How to Share Your WiFi Password From iPhone to Mac

The fastest way: use AirDrop if you're on the same network

If your iPhone and Mac are both signed into the same iCloud account and both have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on, you can hand off your WiFi password without typing it. When your Mac tries to join the network your iPhone is already on, a notification appears on your iPhone asking if you want to share. Tap "Share Password" and your Mac connects automatically — the password never appears on your screen.

This works only if both devices are within Bluetooth range (roughly 30 feet) and you're already connected to the WiFi on your iPhone. If your Mac doesn't show the share prompt, check that both devices are signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID, that Bluetooth is on on both devices, and that your iPhone is actively connected to that WiFi network.

Key Takeaways

AirDrop sharing works when ready if both devices use the same iCloud account and are within Bluetooth range, and the password never appears on screen.
If AirDrop doesn't work, you can find the password in iPhone Settings under WiFi, tap the network name, then "Share Password" to see the actual characters.
On Mac, you can retrieve a saved password from Keychain Access if you've already connected to that network before.
If you don't have the password and AirDrop fails, ask your router's admin or check any setup documents that came with your router.

Finding the password on your iPhone to type manually

If AirDrop doesn't trigger or you need to see the actual password, open Settings on your iPhone, go to WiFi, and tap the network name you're connected to. A "Share Password" button appears at the bottom of the screen. Tap it and the password displays in plain text — you can then read it aloud, screenshot it, or type it into your Mac.

This method requires you to already be connected to that WiFi network on your iPhone. If you're not connected, the network won't appear in your WiFi list, and you won't be able to view its password this way. In that case, you'll need to get the password from whoever set up the router or from your router's admin panel.

Retrieving a password from Mac Keychain if you've connected before

If your Mac has connected to this WiFi network in the past, the password is stored in Keychain Access. Open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), select "Passwords" in the left sidebar, then search for the network name. Double-click the entry, check the "Show password" box, and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The WiFi password then appears in plain text.

This only works if your Mac has already joined that network at least once. If you're trying to connect to a new network for the first time, Keychain won't have the password stored. Keychain Access is a built-in Mac tool — you don't need to read anything.

When AirDrop isn't available: manual entry on your Mac

If you can't use AirDrop and don't have the password visible on your iPhone, go to your Mac's WiFi menu (click the WiFi icon in the top-right corner), select the network name, and enter the password when prompted. You can type it character by character, or if someone reads it aloud to you, type as they speak.

Make sure you're typing the exact password — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you enter it wrong, your Mac will show an error and ask you to try again. After three incorrect attempts, you may need to wait a few minutes before trying again.

Checking your router if you don't know the password at all

If no one remembers the password and you can't retrieve it from your devices, you can reset it through your router's admin panel. Most routers have a label on the back or bottom with the default login details and the network name. Open a web browser on any device connected to the internet, go to the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in with those credentials.

Once logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Security." You can view the current password or create a new one. Write down the new password before you save it — if you lose it again, you'll have to go through this process a second time. If you don't have the router's login information, contact your internet service provider; they can often reset it for you or provide the default credentials.

Why your iPhone and Mac might not show the share prompt

The AirDrop share prompt appears only when specific conditions are met: both devices must be signed into the same iCloud account, Bluetooth must be on on both devices, WiFi must be on on both devices, and they must be within about 30 feet of each other. If any one of these is missing, the prompt won't appear.

Check your settings by opening Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top-right corner) and making sure both Bluetooth and WiFi show as on. On your Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and confirm it's connected. If either device shows Bluetooth as off, turn it on and try connecting to the WiFi network again on your Mac — the share prompt should appear within a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a WiFi password from iPhone to Mac if we're not on the same iCloud account?

No. AirDrop sharing requires both devices to be signed into the same iCloud account. If you use different accounts, you'll need to retrieve the password manually — either by viewing it on your iPhone's WiFi settings or by checking your router's admin panel.

What if my Mac is too far away from my iPhone?

AirDrop works within about 30 feet over Bluetooth. If your Mac is farther away, move it closer to your iPhone, or retrieve the password manually by viewing it on your iPhone's WiFi settings and typing it into your Mac.

Does the password get saved on my Mac after I share it?

Yes. Once you connect to the network — whether through AirDrop or manual entry — your Mac stores the password in Keychain. The next time you're in range of that network, your Mac will connect automatically without asking for the password again.

Can I share a WiFi password between iPhone and iPad the same way?

Yes, the process is identical. Both devices need to be on the same iCloud account, have Bluetooth and WiFi on, and be within Bluetooth range. When your iPad tries to join the network, the share prompt appears on your iPhone.

What if I see the share prompt but it doesn't work?

Tap "Share Password" again and wait a few seconds — sometimes the connection takes a moment. If it fails a second time, dismiss the prompt and connect manually by typing the password into your Mac instead. Manual entry is more reliable if AirDrop is having trouble.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.