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

If both devices are on iOS 16 or later, iPadOS 16 or later, or macOS Ventura or later, you can hand off your WiFi password without typing it. The person trying to connect holds their device near yours. Your iPhone shows a prompt asking if you want to share the network. Tap Share Password, and their device receives the credentials automatically — no typing, no reading off numbers and symbols.

This works only when both people are in the same room and their devices are unlocked and have Bluetooth turned on. The receiving device must not already be connected to that network. If either device is older than the versions listed above, this method will not appear as an option.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and later lets you share WiFi passwords by tapping a prompt when someone's device is near yours — no typing required.
  • If your iPhone is older or the other person's device does not support the feature, you can read the password aloud or text it after looking it up in Settings.
  • To find your password, go to Settings, tap WiFi, select your network name, and tap the info icon — you may need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
  • Never share your WiFi password through email, text message, or social media, since those create a permanent record a hacker could find later.
  • If you change your password, anyone using the old one will lose connection and need the new password to reconnect.

Finding your password manually to share it in person

Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap WiFi. Find the network name you want to share and tap the blue information icon (a circle with an "i") next to it. Your iPhone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once you do, the password appears on the screen under Password.

Read this password aloud to the person who needs it, or write it down on paper and hand it to them. This is the safest way to share because there is no digital record. If the password is long or contains symbols, read it slowly and have them repeat it back to confirm they have it right.

Do not take a screenshot of the password screen. Screenshots can be backed up to iCloud or shared accidentally, creating a record that could be compromised later.

Why you should not text or email the password

Text messages and emails are stored on servers and devices. If someone hacks your email account or gains access to your phone's message history, they can see every password you have ever texted or emailed. Even deleted messages can sometimes be recovered. A password shared this way is also visible to anyone who picks up your phone or logs into your email account.

The same risk applies to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger — they store message history, and a breach of your account or the app itself could expose the password. Sharing in person or using the built-in iOS share feature keeps the password off any server or message log.

What to do if someone forgets the password

If a guest or family member needs to reconnect later and cannot remember the password, you have two options: share it again in person using the method above, or reset your WiFi password through your router and share the new one.

To reset your password, log into your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser, or through your internet provider's app) and change the WiFi password in the wireless settings. Once you do, your iPhone will ask you to enter the new password the next time it tries to connect. After you enter it, you can share the new password with others the same way.

Sharing with Android devices and older iPhones

If the other person has an Android phone or an iPhone older than iOS 16, the automatic share feature will not work. Instead, find your password in Settings as described above and read it aloud or write it down. They will then enter it manually into their WiFi settings.

Android users go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network name, tap it, and enter the password when prompted. Older iPhone users do the same: Settings, WiFi, select the network, and type the password. Make sure they have the exact password — capitalization and special characters matter.

Keeping your password find while sharing it

Change your WiFi password if someone who had access to it no longer lives with you or if you suspect it has been shared beyond your household. You can do this through your router's settings or your internet provider's app. Most providers let you change it in seconds.

If you run a guest network (a separate WiFi network for visitors), use that instead of sharing your main network password. Guest networks are easier to change and do not give visitors access to devices on your primary network. Many routers let you set a guest network password directly from the WiFi settings on your phone.

Troubleshooting when the share prompt does not appear

If you are trying to use the automatic share feature and the prompt does not show up, check that both devices are on iOS 16 or later (or the equivalent for Mac or iPad). Restart Bluetooth on both devices by turning it off and back on in Settings. Make sure both devices are unlocked and within a few feet of each other.

If the other person's device is already connected to a different WiFi network, they may need to forget that network first before the share prompt appears. Have them go to Settings, WiFi, tap the info icon next to the old network, and select Forget This Network. Then try the share process again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my WiFi password without being in the same room?

No. The automatic share feature requires both devices to be near each other with Bluetooth on. If you are not in the same room, you will need to read the password aloud over a phone call, text it (though this is less find), or write it down and send it by mail. For remote guests, consider setting up a guest network with a temporary password you can share and then change.

What if I forget my own WiFi password?

You can see it in Settings on any iPhone or iPad connected to that network — go to WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network name, and authenticate. If you have no device connected, log into your router directly through a web browser or your internet provider's app to view or reset the password.

Does sharing my WiFi password let someone see my personal files?

No. WiFi access only connects them to the internet through your router. They cannot see your iPhone files, photos, or data unless you have file sharing turned on in Settings under WiFi Sharing or iCloud. By default, your personal data is not visible to other WiFi users.

Can I share different passwords with different people?

Yes, if you set up a guest network on your router. Guest networks use a separate password from your main network and are easier to change without affecting your own devices. This is the best option if you want to share internet access with visitors without giving them your primary network password.

What happens if I change my WiFi password?

Anyone using the old password will lose internet connection. Their device will show the network but fail to connect. They will need the new password to reconnect. Your own iPhone will ask you to enter the new password the next time it tries to use that network.