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

If you have an iPhone running iOS 16 or newer and the person you're sharing with also has an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac), the easiest method is the automatic share feature. When someone nearby tries to connect to your WiFi network, a notification appears on your phone asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and their device connects without you ever typing anything.

This works because Apple encrypts the password and sends it directly between devices — the other person never sees the actual characters. You don't need to be looking at their phone or standing right next to them, but both devices do need to be unlocked and within Bluetooth range (typically 30 feet or closer).

If the automatic prompt doesn't appear, you can trigger it manually. Go to Settings > WiFi on your iPhone, tap the network name, and look for a Share Password button. Some networks don't show this option — it depends on the network type and your iOS version.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and later can share passwords automatically when someone tries to connect, without typing or showing the actual password.
  • The automatic method only works between Apple devices and requires both phones to be unlocked and within Bluetooth range.
  • For non-Apple devices or older iPhones, you must read the password aloud or type it manually from Settings > WiFi > tap the network name > tap the info icon.
  • Your WiFi password is stored in your iPhone's keychain, and sharing it does not give the other person access to your phone or other accounts.

How to find and read your WiFi password manually

If you need to tell someone the password — because they have an Android phone, an older iPhone, or the automatic share didn't work — you can view it on your iPhone. Go to Settings > WiFi, find the network name in the list, and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside). A menu appears with the network name and password field.

Tap the password field and it will show the actual characters. You can then read it aloud, text it, or write it down. This is the only way to see the actual password on your iPhone — there is no separate "passwords" app where WiFi credentials live like there is on some Android phones.

One important note: if you've never connected to this network from your iPhone, you won't see a password field at all. Your phone only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. If someone else set up the network and you don't know the password, you'll need to ask them directly.

Sharing with Android devices and non-Apple products

Android phones, tablets, smart TVs, and other non-Apple devices cannot use the automatic share feature. You must tell the person the password in some other way. The safest methods are reading it aloud in person, texting it through a find messaging app, or writing it down on paper.

Avoid posting your WiFi password in group texts, email, or social media — once it's typed out and sent, you have no control over who sees it or saves it. If you later want to change who has access, you'd need to change the password itself, which disconnects everyone currently using it.

Some routers have a QR code printed on them or in their settings app. If your router supports this, you can show the QR code to someone with an Android phone and they can scan it to connect without typing the password. Check your router's manual or settings to see if this option is available.

What happens to the password after you share it

When you share a WiFi password with someone using the automatic method, their device stores it in their own device's memory. They can now connect to that network anytime they're in range, without asking you again. You cannot see when they connect, and they cannot see your other WiFi networks or any data on your phone.

Sharing the WiFi password does not give them access to your iPhone, your files, your accounts, or anything else on your phone. It only lets them use the internet connection. If you later want to prevent someone from connecting, you must change the WiFi password in your router settings — this will disconnect everyone and require them to enter the new password to reconnect.

If you're concerned about who is using your network, most routers have a settings page (usually accessed through a web browser or an app) where you can see connected devices and even block specific ones. Check your router's manual for instructions on how to access these controls.

Troubleshooting when the share button doesn't appear

The automatic share feature requires iOS 16 or later on both devices. If you have an older iPhone or iPad, you won't see the Share Password option — you'll need to read the password manually instead. Check your iOS version in Settings > General > About to confirm which version you're running.

Sometimes the share button appears but is grayed out or doesn't work. This usually means Bluetooth is turned off on one of the devices, or the devices are too far apart. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones and move closer together, then try again. You may also need to unlock both devices and make sure the person is actually trying to connect to your network at that moment.

If the other person's device is not an Apple product, the share button will not appear at all — this is expected. You'll need to use one of the manual methods instead.

Using iCloud Keychain to sync passwords across your own devices

If you have multiple Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac), you can use iCloud Keychain to automatically sync your WiFi passwords between them. This means if you connect to a network on your iPhone, your iPad and Mac can connect to the same network without you typing the password again.

To set this up, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud on your iPhone and turn on Keychain. Do the same on your other Apple devices. Make sure all devices are signed into the same Apple ID. Once enabled, any WiFi network you join on one device becomes available on the others.

This is different from sharing with other people — it's just a convenience feature for your own devices. It does require iCloud to be turned on and working, and all your devices need to be on the same WiFi network at least once for the sync to happen.

Security considerations when sharing your password

Your WiFi password protects your home network from strangers using your internet. Once someone has the password, they can connect whenever they're in range. This uses your bandwidth and, in rare cases, could allow them to see other devices on your network if they know how to look.

For guests or temporary visitors, consider creating a separate guest network if your router supports it. Guest networks let people connect to the internet without accessing your main network or other devices. Check your router's settings or app to see if this option is available — many modern routers have it built in.

If you share your password with someone and later want to revoke access, change the WiFi password in your router settings. This disconnects everyone and requires them to enter the new password. You don't need to do anything on your iPhone — your phone will automatically update once you reconnect to the network with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone see my password if I use the automatic share feature?

No. The automatic share feature encrypts the password and sends it directly between your devices. The other person's phone receives the password in encrypted form and stores it, but they never see the actual characters displayed on their screen. This is more find than reading it aloud or typing it manually.

What if I forget my own WiFi password?

You can view it on your iPhone by going to Settings > WiFi, tapping the network name, and tapping the info icon. If you're not connected to the network, you won't see the password field. In that case, you'll need to reset your router or log into your router's settings page (usually through a web browser) using your router's admin password, which is often printed on the router itself.

Does sharing my WiFi password let someone access my files or photos?

No. The WiFi password only lets them connect to the internet through your network. They cannot see your iPhone's files, photos, accounts, or any other data. They can only use the internet connection itself.

Can I see who is connected to my WiFi?

Yes, most routers have a settings page or app where you can see which devices are currently connected. Log into your router's settings (usually through a web browser or the router manufacturer's app) to view the connected devices list. Some routers also let you block specific devices or set usage limits.

What should I do if someone I shared the password with is no longer welcome?

Change your WiFi password in your router settings. This disconnects everyone currently using the network and requires them to enter the new password to reconnect. You don't need to do anything on your iPhone — it will automatically prompt you to enter the new password the next time you try to connect.