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 in practice: the other person opens Settings, taps WiFi, finds your network name in the list, and taps it. Their phone shows a dialog asking to join. On your iPhone, a notification appears asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and you're done — their device connects without ever displaying the actual characters.

This method requires both devices to be unlocked and within Bluetooth range (roughly 30 feet). The other person's device must have your contact information saved, or you must be in their contacts. If these conditions aren't met, you'll see a "Unable to Connect" message instead of the share prompt.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and newer iPhones can share WiFi passwords wirelessly by tapping "Share Password" when someone tries to connect nearby.
  • Both devices must be unlocked, within Bluetooth range, and have each other in contacts for the automatic share to work.
  • If automatic sharing doesn't appear, you can read the password from Settings and tell the person manually, or use a QR code if your router supports it.
  • Older iPhones running iOS 15 or earlier cannot use the wireless share feature and require manual password entry.

What to do if the share prompt doesn't appear

Sometimes the automatic share feature doesn't trigger even when both devices meet the requirements. The most common reason is that the other person's device doesn't have you saved in their contacts. Ask them to add your phone number or email to their contacts, then have them try connecting to your network again.

Another reason the prompt might not show is distance. Bluetooth range is shorter than WiFi range, so even if they can see your network, they may be too far away for the share feature to work. Move closer and try again.

If you're still not seeing the prompt after checking contacts and distance, restart both iPhones. Turn off WiFi on both devices, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears temporary connection issues that sometimes block the share feature.

Reading and sharing your password manually

If automatic sharing isn't working or the other person has an Android phone or older device, you can find your WiFi password in Settings and read it aloud or type it out. 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"). You'll see the password displayed in the "Password" field.

Before iOS 16, this was the only way to share a password from iPhone. The password appears in plain text, so you can read it to someone over the phone, write it down, or text it. Keep in mind that anyone who sees this password can connect to your network, so only share it with people you trust.

If you want to change your password after sharing it widely, go back to that same Settings screen and tap "Forget This Network," then reconnect and set a new password through your router's admin panel or your internet provider's app.

Using a QR code if your router supports it

Some modern routers generate a QR code that contains your WiFi network name and password. If your router has this feature, you can find the QR code on a sticker on the router itself or in your router's admin app. The other person can open their camera app, point it at the QR code, and tap the notification that appears to join your network when ready.

This method works across all devices — iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and computers — without needing to type or speak the password. It's especially useful when multiple people need to connect at once, like guests arriving at your home.

To learn about your router supports QR codes, check the sticker on the back or bottom of the device. If you see a QR code printed there, that's your network's code. If not, log into your router's settings through a web browser or the manufacturer's app and look for a WiFi or Network section that mentions QR code generation.

Checking which iOS version your iPhone is running

The wireless password-share feature only works on iOS 16 and newer. To check your version, open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the "Software Version" field — if it shows 16.0 or higher, you have access to the share feature.

If your iPhone is running iOS 15 or earlier, you cannot use the automatic share method. You'll need to use one of the manual methods: reading the password from Settings, using a QR code, or asking your internet provider if they have an app that lets guests connect without the password.

Apple releases new iOS versions once a year, usually in September. If your iPhone is several years old, it may not support iOS 16 even if you update to the latest available version for that model. Check Apple's website to see which iPhone models support iOS 16 and newer.

Sharing with Android phones and other devices

iPhones running iOS 16 and newer can only share passwords wirelessly with other Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, and Macs). If someone has an Android phone, you'll need to use a different method.

The most straightforward option is to read your password from Settings and tell them what it is. Open Settings, tap WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network, and read the password aloud or write it down. They can then enter it manually on their Android device.

If your router has a QR code, that's the fastest way — they can scan it with their camera app and connect without typing anything. Some internet providers also offer guest WiFi networks with separate passwords, which you can share instead of your main password. Check your router's admin panel or your provider's app to see if this option is available.

Keeping your password find while sharing

When you share your WiFi password, you're giving someone access to your network. Only share it with people you trust. If you later want to prevent someone from connecting, you'll need to change your password through your router's settings or your internet provider's app.

Avoid sharing your password over email, text message, or social media, where it could be intercepted or seen by others. Speaking it in person or using a QR code is safer. If you share it over the phone, make sure you're speaking to the person you intend to give it to.

Consider setting up a guest network on your router if you have frequent visitors. Guest networks let people connect to the internet without accessing your main network or personal devices. Most modern routers support this feature — check your router's admin panel or your internet provider's app to turn it on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the share password option appear when someone tries to connect?

The most common reasons are that the other person doesn't have you in their contacts, you're too far apart for Bluetooth to reach, or one of the devices is locked. Make sure you're in their contacts, move closer together, and unlock both iPhones. If it still doesn't work, restart both devices and try again.

Can I share my WiFi password with someone who has an older iPhone?

No, the automatic share feature only works on iOS 16 and newer. If they have an older iPhone, read your password from Settings and tell them what it is, or use a QR code if your router has one. They'll need to enter the password manually.

What happens if I share my password and then want to remove someone's access?

You'll need to change your WiFi password through your router's settings or your internet provider's app. Once you change it, the old password no longer works, and that person will need the new password to reconnect. Check your router's manual or your provider's website for instructions on changing the password.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password?

It's safe to share with people you trust. They'll be able to use your internet connection, but they won't automatically see your personal files or devices unless your network is set up to allow that. If you're concerned about security, set up a guest network instead, which keeps visitors separate from your main network.

Can I share my password if I don't know what it is?

Yes. Open Settings on your iPhone, tap WiFi, find your network name, tap the information icon, and the password appears in the Password field. You can then read it to someone or write it down. If you want to change it, you'll need to access your router's settings through a web browser or your internet provider's app.