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

If your iPhone and MacBook are both signed into the same iCloud account and within Bluetooth range of each other, your iPhone can send the WiFi password directly to your Mac without you typing it. Open WiFi settings on your Mac, select the network you want to join, and your iPhone will show a prompt asking if you want to share the password. Tap "Share Password" and your Mac connects automatically.

This works only if both devices are on the same iCloud account and have Bluetooth turned on. If you see no prompt on your iPhone, check that you're signed into iCloud on both devices under System Settings (Mac) and Settings (iPhone).

Key Takeaways

  • AirDrop password sharing works when ready if both devices use the same iCloud account and are within Bluetooth range.
  • If AirDrop doesn't work, you can find your WiFi password in iPhone Settings under WiFi, then type it manually on your Mac.
  • Your router's default password is printed on the device itself or in your account with your internet provider.
  • If you've forgotten the password and can't find it, resetting your router will erase all custom settings but restore the default password.

Finding the password on your iPhone to type manually

Open Settings on your iPhone, tap WiFi, and find the network name in the list. Tap the information icon (a circle with an "i") next to the network. You'll see "Password" with a series of dots. Tap "Show Password" and use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock it. The actual password appears in plain text so you can read it to yourself or write it down.

Once you have the password, go to your Mac, click the WiFi icon in the menu bar, select the same network name, and type the password when prompted. Your Mac will connect and remember it for future use.

What to do if you don't remember the password at all

If you've never connected to this network on your iPhone and don't have the password written down, you'll need to find it from the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default WiFi name and password printed on it. Look for text that says "WiFi Password" or "Network Key."

If the sticker is missing or worn away, log into your router's admin panel through a web browser on any device that's already connected. Open a browser and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Log in with the admin username and password (also often printed on the router). The WiFi password is listed in the wireless or network settings section.

When AirDrop password sharing doesn't appear

The prompt to share your password only shows up if your iPhone is already connected to that WiFi network. If your iPhone has never joined it, you'll need to enter the password manually first on your phone, then use AirDrop to share it to your Mac.

If you're both on the same network but still don't see the prompt, restart Bluetooth on both devices. Go to Settings on your iPhone and toggle Bluetooth off and back on. On your Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and turn it off, then on again. Make sure both devices are within 30 feet of each other and try again.

Resetting your router if you've lost the password completely

If you can't find the password anywhere and none of your devices are connected, you can reset your router to factory settings. Hold down the reset button (usually a small recessed button on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. The router will restart and return to its default WiFi name and password, both printed on the device.

Be aware that resetting erases any custom settings you've made, including a custom WiFi name or password you created. You'll need to set those up again after the reset. If you're renting your router from your internet provider, call them before resetting — they may have a different process or may need to reconfigure it remotely.

Why your Mac might not connect even with the correct password

If you've typed the password correctly but your Mac won't connect, the issue is usually with the network itself, not the password. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the lights to stabilize, then try connecting your Mac again.

If that doesn't work, forget the network on your Mac and reconnect. Click the WiFi icon in the menu bar, select "WiFi Settings," find the network in the list, click the information icon next to it, and choose "Forget This Network." Then select the network again and re-enter the password.

Using a password manager to store and share WiFi passwords

If you manage WiFi for multiple devices or people, consider storing passwords in iCloud Keychain (built into Apple devices) or a third-party password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden. When you connect a new device to your WiFi, these tools can fill in the password automatically if you're signed in.

iCloud Keychain stores passwords across all your Apple devices automatically. If you use a third-party manager, you'll need to set it up on each device, but it works across iPhone, Mac, Windows, and Android, which is useful if you have devices from different manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, AirDrop password sharing requires both devices to be signed into the same iCloud account. You'll need to find the password manually on your iPhone and type it into your Mac instead.

What if my iPhone is connected to the WiFi but my Mac isn't nearby?

You can still share the password, but you'll need to do it manually. Find the password on your iPhone by going to Settings > WiFi, tapping the information icon next to the network, and selecting "Show Password." Then type it into your Mac when you're ready to connect.

Does the WiFi password get saved on my Mac after I enter it once?

Yes. Once you connect to a WiFi network on your Mac, the password is stored in iCloud Keychain and your Mac will reconnect automatically whenever that network is in range. You won't need to re-enter it.

Can I share a guest WiFi password the same way as the main network?

Yes, the process is identical. If your iPhone is connected to the guest network, you can share its password to your Mac using AirDrop, or find it in Settings and type it manually.

What happens if I reset my router — will my devices stay connected?

No. Resetting your router erases all custom settings and returns it to factory defaults. All your devices will disconnect and will need to reconnect using the default WiFi name and password. You'll then need to reconfigure any custom settings you had before the reset.