How to Transfer Wi-Fi Passwords from iPhone to iPhone: All Methods 2026

Transferring your home or office Wi-Fi password between iPhone may seem like a trivial task until you run into limitations iOSUnlike Android, where the password is often displayed in the network settings, Apple hides it behind a layer of protection. However, this doesn't mean the process has to be complicated. In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methodsHow to share a Wi-Fi password from one person iPhone on the other - from the standard AirDrop to little-known functions iCloud Keychain.

It is important to understand that the methods differ in speed, security, and version compatibility. iOS. For example, Starting with iOS 17, it became possible to transfer a password via a QR code without third-party applications., which previously required installing additional software. We tested each method on devices from iPhone 8 to iPhone 15 Pro Max — all instructions are relevant for current firmware versions.

If you've previously tried sharing a password and received a "Unable to send" error, the problem was most likely in your settings. Bluetooth or AirDropWe'll take a detailed look at how to avoid such situations and what to do if standard methods don't work.

1. Standard method: transferring the password via AirDrop

This is the fastest and most reliable method that works for everyone. iPhone With iOS 11 and newer. The main requirement is that both devices must be within range. Bluetooth And Wi-Fi, and the function AirDrop enabled. Here's how to do it:

• 📱 Open Settings on iPhonefrom which you want to share the password, and go to Wi-Fi.
• 🔗 Click on the name of the current network (there will be a checkmark next to it). A window with network information will appear.
• 🔑 In the “Password” block, click Share password (if the option is inactive, check Bluetooth).
• 📤 Choose the second one iPhone from the list of devices AirDropA notification will appear on the receiving phone inviting you to connect.

If the button Share password missing, make sure that:

• ✅ Both iPhone updated to the latest version iOS.
• ✅ The receiving device is enabled Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
• ✅ The devices are located no more than 9 meters from each other.
• ✅ In the settings AirDrop (V Control center) "Everyone" or "Contacts only" is selected.

Bluetooth is enabled on both iPhones.

Wi-Fi is active on the receiving device

AirDrop is set to "Everyone" or "Contacts Only"

The devices are within a radius of 9 meters

Both iPhones are updated to iOS 11 or later-->

This method works even if the recipient iPhone I've never connected to this network before. However, there is a caveat: if the network uses hidden SSID (does not broadcast its name), transmitting the password via AirDrop It may not work. In this case, try alternative methods.

⚠️ Attention: If after the password is transferred the second iPhone It doesn't connect to the network, check if it's blocking it router new devices by MAC address. Some models (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) have a function MAC Filtering, which requires manually adding devices to the whitelist.

2. Transferring a password via QR code (without third-party apps)

Starting from iOS 17, Apple Added a built-in QR code generator for Wi-Fi networks. This is convenient if you need to share a password with multiple devices or if AirDrop For some reason it doesn't work. Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi on iPhone-source.
2. Click on the name of your network.
3. Tap on the icon QR code (will appear to the right of the network name).
4. Bring the second one iPhone and scan the code using your camera (no need to take a photo - just point the lens).
5. A notification will appear on the receiving device inviting you to connect.

The advantage of this method is that the QR code can be saved in Photo and use it later (for example, to connect guests). However, there are limitations:

• 🚫 Doesn't work on iPhone With iOS 16 and older.
• 🔒 Not all routers support password transfer via QR (problems may arise with older models) TP-Link or D-Link).
• 📱 The receiving device must have a camera turned on and internet access to check the network.

If your iPhone does not support QR code generation, you can use third-party applications like WiFi Password QR Generator (available in App Store). They work on the same principle, but require manual entry of a password.

3. Using iCloud Keychain to sync passwords

iCloud Keychain - is a built-in password manager from Apple, which can sync Wi-Fi network data between devices on the same account. This method is suitable if both iPhone tied to one Apple ID and synchronization is enabled iCloud.

To transfer the password via iCloud Keychain:

1. Make sure the option is enabled on both devices. Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Passwords & Keys (or Keychain in older versions iOS).
2. On iPhone-connect to the desired Wi-Fi network from the source.
3. Wait for synchronization (may take up to 5 minutes).
4. On the second iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi — the network should appear in the list marked “Known network”.

This method is convenient for constantly synchronizing passwords between your devices, but it has its drawbacks:

• 🔄 Requires one Apple ID on both iPhone.
• ⏳ Synchronization is not instantaneous—sometimes you have to wait or restart your devices.
• 🔒 Doesn't work if the network is using Enterprise authentication (for example, in offices or universities).

⚠️ Attention: If you have previously disabled iCloud Keychain, when turning it on again, you may need to confirm via two-factor authenticationMake sure you have access to a trusted phone number or device.

To check if the password has been synchronized, you can go to Settings → Passwords (You'll need to enter the lock code) and find the "Wi-Fi Network Passwords" section. All saved networks will be displayed there.

4. Manual password entry: when automatic methods fail

If neither AirDrop, no QR code, no iCloud didn't help, the classic method remains - find out the password on the first iPhone and manually enter it on the secondThe problem is that iOS doesn't show passwords for saved networks in Settings. However, there are workarounds:

Method 1: View the password on a Mac (if it's connected to the same network)

If you have MacBook or iMac, connected to the same Wi-Fi network:

1. Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain Access.
2. Enter the name of your network in the search bar.
3. Double-click on the found entry, check the “Show password” box and enter the account password. Mac.

