The fastest way: use the built-in share feature on iOS 16 and newer

If your iPhone runs iOS 16 or later, you can share your WiFi password to another iPhone, iPad, or Mac without typing it out. When someone nearby tries to connect to your network, their device will ask permission. You approve it on your phone, and their device gets the password automatically.

Here's how it works: The other person opens Settings, taps WiFi, selects your network name, and enters any password (it doesn't have to be correct). Their phone then sends a notification to your iPhone asking if you want to share the password. You tap "Share Password" on your screen, and they're connected. The whole thing takes about 10 seconds.

This method only works between Apple devices running iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or macOS Ventura and newer. If the other person has an older iPhone or a non-Apple device, you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and newer iPhones can share WiFi passwords when ready to nearby Apple devices without typing anything.
  • For older iPhones or Android phones, you can read the password aloud, use a QR code, or look it up in your router settings.
  • Your WiFi password is stored in the Keychain on your iPhone, which you can access through Settings to see it in plain text.
  • If you've forgotten your own password, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or by contacting your internet provider.

Finding your WiFi password in iPhone Settings

If you need to tell someone your password or write it down, you can find it on your iPhone. Go to Settings, then WiFi, then tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i") next to your network name. Scroll down and tap "Password" — your iPhone will ask you to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once you do, the password appears in plain text.

This works on any iPhone running iOS 16 or later. On older versions, you cannot view the password this way — you'll need to check your router instead.

Using a QR code to share your password

Many modern routers print a QR code on the back or bottom of the device. Someone can point their iPhone camera at this code, tap the notification that appears, and connect to your network without entering the password manually. This works on any iPhone with iOS 11 or newer.

If your router doesn't have a QR code printed on it, you can generate one. Log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser — check the router's label for the address), find the WiFi settings, and look for an option to display or generate a QR code. The exact steps vary by router brand, so check your router's manual if you get stuck.

Sharing the password by reading it aloud or writing it down

The simplest method works on any phone: just tell the person your password. Find it using the Settings method described above, then read it aloud or write it down. They type it into their phone's WiFi settings and connect.

This is slower than the other methods, but it works for Android phones, older iPhones, and guests who don't need to stay connected long. Make sure you're reading the password correctly — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter.

What to do if you've forgotten your own password

If you can't find your password and your iPhone won't show it, you can reset it through your router. Unplug the router's power cable for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. This resets the router to its factory settings, which usually means the WiFi network name and password return to what's printed on the router's label.

After the reset, you'll need to set up your WiFi again — log into the router's admin panel and create a new network name and password. If you don't know how to access the admin panel, contact your internet provider. They can walk you through it or reset the router remotely.

Some routers have a reset button on the back instead of requiring you to unplug them. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink, then release. Check your router's manual to see which method yours uses.

Why your iPhone stores the password and how to remove it

Your iPhone saves WiFi passwords in iCloud Keychain so you stay connected automatically when you're in range. If you sell your iPhone or give it to someone else, you should remove your WiFi networks before handing it over. Go to Settings, WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network, and tap "Forget This Network." This removes the password from your phone and from iCloud Keychain on all your other Apple devices.

If you're buying a used iPhone and it's already connected to someone else's network, you can forget that network the same way. You won't be able to see the password — you'll just remove the connection.

Sharing WiFi with guests on Android or older devices

If the person connecting has an Android phone or an older iPhone, the built-in share feature won't work. Your best options are the QR code method (if your router supports it), reading the password aloud, or using a guest network.

Many routers let you create a separate guest WiFi network with its own password. This keeps guests off your main network and lets you change or disable the guest password without affecting your own connection. Log into your router's admin panel and look for "Guest Network" or "Guest WiFi" in the settings. You can set a different password and turn it off when guests leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my WiFi password to an Android phone?

The automatic share feature only works between Apple devices. For Android phones, use a QR code if your router has one, or read the password aloud and have them type it in manually.

What if the other person's iPhone doesn't show the share notification?

Make sure both phones are unlocked and within a few feet of each other. The notification only appears if their phone is trying to connect to your network and both devices are on the same iCloud account or are contacts in each other's address books. If that doesn't work, use the QR code or manual entry method instead.

Does sharing my WiFi password let the other person see my internet history?

No. Sharing the WiFi password only gives them access to the internet connection. They cannot see your browsing history, files, or anything else on your phone or computer unless you've shared those separately.

Can I share my password if I don't remember it?

Yes. Use the QR code on your router, or reset the router to factory settings and use the default password printed on the device. You can also contact your internet provider and ask them to tell you the password or reset it for you.

What's the difference between forgetting a network and resetting my router?

Forgetting a network removes it from your iPhone only — the network still exists and keeps working. Resetting the router erases all its settings and returns it to factory defaults, which disconnects everyone and requires you to set it up again from scratch.