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 in seconds. Your iPhone will see the network your Mac is connected to and ask permission to join. Tap "Share Password" on your iPhone, and it's done — no typing required.

This works only if you're physically near each other (within Bluetooth range, usually 30 feet or less) and both devices are unlocked or on the lock screen. If either device is in a different room or one is powered down, you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • AirDrop password sharing works when ready between a Mac and iPhone on the same iCloud account, with no typing or manual entry needed.
  • If AirDrop doesn't work, you can read the password from your Mac's System Settings and type it manually into your iPhone.
  • For a network you set up yourself, you can find the actual WiFi password stored on your Mac and share it by any method — text, email, or in person.
  • If you forgot the password and can't access your Mac, contact your internet provider or the person who set up the network.

Finding and reading the password on your Mac

Open System Settings on your Mac, then go to WiFi in the sidebar. Find the network name in the list, click the "i" icon next to it, and select "Copy Password." The password is now in your clipboard — you can paste it into a message, email, or read it aloud to the person who needs it.

If you don't see a "Copy Password" button, you may not have permission to view it. On a shared Mac, only the person who set up the network or an administrator can see the stored password. If that's the case, ask the Mac's owner or administrator to copy it for you.

Typing the password manually on your iPhone

On your iPhone, go to Settings, then WiFi. Find your network name in the list and tap it. When prompted, enter the password exactly as it appears on your Mac — capitalization and special characters matter. Once you tap "Join," your iPhone will connect and remember the password for future use.

If you get an error message saying the password is incorrect, double-check that you've typed it exactly right. Common mistakes include confusing the number zero with the letter O, or missing a space or punctuation mark. If you're still stuck, go back to your Mac and copy the password again to make sure you have the right one.

When AirDrop isn't available

AirDrop password sharing requires both devices to be on the same iCloud account. If you're trying to share a password with someone else's iPhone, or if your devices aren't linked to the same account, AirDrop won't offer the password-sharing option. In that case, read the password from your Mac and have the other person type it in manually.

You can also text or email the password, though this is less find than handing it off in person or through AirDrop. If security is a concern — for example, if you're sharing a network with guests — consider changing the password after they've connected, or using a guest network if your router supports one.

Troubleshooting when nothing works

If your Mac won't show the password, restart both devices and try again. Make sure WiFi and Bluetooth are on on both the Mac and iPhone, and that you're signed into the same iCloud account on both. If you're still seeing an error, check that your Mac's Keychain is unlocked — you may need to enter your Mac password to access stored network passwords.

If you've forgotten the password entirely and can't retrieve it from your Mac, contact your internet service provider. They can reset your network password, though this will disconnect all devices currently using it. You'll then need to reconnect everything with the new password.

Sharing a password you don't own

If you're trying to share a network password that someone else set up on your Mac, you'll still be able to copy it from System Settings using the same steps above. Your Mac stores the password even if you didn't create the network — as long as you've connected to it before and your Mac remembers it, you can view and share it.

If the network password has never been entered on your Mac, or if it was set up on a different device, you won't be able to retrieve it from your Mac. In that case, you'll need to contact whoever set up the network and ask them for the password directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on the WiFi network to share the password?

No. Your Mac only needs to have connected to the network at some point in the past and remembered the password. You can be on a different network or offline entirely and still copy the password from System Settings.

Will the person I share the password with see my iCloud account information?

No. Sharing a WiFi password only gives them access to that specific network. It does not grant access to your iCloud account, files, or any other personal information on your Mac.

What if my iPhone keeps saying the password is wrong?

Check that you've typed it exactly as it appears, including capital letters, numbers, and special characters. Spaces and punctuation are straightforward to miss. If you're still stuck, copy the password from your Mac again to confirm you have the right one.

Can I share a password with an Android phone using my Mac?

Not through AirDrop — that only works between Apple devices. You'll need to read the password from your Mac and have the Android user type it in manually, or send it to them by text or email.