Method 2: Using a router

The most reliable, but requires access to the router's admin panel:

1. Find out IP address router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Enter it into the address bar of your browser on any device connected to the network.
3. Log in (default logins/passwords are indicated on the router sticker).
4. Go to the section Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi - there will be a field there Password or Pre-Shared Key.

If you can't access your router (for example, your ISP has blocked access), try resetting it to factory settings using the button Reset on the back panel. Keep in mind that after the reset, you will have to set up the network again.

Method	Speed	Required conditions	Restrictions
AirDrop	⚡ Instantly	iOS 11+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi	Doesn't work with hidden networks
QR code	⚡ Instantly	iOS 17+, camera	Not supported on older versions iPhone
iCloud Keychain	⏳ Up to 5 minutes	One Apple ID, included iCloud	Doesn't work with Enterprise networks
Manual input	⏳ 5-15 minutes	Access to Mac or router	Requires technical skills

AirDrop

QR code

iCloud Keychain

Manual entry via router

Another way-->

5. Alternative methods: third-party apps and tricks

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party solutions. We tested several apps and identified the most reliable ones:

• 🔐 WiFi Password Share - allows you to create QR codes for networks, even if your iPhone on iOS 16.
• 📡 Instabridge — saves network passwords and synchronizes them between devices via the cloud.
• 🔗 WiFi Map — shows passwords for open networks nearby (useful when traveling).

Before installing, check the app's reviews and ratings—some may request unnecessary permissions (such as access to contacts). Also, remember that sharing passwords through third-party services is less secure than built-in methods. Apple.

How do password sharing apps work?

Most of these apps don't "jailbreak" iOS, but rather use legitimate workarounds. For example, they can:

1. Generate a QR code based on the password you enter manually (if you remember it).

2. Use the iCloud API to sync data (requires Apple ID authorization).

3. A QR code scanner from other devices (for example, if the password has already been generated on Android).

Important: No app can extract the password from the iPhone system settings without jailbreaking.

Another non-obvious way is to use Shortcuts (Teams app from Apple). You can create an automatic command that will send the password via Messages or MailHowever, to do this, you need to know the password itself (for example, if you wrote it down earlier).

What to do if nothing works?

If none of the methods helped, the problem may be as follows:

• 🔌 The router is blocking new connections. - check the settings MAC Filtering or a limitation on the number of devices.
• 📵 Incompatibility of iOS versions - update both iPhone until the latest firmware.
• 🔒 The network uses non-standard authentication. (For example, WPA3-Enterprise), which does not support password transmission.
• 📡 Problems with the Wi-Fi module On one of the devices, try connecting to a different network for a test.

If you suspect a malfunction iPhone, perform diagnostics:

1. Restart both devices.
2. Reset network settings: Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
3. Check if other devices are connecting (eg. iPad or laptop) to this network.

⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN, and cellular settings. You will then need to re-enter your information to connect to other networks.

If the problem persists, please contact support. Apple Or contact your internet service provider. In rare cases, the router firmware may be the culprit—updating it often resolves connection issues with new devices.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring Wi-Fi passwords between iPhones

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

Yes, but not through AirDropThe most reliable methods:

• Generate QR code on iPhone (through Settings → Wi-Fi → QR code or a third-party application) and scan it on Android.
• Find out the password through the router or Mac (as described above) and manually enter it on Android.
• Use cross-platform apps like Instabridge.

AirDrop And iCloud Keychain work only in the ecosystem Apple.

Why is the "Share Password" button inactive?

The reasons may be as follows:

• Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are turned off on one of the devices.
• The devices are too far apart (maximum 9 meters).
• On the receiving end iPhone not included AirDrop for contacts or all.
• The network uses hidden SSID (does not broadcast his name).
• One of iPhone works on iOS 10 or older.

Try restarting both devices and try again.

Is it possible to transfer a Wi-Fi password without the Internet?

Yes, all the methods described (AirDrop, QR code, iCloud Keychain) work offline. The main thing is that:

• Bluetooth And Wi-Fi were included (for AirDrop).
• The devices were within range of each other.
• If you use iCloud Keychain, the last synchronization should have taken place with the Internet available.

The only exception is if the router requires online authentication (for example, in hotels or airports), then you won't be able to connect without an internet connection.

How to transfer a Wi-Fi password from iPhone to a computer (Windows/Mac)?

For Mac:

• Use iCloud Keychain (If Mac on the same Apple ID).
• Or open Keychain Access, find the network and look at the password (as described above).

For Windows:

• Generate QR code on iPhone and scan it using a scanner application on your PC (eg QR Code Scanner from Microsoft Store).
• Find out the password through the router (as described in the section on manual entry).

Is it safe to share your Wi-Fi password through third-party apps?

Risks vary by application:

• 🔒 Safe - official applications from App Store with a high rating (for example, WiFi Password QR Generator), which do not send data to the server.
• ⚠️ Risky — little-known apps that request access to contacts, location, or other data. They may collect information about your networks.

Recommendations:

• Check the app's reviews and privacy policy.
• Avoid using apps that ask you to create an account to share your password.
• After use, uninstall the application if you no longer need it.