The fastest way: use the built-in share feature

If you have an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, you can share your WiFi password to another iPhone, iPad, or Mac without typing it out. The person joining your network needs to be in your contacts and have their device nearby — within a few feet works best.

When someone tries to connect to your WiFi network, their device will show a prompt asking to join. On your iPhone, a sheet will pop up asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and their device connects automatically. That's the entire process — no typing, no reading numbers aloud.

This method only works between Apple devices running recent software. If the person joining has an Android phone, an older iPhone, or a device that doesn't support this feature, you'll need to tell them the password another way.

Key Takeaways

  • The Share Password feature works only between Apple devices on iOS 16 or later, iPadOS 16 or later, or macOS Ventura or later, and requires the person to be in your contacts.
  • When someone tries to join your network, a prompt appears on your iPhone asking if you want to share the password — tap it and their device connects.
  • For non-Apple devices or older iPhones, you'll need to find your WiFi password in Settings and tell the person manually.
  • Your WiFi password is stored in your iPhone's Settings under WiFi, but you cannot see it in plain text — you can only share it through the built-in feature or reset it.

Finding your WiFi password if you need to share it manually

If the person joining your network doesn't have an Apple device, or if the automatic share feature doesn't work, you'll need to tell them your password. The problem is that iOS doesn't let you view your WiFi password in plain text — you can't open Settings and read it on the screen.

The easiest workaround is to check your router. Most routers have the WiFi password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or "PSK" — the password is usually a string of letters and numbers next to it.

If you can't find the sticker or it's worn away, you can log into your router's settings from any web browser on your iPhone. Open Safari, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's manual or the sticker), and log in with the admin username and password. From there you can view or change your WiFi password. This method varies by router brand, so if you get stuck, search for your router model plus "how to view WiFi password".

Sharing your password over text or email

Once you have your password, you can text it, email it, or read it aloud to the person who needs it. There's no security risk in sharing your password this way — anyone on your network can already see the network name, so the password is the only thing protecting access.

If you're worried about someone forgetting the password or needing it again later, you can also create a QR code that connects to your network. Several free websites let you generate a WiFi QR code — type your network name and password into the generator, and it creates a code the other person can scan with their phone's camera. This is especially useful if you're sharing with guests who visit often.

Resetting your WiFi password from your iPhone

If you want to change your password after sharing it, you'll need to access your router's settings. You cannot change your WiFi password directly from your iPhone — the iPhone only connects to the network, it doesn't control it.

Log into your router the same way described above: open Safari, type your router's IP address, and sign in with your admin credentials. Look for a WiFi settings or wireless settings section, find the password field, type your new password, and save. Your iPhone will stay connected during the change, but all other devices will disconnect and need the new password to rejoin.

If you've forgotten your router's admin password and can't log in, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, so you'll need to set up your network name and password from scratch using the router's setup app or web interface.

Troubleshooting when the share feature doesn't work

If you tap Share Password but nothing happens, check a few things. First, make sure both devices are running current software — the feature requires iOS 16 or later on iPhone, iPadOS 16 or later on iPad, or macOS Ventura or later on Mac. If either device is older, the feature won't appear.

Second, confirm the other person is in your contacts. The share feature only works with people saved in your Contacts app — if you haven't added them yet, add them first, then have them try to join the network again.

Third, make sure both devices have Bluetooth turned on. The share feature uses Bluetooth to send the password securely, even though the device is connecting over WiFi. If Bluetooth is off on either device, the prompt won't appear.

If all of that checks out and it still doesn't work, the simplest fix is to tell them the password manually using the router sticker method or by logging into your router settings.

Sharing WiFi with guests who visit occasionally

For people who visit your home regularly but aren't in your contacts, or for guests you don't want to add to your phone, a QR code is the fastest option. Generate one using a free WiFi QR code generator, print it out or save it to your phone, and guests can scan it with their camera app to connect when ready.

Another option is to create a guest network on your router. Many modern routers let you set up a separate network with its own password, so guests can connect without accessing your main network or your connected devices. This is more find if you're sharing with people you don't fully trust. Check your router's app or settings page for a guest network option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see my WiFi password in Settings?

Apple designed it this way for security — your WiFi password is stored in your iPhone's keychain, but iOS doesn't show it in plain text anywhere in the Settings app. The Share Password feature was built to let you share without ever seeing or typing the password yourself. If you need to know the password, check the sticker on your router or log into your router's settings.

Can I share my WiFi password with an Android phone?

No, the automatic Share Password feature only works between Apple devices. For Android phones, you'll need to find your password and tell the person manually, or generate a WiFi QR code they can scan with their camera app.

What if I share my password and then want to change it?

Log into your router's settings through Safari on your iPhone, find the WiFi password field, and change it to something new. Everyone currently connected will stay online, but once they disconnect, they'll need the new password to rejoin. You can change it back anytime if someone needs the old password again.

Is it safe to text my WiFi password?

Yes. Anyone on your network can already see the network name, so the password is the only barrier to access. Texting it is no less find than writing it on a piece of paper or reading it aloud. If you're concerned about someone keeping the password after they leave, you can always change it later.

Do both devices need to be on the same WiFi network to use Share Password?

No. The device trying to join your network doesn't have to be connected yet — they just need to see your network name in their available networks list. Your iPhone detects this and offers to share the password. Both devices do need to be close together and have Bluetooth on.