You find yourself in a situation where you urgently need to connect to Wi-Fi, but you don’t know the password and only have another one at hand iPhone with an already saved network? This problem arises more often than you might think: when visiting someone, at a cafe, in a hotel, or even at home if the router password has long been forgotten. Fortunately, Apple has provided several ways to share Wi-Fi access between devices without manually entering a password. — from built-in functions iOS to workarounds using third-party tools.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including the official one. Share Wi-Fi password (and why it sometimes doesn't work), alternative ways through Bluetooth, AirDrop and even QR codesWe'll take a closer look at security issues—why you shouldn't use dubious apps to hack networks and how to protect yours. iPhone Protect yourself from data leaks. If you urgently need to access the internet and have lost your password, read on.
1. Official Method: Share Wi-Fi Password
The easiest and safest method is the built-in function Share Wi-Fi password, which works on iPhone With iOS 11 and newer. It allows you to automatically transfer network data to another device. Apple (including iPad And Mac) without manual entry. Here's how it works:
- 📱 Working conditions: both iPhone must be unlocked, have enabled
BluetoothAndWi-Fi, and also be added to each other's contacts (or to family sharing iCloud). - 🔗 Connection process: on the second iPhone (the one you want to connect to) select the network in the settings
Wi-FiOn the first iPhone A pop-up window will appear asking you to share your password. - ✅ Confirmation: Click "Share Password" - the second one iPhone will automatically connect to the network.
Why might this method not work? Most often, problems arise due to:
- 🔄 Missing contact in the phone book (add the number of the second iPhone in contacts).
- 📵 Switched off
Bluetoothor airplane mode. - 🔒 Outdated version iOS (update both devices to the latest version).
⚠️ Attention: If on the second iPhone There was a previous attempt to connect to this network with an incorrect password, the function may not work. Remove the network from the settings. Wi-Fi (click "Forget this network") and try again.
2. Alternative method: sharing the Internet via "Modem mode"
If the Share Password feature doesn't work and you urgently need Wi-Fi access, you can use modem mode on the first iPhoneThis method works if the first device has mobile internet (3G/4G/5G). Instructions:
- On the first iPhone go to
Settings → Tethering. - Enable the "Allow others" option (if it is not there, enable it)
Modem modein the main settings). - On the second iPhone connect to the network of the first device through
Wi-Fi,BluetoothorUSB(the password is displayed on the first screen iPhone).
Advantages of the method:
- 🌐 Works even without access to the original Wi-Fi network.
- 🔒 Doesn't require knowing the router password.
- 📶 Suitable for devices on Android (if you need to connect not iPhone).
Flaws:
- 📉 Mobile internet traffic consumption (may be subject to charges if you have a limited data plan).
- 🔋 Fast battery drain on first charge iPhone.
☑️ Preparing for Internet distribution
3. Using AirDrop to share a password
If you don't have access to the "Share Password" feature, but you know the Wi-Fi password first iPhone, it can be transmitted through AirDropThis method requires manually entering the password on the second device, but eliminates the need to dictate or rewrite complex character combinations.
How does this work:
- On the first iPhone open
Settings → Wi-Fiand click on the symbol "i» next to the network name. - Copy the password (it will be displayed after authentication by
Face ID/Touch ID). - Open the app "Notes" and create a new note with a password.
- Click "Share» → select AirDrop → select the second one iPhone.
- On the second device, accept the file and insert the password into the settings
Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi password in settings iOS This option is only displayed if the device is already connected to the network. If the network is grayed out (inactive), this method will not work.
Alternative: If AirDrop It doesn't work, please send the password via iMessage or any messenger application (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram). The main thing is to delete the message after connecting to avoid compromising network security.
4. Generate a QR code to connect to Wi-Fi
Method with QR code Suitable if you have access to the network password on the first iPhone, but you don't want to enter it manually. You can generate a QR code using third-party apps or online services and then scan it with a second device.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Install on first iPhone QR code generating app (for example, QR Code Generator or WiFi QR).
- Enter the network name (
SSID) and password in the application. - Generate a QR code and save it in "Photo».
- Open the photo on the second iPhone and scan the code through the camera (in iOS 11 and newer, the camera automatically recognizes QR codes with Wi-Fi data).
Advantages of the method:
- 🔗 Versatility: works not only between iPhone, but also for connecting devices on Android.
- 🛡️ Security: The QR code can be deleted after use.
Cons:
- 📱 Requires installation of a third-party application.
- 🔒 Not all QR code apps support encryption (choose trusted, highly rated ones).
How to check the security of a QR code app?
