Share WiFi Password iPhone: Easy Step Guide
iPhone can share your WiFi password in one tap with nearby Apple devices. Here is how, plus a QR method for Android.
iPhones can share a WiFi password with nearby Apple devices in one tap, without anyone typing it. For Android phones and laptops, a QR code is the fastest option.
iPhones can share a WiFi password with nearby Apple devices in one tap, without anyone typing it. For Android phones and laptops, a QR code is the fastest option.
To share with another iPhone, iPad or Mac, turn on WiFi and Bluetooth on both, tap the network on the other device, then tap Share Password on your iPhone when the card appears.
Here is how both work and what to check when the share prompt does not appear.
Share WiFi from iPhone to another iPhone, iPad or Mac
- Unlock your iPhone and make sure it is connected to the WiFi network.
- Turn on WiFi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- On the other device, open WiFi settings and tap the network name.
- On your iPhone, a Share Your Password card appears. Tap Share Password, then Done.
The Bluetooth-on-first check is the one I run before I blame the prompt.
Requirements
| Requirement | Why |
|---|---|
| Both devices on recent iOS, iPadOS or macOS | Older versions lack the feature |
| Your Apple ID email in their Contacts | iOS only offers sharing to known contacts |
| WiFi and Bluetooth on, devices close together | Sharing uses Bluetooth nearby |
| Your iPhone unlocked and on the network | It shares the saved password |
The contacts-row detail is the one I mention first when sharing will not start.
Share WiFi from iPhone to Android
- On iOS 16 or later, open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap (i) next to your network and tap Password to view and copy it.
- Send it securely, or create a code with our WiFi QR Code Generator.
- The Android user scans the QR code with the camera to join.
For me, the QR-code route is the one I reach for first with any Android phone.
Share Password not showing?
- Add each other to Contacts with the Apple ID email.
- Restart both devices and toggle WiFi.
- Move the devices close together.
- Forget the network on the receiving device and tap it again.
- Update iOS on both devices.
When the card will not appear, I check Contacts before I touch any setting.
See a saved WiFi password on iPhone
Since iOS 16 you can view any saved WiFi password directly, which makes sharing with Android phones and laptops much easier:
- Open Settings, then WiFi.
- Tap the (i) next to your network, or tap Edit to see all saved networks.
- Tap Password and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.
- Tap Copy, then paste it into a message, or read it out.
On iOS 18 and later, the Passwords app also lists saved WiFi networks under a WiFi section, with a QR code you can show to another phone. My first stop is the Passwords app whenever a saved key needs showing.
Share WiFi from iPhone to a Windows laptop
Windows can’t receive Apple’s share prompt, so you need the password or a QR code. The easiest route: open the Passwords app on iPhone, find your WiFi network and tap Show Network QR Code. Many Windows laptops with a webcam can scan it through the Camera app, or you can simply read the password from the screen.
I reach for the QR code before I read a password out loud.
Why the share prompt doesn’t appear
- Both iPhones need WiFi and Bluetooth turned on, and Personal Hotspot off.
- Each person must have the other’s Apple ID email or phone number saved in Contacts.
- The phones need to be close together and unlocked.
- The iPhone sharing the password must be connected to that network right now.
- On the receiving iPhone, select the network first so the prompt is triggered.
The hotspot-off check is the step I never skip when the prompt stays hidden.
Sharing hotspot and WiFi with family via iCloud
With Family Sharing set up, family members’ devices can join your Personal Hotspot automatically without a password. For home WiFi, iCloud Keychain syncs saved networks across your own Apple devices, so your iPad and Mac join automatically once your iPhone knows the network. The Keychain-sync detail is the one I mention first in an Apple house.
Make a WiFi QR code from iPhone
- Open the Passwords app (iOS 18) and find your WiFi network under WiFi.
- Tap Show Network QR Code.
- Let the other person scan it with their camera.
- Or use our WiFi QR Code Generator to print one.
The print-the-code habit is the one I keep for guests who visit often.
