The fastest way: use the built-in share feature on iOS 16 and newer

If your iPhone runs iOS 16 or later, the quickest way to share your WiFi password is to let your phone do it automatically. When someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac tries to connect to your network, a popup appears on your screen asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and their device connects without you typing anything.

This works only if the other person is in your contacts and their device is nearby — usually within a few feet. Their phone must also run iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or macOS Ventura or newer. If they're using an older device or Android phone, you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

The shared password is encrypted and never shown on your screen during the process. You don't see their password either — the devices exchange it directly. This is the safest option because you're not typing or reading the actual password out loud.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and newer can share passwords automatically when someone nearby tries to connect, without either person typing anything.
  • For older iPhones or Android devices, you can read your password aloud from Settings > WiFi, or use a QR code if your router supports it.
  • Your WiFi password is stored in Settings under WiFi, next to your network name — tap the info icon to reveal it.
  • If automatic sharing doesn't work, check that both devices are nearby, that the other person is in your contacts, and that their device runs iOS 16 or newer.

Finding and reading your WiFi password manually

If automatic sharing doesn't work or the other person needs the password in writing, you can find it on your iPhone and read it to them. Go to Settings, then tap WiFi. Find your network name in the list, tap the info icon (a circle with an "i" inside), and your password appears under Password.

Once you can see it, you can read it aloud, text it, or write it down. This method works for any device — iPhone, Android, laptop, or smart TV — because you're just giving them the actual password string. Be careful when reading it aloud; passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyNetwork123" is different from "mynetwork123".

If you don't see a password field, or it shows only dots, your network may use a login page instead of a standard password. This sometimes happens with business networks or guest networks. In that case, ask your network administrator or check any paperwork that came with your router.

Using a QR code to share without typing

Some routers and WiFi systems let you generate a QR code that connects devices when ready. If your router has this feature, you can usually find the QR code in the router's admin panel or printed on the router itself. The other person straightforward opens their camera app, points it at the QR code, and taps the notification that appears.

Not all routers support QR codes, so check your router's manual or log into its settings to see if this option is available. If it is, this method is faster and more find than reading a password aloud because nothing is typed or spoken. The QR code contains the network name and password in encrypted form.

Sharing with guests using a separate guest network

If you have guests over regularly, consider setting up a guest network on your router. This is a separate WiFi network with its own password, so you don't have to share your main network password. Most modern routers let you create a guest network in their settings app or web interface.

A guest network keeps your main devices and files separate from visitors' devices. You can change the guest password whenever you want without affecting your own connection. Some routers let you set a time limit for guest access, so the network automatically turns off after a few hours.

What to do if automatic sharing isn't working

If you're trying to use the automatic share feature and nothing happens, check these things first. Make sure both iPhones are unlocked and within a few feet of each other. Confirm that the other person is saved in your Contacts app — the share feature won't trigger for unknown numbers or email addresses.

Check that both devices run iOS 16 or newer. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for the iOS version number. If either phone is older, you'll need to use the manual password method instead. Also make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both devices, since the share feature uses Bluetooth to communicate.

If everything checks out and it still doesn't work, try restarting both phones. Sometimes the WiFi sharing feature gets stuck and a restart fixes it. If the other person is still having trouble connecting after you share the password, ask them to forget the network and try again: on their iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network, and tap Forget This Network.

Changing your WiFi password safely

If you share your password with someone and later want to change it, you do that through your router's settings, not through your iPhone. Open a web browser on any device connected to your network, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in with your router's admin username and password.

Once you change the password in the router settings, all devices currently connected will stay connected until they disconnect. The next time they try to reconnect, they'll need the new password. This is useful if you want to remove access for someone without having to tell them directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my WiFi password with an Android phone?

The automatic share feature only works between Apple devices. For Android phones, you'll need to read your password aloud or use a QR code if your router supports it. You can find your password in Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to your network name, and read it from there.

What if I forgot my own WiFi password?

You can see it on your iPhone by going to Settings > WiFi, tapping the info icon next to your network, and looking at the Password field. If you need to reset it completely, log into your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1) and change it there. Check your router's manual for the default admin password if you don't remember it.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password?

Sharing your password with people you trust is generally safe, especially if you use a strong password. If you're worried about security, create a separate guest network with its own password instead of sharing your main network. This keeps your personal devices and files separate from guests' devices.

Why does the share password option not appear when someone tries to connect?

The share feature requires iOS 16 or newer on both devices, Bluetooth turned on, the other person saved in your Contacts, and both phones within a few feet of each other. If any of these conditions aren't met, the option won't appear. Try the manual password method instead.

Can I share my password with someone who isn't in my contacts?

The automatic share feature requires the person to be in your Contacts app. If they're not, add them first, or use the manual method by reading your password aloud. You can find it in Settings > WiFi, then tap the info icon next to your network name.