The fastest way: use AirDrop to send your WiFi password

If both iPhones are nearby and both have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on, the fastest method is WiFi password sharing through AirDrop. When the other person tries to join your network, their phone will show a notification asking if they want to join. You tap "Share Password" on your phone, and their device gets the password without you typing it out.

This works only if the other iPhone is already connected to the same WiFi network you want to share, or if they're trying to join it for the first time while you're in range. Both phones need to be unlocked and within about 30 feet of each other. The password transfers when ready and securely — the other person never sees the actual characters.

If AirDrop doesn't work, check that both phones have AirDrop turned on. Go to Control Center (swipe down from the top right), hold down the WiFi icon, and make sure AirDrop is set to "Everyone" or "Contacts Only". On the other person's phone, do the same thing.

Key Takeaways

  • AirDrop password sharing works when ready when both iPhones are nearby with Bluetooth and WiFi on, and the receiving phone sees a notification to join your network.
  • If you're not in the same room, you can read your password from Settings and tell the other person what it is, or use a messaging app to send it privately.
  • Your WiFi password is stored in your iPhone's Keychain, which is encrypted and separate from your Apple ID password.
  • If the other person's phone won't accept the password, restart both phones and try again, or check that your network name and password are correct.

Finding your WiFi password in Settings if you need to share it manually

If the other person is not nearby or AirDrop isn't working, you can find your password in Settings and share it through text, email, or any messaging app. Go to Settings, tap WiFi, find your network name in the list, tap the info icon (the small circle with an "i"), and scroll down to "Password". Your phone will ask you to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before showing it.

Once you see the password, you can read it aloud, text it, or email it to the other person. This method works even if the other iPhone is far away or if you're not in the same location. The person receiving the password just needs to go to Settings, tap WiFi, select your network name, and type in the password you gave them.

Be careful when sharing your password this way — if you text it, the message is visible in your conversation history. For a more private approach, use an encrypted messaging app like Signal or WhatsApp, or tell the person in person and have them delete the message once they've entered it.

What to do if the password won't work on the other iPhone

If the other person enters your password and their phone says it's incorrect, the most common cause is a typo. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Ask them to check that they typed capital letters exactly where they appear in your password.

If they're sure the password is correct, restart both iPhones. Turn off the first phone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then do the same for the second phone. After both phones restart, have them try joining the network again. This fixes most connection problems.

If it still doesn't work, go to Settings on your iPhone, tap WiFi, find your network, tap the info icon, and tap "Forget This Network". Then reconnect to your own network by selecting it and entering your password. This refreshes your connection and sometimes fixes issues that prevent sharing.

Using iCloud Keychain to share passwords between your own devices

If you own both iPhones and they're signed into the same Apple ID, you can use iCloud Keychain to sync your WiFi passwords automatically. When you connect one iPhone to a WiFi network, the password is saved to your Keychain. The second iPhone will see that network and can join it without you typing the password again.

To turn on Keychain syncing, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, tap iCloud, and make sure "Keychain" is toggled on. Both iPhones must be signed into the same Apple ID and have two-factor authentication turned on. Once Keychain is on, WiFi passwords sync in the background whenever both phones are connected to WiFi and plugged in.

This method is useful if you're setting up a new iPhone for yourself or a family member who uses your Apple ID. It saves time because you don't have to manually enter every password you've already saved.

Sharing WiFi with guests who don't have iPhones

If the other person has an Android phone, a laptop, or another device, AirDrop won't work. You'll need to share your password manually. Find your password in Settings as described above, and give it to them through text, email, or by reading it aloud. They'll enter it in their device's WiFi settings the same way they would for any network.

For Android phones, they go to Settings, tap WiFi, select your network, and enter the password. For Windows or Mac computers, they click the WiFi icon in the system tray or menu bar, select your network, and type the password. The process is the same across all devices — only the AirDrop shortcut is exclusive to iPhones and other Apple devices.

Changing your WiFi password if you think someone has it

If you've shared your password with someone and later want to change it, you'll need to access your router's settings. This is usually done through a web browser or a mobile app provided by your internet provider. Log into your router using the admin username and password (often printed on the router itself or in your account paperwork), find the WiFi settings, and create a new password.

After you change the password, all devices currently connected to your network will be disconnected. They'll need to reconnect using the new password. If you've shared the old password with people you no longer want to have access, changing it is the only way to lock them out.

Different routers have different interfaces, so check your router's manual or your internet provider's website for exact steps. Most modern routers also have a mobile app that makes this easier than logging into a web browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Find your password in Settings, then send it through text, email, or a messaging app. They'll enter it in their WiFi settings the same way they would for any network. AirDrop only works when you're in the same room, but manual sharing works from anywhere.

Will the other person see my actual password when I use AirDrop?

No. When you tap "Share Password" on your phone, the password is sent securely to their device without either of you seeing the actual characters. It's faster and more private than reading it aloud or typing it out.

What if I forgot my own WiFi password?

You can find it in Settings by going to WiFi, tapping your network's info icon, and scrolling to Password. You'll need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. If you can't remember your passcode, you'll need to reset your iPhone.

Does sharing my WiFi password give someone access to my files or personal data?

No. Sharing your WiFi password only lets them connect to the internet through your network. They cannot see your files, photos, or personal data unless you've specifically shared those things with them through other means. Your iPhone's data is separate from your network access.

Can I share my password with multiple people at once?

AirDrop works one person at a time — each person gets a separate notification and you tap "Share Password" for each one. If you want to share with multiple people at once, find your password in Settings and share it through a group text or email instead.