that AirDrop It can directly distribute the internet, but this protocol is actually designed for file sharing, not creating a hotspot. However, there are legal and effective ways to share Wi-Fi between iPhone, including hidden functions iOS and alternative methods.

In this article we will look at why AirDrop is not suitable for Wi-Fi sharing., but it does a great job of transmitting network passwords. You'll learn how to set it up. Modem mode (Hotspot) to create a full-fledged access point, what restrictions does it impose Apple this feature, and how to bypass common connection errors. We'll also look at a little-known trick with family access, which allows you to automatically sync Wi-Fi passwords between devices on the same account. iCloud.

If you are looking for a way to share the internet with iPhone 15 on iPhone 12 or vice versa, or if you want to understand why the second gadget can't see the network from the first one, you'll find the answers here. All instructions are relevant for iOS 17 and newer, but most methods also work on older versions of the system.

Why AirDrop can't share Wi-Fi directly

Many users are confused AirDrop with Internet distribution technology, but these are fundamentally different functions. AirDrop — is a protocol for wireless file transfer (photos, videos, contacts) between devices Apple by technology Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) + Wi-Fi DirectIt is not intended to create an access point or relay Internet traffic.

However AirDrop can be used to transfer Wi-Fi passwords. - this is an official function iOS, which works as follows:

• 🔑 If both iPhone are located nearby and connected to the same network iCloud, the Wi-Fi password will automatically offer to share when you try to connect a second device.
• 📱 To do this, just bring the second one iPhone to the first one - a pop-up window will appear asking you to transfer the password.
• 🔄 Once confirmed, the password will be synchronized, and the second device will connect to the network without manual entry.

But this isn't internet sharing, it's just a simplified connection to an existing network. If you need one iPhone worked as a router for another, you will need to enable it Modem mode.

How to share internet from iPhone to iPhone using Personal Hotspot

The only official way to share the Internet from one iPhone on the other - use the function Modem mode (or Personal Hotspot). It turns your smartphone into a hotspot that you can connect to via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.

Setup instructions:

1. Open Settings on iPhone, which will distribute the Internet.
2. Go to Modem mode (in some versions iOS path: Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot).
3. Activate the slider Allow others.
4. Remember or change the connection password (by default it is generated automatically).
5. On the second iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi and select the network with the name of the first device (for example, "[Your Name]'s iPhone").
6. Enter the password and connect.

After connecting, the first screen iPhone A blue bar will appear showing the number of connected devices. Please note that Internet sharing consumes battery power and mobile data (if you use a cellular network).

Is mobile internet enabled on the sharing iPhone?

Is the cellular signal strength sufficient?

Is the first iPhone connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network?

Is tethering enabled in settings?

Do the passwords on both devices match?

Limitations and issues when sharing Wi-Fi between iPhones

Even with the correct settings Modem mode Users encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

It is also worth considering operator restrictions: Some plans block internet tethering or limit speed. For example, MTS And Beeline function Modem mode may only be available on tariffs with unlimited Internet.

What should I do if my operator blocks the modem mode?

If your plan doesn't support tethering, you can try the following workarounds:

1. Connect the first one iPhone to Wi-Fi (for example, a home network) and distribute the Internet from it.

2. Use Bluetooth-connection instead Wi-Fi (V Modem mode there is such an option).

3. Contact your operator and ask them to temporarily unblock the function (sometimes this is possible for an additional fee).

How to Share a Wi-Fi Password via AirDrop (Official Method)

Although AirDrop isn't sharing my internet connection., it's great for transferring your Wi-Fi password. This is handy when you're connecting a new one. iPhone to your home network or helping a friend. Here's how it works:

1. Make sure both iPhone connected to one account iCloud (or are in each other's contact list).
2. On a device that is already connected to Wi-Fi, unlock the screen.
3. On the second iPhone try connecting to the same Wi-Fi network in Settings → Wi-Fi.
4. On the first iPhone a notification will appear: "Share Wi-Fi password?". Click Share.
5. Second iPhone will automatically connect to the network.

This method works on iOS 11 and newer. If the notification doesn't appear, check:

• 🔄 Is it enabled? Bluetooth And Wi-Fi on both devices.
• 📱 Whether the devices are within 10 meters of each other.
• 👤 Have each other's contacts been added to Telephone (if you use different Apple ID).

Alternative ways to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to iPhone

If Modem mode If it doesn't work or is blocked by the operator, you can use alternative methods:

1. Use Family Sharing to sync passwords

If both iPhone tied to one Family group V iCloudWi-Fi passwords are automatically synced between devices. To do this:

1. Open Settings → [Your name] → Family Sharing.
2. Make sure both devices are in the same group.
3. On the first iPhone Connect to Wi-Fi.
4. On the second device, the network will appear in the list of available ones without entering a password.

2. Bluetooth sharing (slower, but more economical)

IN Modem mode You can choose to connect via Bluetooth instead of Wi-FiIt's slower, but uses less battery:

1. Turn on Modem mode on the first iPhone.
2. On the second device, open Settings → Bluetooth and connect to the first one iPhone.
3. Return to Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot and select connection via Bluetooth.

3. Using a USB cable (maximum stability)

If you have Lightning/USB-C cable, you can distribute the Internet via a wired connection:

1. Connect both iPhone To Mac or Windows-PC via cable.
2. Turn on Modem mode on the first device.
3. On your computer, select connection via USB.
4. Now the second one iPhone can connect to the Internet through a computer (for example, via Wi-Fi from Mac).

Security when sharing Wi-Fi from iPhone

Internet distribution via Modem mode opens your iPhone for potential threats. Follow these rules to avoid problems:

• 🔒 Always use a complex password for your hotspot (at least 8 characters with numbers and letters).
• 👥 Limit the number of connected devices (in settings) Modem mode you can see a list of connected gadgets).
• 📴 Turn it off Modem modewhen it is not needed - this will save battery power and protect against unauthorized access.
• 🛡️ Don't connect to public networks via hotspots iPhone, if it stores confidential data (banking, mail).

⚠️ Attention: If you share your internet connection via a mobile network, keep an eye on your data usage. Some apps (for example, updating iOS or video streaming) can quickly exhaust the limit.

Also remember that when connecting via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth second iPhone gains access to the local network of the first device. This means that, theoretically, it is possible to access shared folders or devices (for example, AirPrint-printers), if they are configured on the first iPhone.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Even with proper setup, users still encounter errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: If after the update iOS stopped working Modem mode, try resetting network settings: Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network SettingsThis will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, but often solves the problem.

If none of the methods helped, try reset network settings (as above) or update iOS to the latest version. In rare cases, the problem may be related to hardware malfunctions (for example, the Wi-Fi-module).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, AirDrop works only between devices AppleHowever, you can share the Internet through Modem mode - on Android It will be visible as a regular Wi-Fi network.

How many devices can I connect to Personal Hotspot on iPhone?

Officially Apple limits the number of connected devices to 5 (depending on model and version iOS). In practice, stable operation is observed with 2-3 gadgets.

Does tethering damage iPhone battery life?

Yes, Modem mode increases the load on the battery, especially when connected via Wi-FiIt is recommended to connect iPhone to charge or use Bluetooth-connection for energy saving.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from an iPhone without mobile internet?

Yes, if the first one iPhone Connected to another Wi-Fi network (for example, your home network). Then it will rebroadcast that internet. But if there's no mobile data and Wi-Fi is also unavailable, sharing won't work.

Why doesn't the second iPhone see the network from the first?

Check:

• Is it included? Modem mode on the first device.
• Are the devices in range? Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (up to 10 meters).
• Are there any tariff restrictions from the operator?