The fastest way: use the built-in share sheet on iOS 16 and later

If your iPhone runs iOS 16 or newer, the simplest method is to let your phone do the work. When someone nearby tries to connect to your WiFi network, your iPhone will show a notification asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and their device receives it automatically — no typing required.

This works because your iPhone stores your WiFi password in iCloud Keychain, Apple's encrypted password manager. When you tap Share Password, your phone sends the password directly to the other device over a find connection, not through the internet. The person connecting doesn't see the actual password; their phone just receives permission to use it.

For this to work, both devices must be within Bluetooth range (typically 30 feet), and the person must have you in their contacts. If they're not a contact yet, add them first, then ask them to try connecting to your network again.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and later can share passwords automatically when someone tries to connect — just tap Share Password when the prompt appears.
  • Both devices need to be close together (within Bluetooth range) and the person must be in your contacts for automatic sharing to work.
  • If automatic sharing doesn't appear, you can manually read the password from Settings > WiFi and tell the person, or use a QR code.
  • Older iPhones running iOS 15 or earlier do not have the automatic share feature and require manual password entry.

What to do if the share prompt doesn't appear

Sometimes the automatic notification doesn't show up. This usually happens because the other person isn't in your contacts, their device is too far away, or Bluetooth is turned off on one of the phones. Ask them to move closer and make sure Bluetooth is on for both devices.

If that doesn't work, you can manually share the password. Open Settings on your iPhone, tap WiFi, find your network name in the list, and tap the information icon (the small circle with an i). Your password appears under the network name. Read it aloud or type it out for the other person to enter on their device.

Creating a QR code for your WiFi network

A QR code lets someone connect without typing anything. Open Settings, go to WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network, and look for the QR code option (available on iOS 16 and later). Hold your iPhone steady so the other person can point their camera at the code, then tap the notification that appears on their screen.

This method works across different phone brands — an Android phone can scan your iPhone's WiFi QR code and connect when ready. You can also screenshot the QR code and send it to someone who isn't physically present, though they'll need to be nearby to actually connect.

Sharing with guests who don't have you in their contacts

If someone is visiting but isn't saved in your contacts, the automatic share prompt won't appear. The fastest option is to manually read them the password from Settings > WiFi > your network name > information icon. This takes 30 seconds and avoids the friction of adding them as a contact temporarily.

Alternatively, add them to your contacts first (even with just a phone number), then ask them to try connecting again. The share prompt will then appear on your phone. You can delete them from your contacts afterward if you prefer.

Sharing with iPhones running older iOS versions

If the other person has an iPhone running iOS 15 or earlier, the automatic share feature doesn't exist on their device. Even if your phone is newer, you won't see the Share Password prompt because their phone can't receive it. In this case, manually read them the password from Settings > WiFi > your network name > information icon.

The same applies if they're using an Android phone, Windows computer, or Mac — none of these devices support Apple's automatic password-sharing feature. Manual entry or QR code scanning are your options.

Why your WiFi password might not be visible in Settings

If you can't find your password in Settings > WiFi > your network name > information icon, it usually means your network was set up on a different device (like a router's app) and never stored in your iPhone's Keychain. In this case, you'll need to check your router itself.

Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it typically shows the network name and password. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, log into your router's admin panel using a web browser. The router's address (usually something like 192.168.1.1) and login details are often printed on the device itself. Once logged in, you can view or reset your WiFi password.

Changing your WiFi password and sharing the new one

If you want to change your password for security reasons, do it through your router's settings, not through your iPhone. Your iPhone can only view and share the password — it can't change it. Log into your router's admin panel (check the device for the address and login details), find the WiFi settings, and create a new password.

Once you've changed it, your iPhone will ask for the new password the next time you try to connect. Enter it, and it will be stored in Keychain. After that, you can share the new password using any of the methods above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my WiFi password without the other person being in my contacts?

The automatic share prompt requires them to be in your contacts. If they're not, manually read them the password from Settings > WiFi > your network name > information icon, or generate a QR code they can scan instead.

Does the other person see my actual password when I share it?

With automatic sharing (iOS 16+), no — their phone receives permission to use the network without displaying the password. If you manually read it to them or they scan a QR code, they see or enter the password themselves.

What if I share my password and later want to remove their access?

Sharing a password doesn't create a separate account you can revoke. To remove someone's access, you must change your WiFi password through your router's admin panel. After that, they'll need the new password to reconnect.

Can I share my WiFi password with someone who has an Android phone?

The automatic share feature only works between Apple devices. For Android phones, read them the password manually or generate a QR code they can scan with their camera app.

Why does the share prompt ask for Face ID or Touch ID?

Your iPhone requires biometric authentication before sharing a password from Keychain as a security measure. This prevents someone else from using your phone to share your passwords without permission.