Before installing, check the App Store reviews, the last update date (it should be no more than six months old), and the permissions the app requests. Avoid apps that require access to contacts or location.
5. Workarounds: What to do if nothing works
If none of the above methods work, there are less obvious (and sometimes risky) options. These should only be used as a last resort, as they may violate network security rules or the terms and conditions of public hotspots.
Option 1: Reset your router
If you own a router but have lost the password, you can reset it to factory settings. To do this:
- Find the button
Reseton the back of the router (usually it is recessed and requires a paper clip). - Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash.
- Connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the router sticker) and password (usually
adminor an empty field).
Option 2: Using WPS (only for older routers)
Some routers support the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which allows you to connect without a password. To do this:
- Click the button
WPSon the router (usually it is signed). - On iPhone select the network in the settings
Wi-Fi— the connection will occur automatically.
⚠️ Attention: WPS This technology is considered insecure and is disabled by default on most modern routers. Avoid using this method on public networks, as it may expose your device to attack.
Option 3: Contact your network administrator
If you're in a cafe, hotel, or office, the easiest way is to ask the staff for the password. Many establishments offer Wi-Fi access via SMS- confirmation or special portals (for example, Social Wi-Fi), where you don't need to know the password.
6. Connection Method Comparison Table
| Method | Password required | Works between iPhones | Works with Android | Security risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share Wi-Fi password | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Minimal (trusted devices only) |
| Modem mode | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Traffic consumption, battery drain |
| AirDrop + Notes | ✅ Yes (password access required) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Sending a password in clear text |
| QR code | ✅ Yes (password access required) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Risk of QR code interception by third parties |
| WPS | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ High (vulnerability to hacking) |
7. Security: What not to do when connecting to Wi-Fi
Attempting to connect to someone else's network without permission or using questionable methods can lead not only to the device being blocked, but also to criminal liability (in some countries, unauthorized access to networks is considered hacking). Here's what strictly prohibited:
- 🚫 Use Wi-Fi hacking apps (e.g. Aircrack-ng, Wifi WPS WPA Tester). Not only are they ineffective on modern routers, but they can also contain malicious code.
- 🚫 Connect to networks with suspicious names (for example,
Free_WiFi_Hack). These could be "traps" for data theft. - 🚫 Sharing Wi-Fi passwords with strangers or publishing them publicly (for example, on social media).
How to protect your Wi-Fi from unauthorized access?
- 🔐 Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and special characters).
- 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly.
- 📵 Turn off
WPSand guest access if they are not needed. - 🕵️ Enable filtering by
MAC-addresses (although this is not a panacea).
⚠️ Attention: In some countries (e.g., Russia, the US, and the EU), unauthorized access to other people's Wi-Fi networks may be considered a violation of data protection laws. Even if the network isn't password-protected, using it without the owner's permission may result in legal consequences.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to connect to Wi-Fi via iPhone without a password if the first phone is Android?
No, the "Share Wi-Fi Password" feature only works between devices. AppleIn this case, use modem mode on Android-device or generate QR code with network data (for example, through an application WiFi QR Code Generator For Android).
Why doesn't the password sharing pop-up appear on my second iPhone?
The reasons may be as follows:
- 📵
BluetoothorWi-Fiare turned off on one of the devices. - 👤 The devices are not added to each other's contacts.
- 🔄 On one of iPhone outdated version iOS (update to the latest).
- 🔒 Second iPhone I previously tried to connect to this network with an incorrect password (remove the network from settings and try again).
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password my iPhone is connected to without jailbreaking?
Yes, but only if the device is already connected to the network. To do this:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Click on the symbol "i» next to the network name.
- Click "Copy» next to the "Password" field (authentication will be required by
Face ID/Touch ID).
If there is no "Copy" button, the network uses enterprise authentication (for example, in offices or universities), and the password is not available.
How do I connect to Wi-Fi at a hotel or cafe if the password is only issued for one device?
In most cases, public networks limit the number of connected devices. MAC-address. Workarounds:
- 📱 Use modem mode on the first iPhoneto distribute the Internet to the second one.
- 🔄 Ask your administrator to reset the restriction or issue a new password.
- 🌐 Some networks allow you to connect multiple devices through your personal account (for example, by room number in a hotel).
Will Share Wi-Fi Password work if one iPhone is running iOS 15 and the other is running iOS 17?
Yes, the function is compatible between different versions. iOS, if they are not older iOS 11The main thing is that synchronization is enabled on both devices. iCloud and they were added to each other's contacts. However, for stable operation, it is recommended to update iOS to the latest version.