How to Transfer Wi-Fi Networks from iPhone to Android: 5 Effective Methods

Transition from iPhone on Android — this is not only a change of ecosystem, but also the need to transfer all saved data, including passwords from Wi-Fi networksUnlike contacts or photos, which are synced via the cloud, the network list remains "locked" in the device settings. Many users face the problem of not having to re-enter passwords for dozens of access points.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods scanning and migrating Wi-Fi networks with iOS on Android — from manual export to automated solutions. You'll learn which methods work without root access, which require additional devices, and how to avoid common migration mistakes. We'll pay special attention to the following questions: securityWhy you shouldn't trust dubious apps and how to protect your data during transmission.

Important: The procedure varies depending on the version. iOS (15/16/17) and Android (12/13/14+), as well as the router model. If your iPhone works on iOS 14 or lower, some methods may not be available.

Why can't I just copy the Wi-Fi list as contacts?

Unlike contacts or notes, passwords for Wi-Fi networks are stored in encrypted form in the system storage iOSKeychainApple doesn't provide built-in tools for exporting them, as this creates risks of data leakage. Even when creating a backup via iTunes or iCloud passwords remain unreadable without special utilities.

On Android the situation is different: here the list of networks can be exported to a file (for example, via ADB (or root access), but importing to another device often requires manual confirmation. The main obstacles to transferring are:

  • 🔒 Keychain ProtectionApple blocks access to passwords without jailbreak.
  • 📱 Different storage formats: iOS And Android use incompatible encryption systems.
  • 🚫 Manufacturer restrictions: Some brands (eg. Samsung or Xiaomi) add their own layers of protection.

However, workarounds do exist. Below, we'll review them from the simplest to the most technically complex.

📊 How do you usually transfer data when you change smartphones?
Via the cloud (Google Drive/iCloud)
Manual input
Special applications
Connecting to a PC
I never tolerated it

Method 1: Manually entering passwords (the most secure, but time-consuming)

If you have few saved networks (up to 5-7), the easiest way is manually rewrite passwords With iPhone and enter them on AndroidThis method doesn't require any additional software and guarantees 100% success—provided you remember or can find out the passwords.

How to view your Wi-Fi password iPhone:

  1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on the icon «i» next to the name of the current network.
  3. Tap the field Password - confirmation will be required via Face ID/Touch ID or a password code.
  4. Copy or write down the password.

On Android go to Settings → Wi-Fi, select the network and enter the password. If the network is hidden, first press Add a network and indicate it SSID.

⚠️ AttentionSome public networks (such as those in cafes or hotels) use dynamic passwords that change daily. In this case, manually entering passwords won't help—you'll have to reconnect.

Method 2: Export via iTunes backup (for iOS 12-16)

This method is suitable if you have a computer with macOS or Windows and established iTunes (or Finder on Mac). We will extract passwords from a backup iPhone using a third-party utility.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Connect iPhone to PC and create encrypted backup V iTunes/Finder (be sure to set a password on the copy!).
  2. Download the program iBackup Viewer (For Windows/macOS) or iMazing (paid, but with a trial period).
  3. Open the backup copy in the program and go to the section Wi-Fi Passwords or Keychain.
  4. Export the list of networks to a file .csv or .txt.
  5. Transfer the file to Android (for example, through Google Drive) and enter passwords manually.
Program Price iOS support Wi-Fi Export
iBackup Viewer For free 12–16 Yes (manually)
iMazing Paid (~$40) 12–17 Yes (automatically)
iExplorer Paid (~$35) 12–16 Yes (requires jailbreak)

The advantage of this method is no jailbreak requiredHowever, it has its downsides:

  • 💻 A computer with iTunes.
  • 🔐 You need to remember the backup password (if you forget it, your data will be lost).
  • 📄 Exported passwords will still have to be entered manually Android.
What to do if iTunes doesn't detect your iPhone?

1. Update iTunes to the latest version.
2. Check the cable (use the original Lightning/USB-C).
3. Unlock your iPhone and trust the computer.
4. Restart both devices.
5. If the problem persists, try another PC.

Method 3: Using sync apps (without PC)

If you don't want to connect iPhone To access your computer, you can use specialized applications that transfer passwords over a local network or through the cloud. The most popular solutions are:

  • 📱 WiFi Passwords Export (only for jailbroken iPhone).
  • 🔄 ShareWiFi (transmits passwords via Bluetooth or QR code).
  • ☁️ WiFi Map (stores networks in the cloud, but requires manual entry).

Let's consider working with ShareWiFi (available for iOS And Android):

  1. Install the application on both devices.
  2. On iPhone open ShareWiFi and select the network for transfer.
  3. Generate QR code or activate the transfer by Bluetooth.
  4. On Android Scan the code or receive the file via Bluetooth.

Restrictions:

  • 🚫 Most applications require jailbreak on iPhone.
  • 🔒 Free versions often limit the number of networks that can be transmitted.
  • 🛡️ Risk of data leakage - use only trusted programs from App Store/Google Play.

Turn on Bluetooth on both devices|

Make sure Do Not Disturb mode is turned off on your iPhone.

