The fastest way: use the automatic prompt on your iPad
When your iPad tries to join a WiFi network that your iPhone is already connected to, your iPhone will show a prompt asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password on your iPhone, and your iPad joins the network when ready — you never type the password yourself.
This works only if both devices are unlocked, within a few feet of each other, and signed into the same iCloud account. Your iPhone must be running iOS 13 or later; your iPad must be running iPadOS 13 or later. If the prompt does not appear after 30 seconds, move the devices closer together and try again.
If the automatic prompt never shows up, or if your devices are not on the same iCloud account, you will need to share the password manually instead.
Key Takeaways
- The automatic share prompt appears on your iPhone when your iPad tries to join a network you are already connected to — just tap Share Password and you are done.
- Both devices must be unlocked, within a few feet of each other, and signed into the same iCloud account for the automatic method to work.
- If the prompt does not appear, you can manually share the password by opening Settings on your iPhone, finding the network name, and reading the password aloud or writing it down.
- Your iPad will not show the actual password on screen — it only accepts the password through the automatic share or by typing it in manually.
What to do if the automatic prompt does not appear
Check that both devices are signed into the same iCloud account. Open Settings on each device, tap your name at the top, and confirm the email address is the same. If the accounts are different, the automatic share will not trigger.
Make sure both devices have Bluetooth turned on. The automatic share uses Bluetooth to communicate between devices, even though the actual internet connection uses WiFi. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on each device and toggle it on if it is off.
If both accounts match and Bluetooth is on, try moving the devices within a foot or two of each other and attempt to join the network again. Sometimes the connection takes a moment to establish.
Sharing the password manually on your iPhone
Open Settings on your iPhone and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network name you want to share and tap the information icon (a small circle with an i inside) next to it. Tap Share Password at the bottom of the screen.
A menu will appear with options to share via AirDrop, Messages, Mail, or Notes. Choose whichever method you plan to use to send it to your iPad. If you choose AirDrop, your iPad will receive a notification asking to accept the password. If you choose Messages or Mail, you will type a message and send it — your iPad user can then copy the password from that message and type it into the WiFi settings.
You can also straightforward read the password aloud or write it down and hand it to the person using the iPad. There is no technical requirement to use the app-based sharing methods — they are just faster if both devices are nearby.
Entering the password on your iPad
On your iPad, go to Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network name in the list and tap it. A keyboard will appear asking for the password. Type or paste the password exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter.
If you received the password through AirDrop, Messages, or Mail, you can tap and hold the password in that app and select Copy, then tap into the password field on your iPad and select Paste. This reduces the chance of typing errors.
Once you enter the password correctly, your iPad will connect to the network and remember it. You will not need to enter it again unless you forget the network or reset your iPad.
Why the automatic share sometimes fails
The automatic prompt relies on both devices being in close range and having Bluetooth active. If your iPad is in another room or Bluetooth is off on either device, the prompt will not appear. Turning Bluetooth back on and moving closer usually solves this.
If your iPhone and iPad are signed into different iCloud accounts, the automatic share is disabled by design — Apple treats this as a security measure to prevent unauthorized access. You will need to use the manual sharing method instead.
Sometimes the prompt appears but times out before you tap it. If that happens, straightforward try joining the network again from your iPad. The prompt will reappear on your iPhone.
Sharing a password with someone else's iPad
If the iPad belongs to someone else and is not signed into your iCloud account, the automatic prompt will not work. Use the manual method instead: open Settings on your iPhone, find the network, tap the information icon, and choose Share Password. Select Messages or Mail and send the password to the other person, or read it aloud so they can type it in.
You can also use AirDrop if the other person has AirDrop turned on and their iPad is nearby. Tap Share Password, select AirDrop, and choose their device from the list. They will see a notification on their iPad asking to accept the password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the actual WiFi password on my iPhone?
Yes. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the information icon next to the network name, and tap Share Password. The password will appear on screen. You can also go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts > App & Website Passwords, search for the network name, and view it there if you are signed into iCloud Keychain.
What if I do not know my WiFi password and cannot see it on my iPhone?
If your iPhone is not connected to the network, you cannot view the password through Settings. You will need to check your router or contact your internet provider. The password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself.
Does sharing the password give the other person access to my iPhone or personal data?
No. Sharing a WiFi password only gives them access to that specific network. It does not grant access to your iPhone, files, photos, or any other personal information. They can only use the internet connection.
Why does my iPad keep asking for the password even after I entered it?
This usually means you typed the password incorrectly — passwords are case-sensitive and spaces matter. Go back to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and try entering the password again. If you keep getting rejected, ask the iPhone user to share the password again so you can copy and paste it instead of typing.
Can I share a WiFi password between an iPhone and an Android tablet?
No. The automatic share feature only works between Apple devices on the same iCloud account. For Android devices, you will need to manually share the password by reading it aloud, texting it, or writing it down. The Android user will then type it into their WiFi settings.