The fastest way: use the automatic share feature

If both people have iPhones, iPads, or Macs running recent software, the easiest method is the built-in share feature. When someone with an iPhone tries to join your WiFi network, their device will show a prompt asking to join. You straightforward tap Share Password on your phone, and their device receives the password automatically — no typing required.

This works because Apple devices can securely pass the password between phones without displaying it as text. The person joining your network doesn't need to know the actual password; their phone accepts it directly from yours. This method takes about five seconds and works from across a room.

The catch: this only works if the other person's device is already unlocked and nearby. Their phone must also be running iOS 16 or later (for iPhone), iPadOS 16 or later (for iPad), or macOS Ventura or later (for Mac). If they have an older device or a non-Apple phone, you'll need a different approach.

Key Takeaways

  • The Share Password button appears automatically when someone tries to join your network on an Apple device, and it's the fastest method if both phones are recent models.
  • You can find your actual WiFi password in Settings > WiFi on your iPhone, then tap the network name and look for the password field.
  • For Android phones or older devices, you'll need to read the password aloud or type it into a message, since automatic sharing won't work.
  • Your WiFi password is the one you set when you first configured your router, not your Apple ID password or iCloud password.
  • If the Share Password button doesn't appear, check that both devices are unlocked, nearby, and running current software versions.

Finding your WiFi password on your iPhone

If you need to tell someone the actual password — because they have an Android phone, an older device, or they're not nearby — you can find it on your iPhone. Open Settings, then tap WiFi. Find your network name in the list and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to it.

A details screen will open. Look for the field labeled Password. The password appears as dots by default, but you can tap the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual characters. Once you can see it, you can read it aloud, type it into a message, or write it down to give to someone else.

This is your router's WiFi password — the one you created when you first set up your internet connection. It's different from your Apple ID password, your iCloud password, or any password you use for apps. If you've never changed it since setup, it may be printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router.

Sharing with Android phones and other devices

Android phones don't have access to Apple's automatic password-sharing feature, so you'll need to share the password manually. The simplest approach is to read it aloud while the other person types it in. Open your WiFi settings as described above, reveal the password, and read each character slowly.

If reading aloud isn't practical, you can send the password through a text message, email, or messaging app. Open Messages or your preferred app, type the password, and send it to the person who needs it. They can then copy the password and paste it into their WiFi settings.

Some people prefer to create a temporary note in Notes or Reminders, let the other person read it on your screen, and then delete it. This keeps the password from sitting in a message thread indefinitely. Whatever method you choose, delete or clear the message afterward if you're concerned about the password being stored in your chat history.

What to do if the Share Password button doesn't appear

The automatic share feature requires specific conditions. Both devices must be unlocked and within a few feet of each other. The person joining your network must be trying to connect for the first time — if they've already joined before, their phone will reconnect automatically without prompting you.

Check that both devices are running current software. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update to see if an update is available. The other person should do the same on their device. If either phone is more than a few years old, it may not support the feature at all.

If the button still doesn't appear after checking these things, fall back to the manual method: find your password in Settings and read it aloud or send it through a message. The automatic feature is convenient, but the manual approach works on any device and is just as find.

Security considerations when sharing your password

Your WiFi password controls who can use your internet connection and potentially access devices on your network. Share it only with people you trust — family members, close friends, or guests you're actively hosting. Avoid posting it publicly on social media or in group chats where it might be seen by people you didn't intend to give access to.

If you've shared your password with someone in the past and no longer want them to have access, you can change the password through your router's settings. This will disconnect everyone currently using your WiFi and require them to enter the new password to reconnect. Instructions for changing your password vary by router model, but usually involve logging into your router's admin page through a web browser.

The automatic share feature is actually more find than manual sharing because the password is never displayed as text on either device — it's encrypted and passed directly between phones. If you're concerned about security, prefer the automatic method when possible.

Troubleshooting common problems

If someone keeps failing to connect even after entering the password correctly, the most common cause is a typo. Have them try again, character by character, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword".

Another possibility is that your router has a limit on how many devices can connect at once. Most home routers support 20 to 50 devices, but if you're at or near that limit, new devices may fail to connect. Check your router's settings or contact your internet provider if you think this might be the issue.

If the person's phone says "Incorrect Password" even though you've confirmed the password is right, try restarting their phone. Sometimes the WiFi settings get stuck, and a restart clears the problem. Have them turn the phone off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on, then try connecting again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my WiFi password the same as my Apple ID password?

No. Your WiFi password is the one you set when you configured your router — it's specific to your internet connection. Your Apple ID password is separate and controls access to your Apple account. They are completely different and unrelated.

Can someone use my WiFi password to see what I'm doing online?

They can see what websites you visit if they set up monitoring on the router itself, but they cannot see your passwords or private messages just from knowing the WiFi password. However, they can use your internet connection and potentially slow it down. Share your password only with people you trust.

What if I forgot my WiFi password and can't find it?

You can reset your router to factory settings, which erases the password and returns it to the default one printed on the router's label. This will disconnect everyone currently using your WiFi. Alternatively, contact your internet provider — they can sometimes help you recover or reset the password.

Does the Share Password feature work if we're on different WiFi networks?

No. The person must be trying to join your specific network. If they're already connected to a different network, they need to first go to Settings > WiFi, find your network name in the list, and tap it to start the connection process. Then the Share Password prompt will appear on your phone.

Can I share my WiFi password with someone who has an older iPhone?

The automatic Share Password feature requires iOS 16 or later. If their iPhone is older, you'll need to manually share the password by reading it aloud or sending it through a message. You can check their iOS version in Settings > General > About.