Close other applications using Bluetooth|

Make sure installation from unknown sources is allowed on Android (if you're downloading an APK) -->

Method 4: Transfer via cloud services (for advanced users)

If you use Google Account on iPhone, you can try to synchronize some data through Google Drive, But Wi-Fi passwords It won't work to transfer it this way. However, there is a workaround using Python scripts And iCloud.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Make a backup copy iPhone V iCloud (turn on Keychain in the copy settings).
  2. Download the utility icloud_py (open source code on GitHub) and log in to your account Apple ID.
  3. Export data Keychain to file .plist.
  4. Use a script to extract Wi-Fi passwords (example code below).
  5. Transfer the resulting list to Android.
#!/usr/bin/env python3

import plistlib

import base64

Download the Keychain.backup file from icloud_py

with open('Keychain.backup', 'rb') as f:

data = plistlib.load(f)

for item in data['list']:

if item.get('v_Type') == 'AirPort network password':

ssid = item['v_Name']

password = base64.b64decode(item['v_Data']).decode('utf-8')

print(f"SSID: {ssid}, Password: {password}")

This method requires command line skills and is not 100% guaranteed to succeed—Apple regularly updates the iCloud storage format.

⚠️ Attention: Using third-party scripts to access iCloud May violate Apple's terms of service. Your account may be blocked if automated access is suspected. We recommend backing up your data before experimenting.

Method 5: Physical transfer via a router (alternative option)

If you have access to the router, you can reconfigure itto avoid manually entering passwords. This method is suitable if you're connecting to a home or office network.

Instructions:

  1. Connect to the router with iPhone (password already saved).
  2. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  3. Log in (login/password are indicated on the router sticker).
  4. Go to the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network.
  5. Find the option WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and activate it.
  6. On Android open Settings → Wi-Fi, click Add a network and select Connecting via WPS.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions and the router will automatically transfer the network settings.

Advantages:

  • 🔄 Does not require knowing the password.
  • 📶 Works even with hidden networks.
  • 🛡️ Safer than sharing passwords through third-party apps.

Flaws:

  • 📡 You need to be within the router's coverage area.
  • ⚙️ Not all routers support WPS (especially new models).
  • 🔒 WPS considered less secure than manually entering a password (vulnerable to brute force attacks).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The method you choose depends on your technical skills, the number of saved networks, and the availability of additional devices. Below is a comparison table:

Method Complexity A PC is required Jailbreak required Number of networks Security
Manual input ❌ No ❌ No 1–10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
iTunes + iBackup Viewer ⭐⭐ ✅ Yes ❌ No Unlimited ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Applications (ShareWiFi) ⭐⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes (often) Limited ⭐⭐⭐
iCloud + scripts ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes ❌ No Unlimited ⭐⭐ (risk of blocking)
WPS via router ⭐⭐ ❌ No ❌ No 1 (current network) ⭐⭐⭐

For most users, the optimal solution would be combination of methods:

  • 📝 For 1–3 networks — manual input.
  • 💻 For 5–20 networks — export via iTunes.
  • 🔄 For fast transfer of the current network - WPS.

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

Is it possible to migrate Wi-Fi networks without a computer?

Yes, but with limitations. The following are available without a PC:

  • Manual entry of passwords (if you know them).
  • Apps like ShareWiFi (requires jailbreak or root on Android).
  • Connection via WPS (only for current network).

There are no suitable solutions for mass transfers without a PC—at least temporary access to a computer is required.

Why are some networks not showing up in the exported list?

This can happen for several reasons:

  • The network was connected via Apple Configurator or a corporate profile (the password is stored elsewhere).
  • You connected via Hotspot 2.0 (for example, at airports) - such networks are not saved in Keychain.
  • Backup iTunes was created without it enabled Keychain.

Solution: Try connecting to the network again. iPhone and repeat the export.

Is it safe to use Wi-Fi transfer apps?

Security depends on the application:

  • 🔒 Proven programs from App Store/Google Play (For example, ShareWiFi) do not usually steal data, but may collect anonymous statistics.
  • ⚠️ Questionable APKs (outside official stores) may contain malicious code. Risks: password theft, spam sent in your name, connection to a botnet.
  • 🛡️ Recommendations:
    • Use only apps with a 4+ rating and a large number of reviews.
    • Before installation, check permissions (for example, access to contacts or SMS should raise concerns).
    • After transferring, uninstall the application and clear the cache.
Is it possible to transfer networks from iPhone to Android using a Google Account?

No, Google Account does not sync passwords Wi-FiThe following are transferred through it:

  • Contacts.
  • Calendars.
  • Notes (if used) Google Keep).
  • Photo/video (via Google Photos).

Wi-Fi passwords are not included in sync for security reasons. The only exception is if you manually save the password in Google Password Manager, but this does not automate the connection to the network.

What to do if none of the methods work?

If none of the methods help, there are radical measures left:

  1. Resetting the router: Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds), then configure it again. The new password will be located on the device's sticker.
  2. Contacting your provider: If it is a provider network (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), call support - they can reset your password or send it via SMS.
  3. Using a guest network: Set up a guest router SSID with a simple password, connect to it Android, then disable guest mode.

If the problem only affects one device, check the settings Android:

  • Make sure it's enabled Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
  • Check if there are any restrictions in Developer mode (turn off Debugging over Wi-Fi, if it interferes).
  • Update the firmware Android to the latest version.