The fastest way depends on what device is sending the password

If you're sharing from an iPhone or iPad, you can send the password directly to a nearby Mac or iPad without typing it — the receiving device will see a notification and accept it in one tap. If you're sharing from an Android phone, Windows PC, or if the devices are far apart, you'll need to type or copy the password manually. On a Mac, there's also a Keychain option that stores passwords you've already connected to, which you can show to someone else without revealing the full string.

The method you choose depends on three things: what device holds the password, what device needs it, and whether both devices are in the same room. Start with the section that matches your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone and iPad can send WiFi passwords wirelessly to nearby Macs and iPads with one tap, the fastest method if both devices support it.
  • On Windows, Mac, and Android, you'll need to find the saved password in your network settings and type or copy it to the receiving device.
  • A Mac's Keychain shows you saved passwords without displaying the full string, useful if you want to verify a password without saying it aloud.
  • If a device won't connect after you've shared the password, restart the WiFi on the receiving device and try again.

Sharing from iPhone or iPad to a Mac or iPad nearby

This is the easiest method if both devices are within a few feet of each other. Make sure the receiving device (the one that needs the password) is unlocked and the person holding it is signed into their Apple ID. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and look for a Share Password button. Tap it, and a notification will appear on the nearby Mac or iPad asking if they want to join. They tap Join, and the password transfers automatically — they don't see the actual password, just a confirmation that it worked.

If the Share Password button doesn't appear, check that both devices are signed into the same Apple ID account and that Bluetooth is turned on. The receiving device must also have WiFi turned on (even though it's not connected yet). If you're still not seeing the option after checking these, fall back to the manual method below.

Finding your saved password on a Mac

If you've already connected your Mac to the WiFi network, the password is stored in Keychain. Open Spotlight (press Command + Space), type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the window that opens, search for your network name in the search box at the top right. When you find it, double-click the entry, check the box next to Show password, and your Mac will ask for your user password. Type it in, and the WiFi password appears in plain text — you can now read it aloud or write it down to give to someone else.

If you don't see your network in Keychain, your Mac hasn't saved it yet. In that case, go to System Settings > WiFi, click the network name, and look for a Details or Information button — some older versions of macOS show the password here instead. If neither location has it, you'll need to check your router settings (see the section below).

Finding your saved password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet > WiFi. Click Manage known networks, find your network name in the list, and click it. Select Forget, then reconnect to the network — Windows will ask you to enter the password again, and this time pay attention to what you type. Write it down or take a screenshot as you enter it.

If you've already forgotten what you typed, there's no built-in way to see saved passwords on Windows the way Keychain works on Mac. Your next option is to check your router's admin panel (see below) or reset the network and set a new password. If you choose to reset, you'll need to reconnect all your devices, but you'll have a fresh password you know.

Finding your password in your router settings

If you can't find the password on any of your devices, it's stored in your router. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. You'll be asked to log in. If you've never changed the login, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router for the default username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number).

Once you're logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security. Your network password (also called the Pre-Shared Key or Passphrase) will be displayed there. Write it down or take a screenshot. If you can't find it or can't log into the router, contact your internet provider — they can tell you the password or reset it for you.

Sharing from Android to any device

Android doesn't have a built-in wireless password-sharing feature like iPhone does. If your Android phone is connected to the WiFi, open Settings > WiFi, long-press the network name, and look for Share or QR Code. Some Android versions let you generate a QR code that another phone can scan to join the network — this is faster than typing the password. If your version doesn't have this option, use the router method above to find the password and share it manually.

For sharing to a laptop, you'll need to either read the password aloud, write it down, or use the router method to retrieve it and type it into the receiving device. Make sure the person typing it knows whether spaces, capital letters, and special characters matter — they do.

What to do if the laptop won't connect after you've shared the password

The most common fix is to restart WiFi on the receiving device. On Mac, click the WiFi icon in the menu bar and select Turn WiFi Off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi and toggle it off and on. Then try connecting to the network again and re-enter the password if prompted.

If that doesn't work, check that you've typed the password exactly as it appears — including capital letters, numbers, and special characters. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. If you're still stuck, restart the router itself by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for all the lights to stabilize before trying again. If the laptop connects to other networks but not this one, the issue is usually with the password or the router's settings, not the laptop itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password I've already typed in on my laptop?

On Mac, yes — use Keychain Access as described above. On Windows, not easily through the settings. Your best option is to check the router's admin panel or contact your internet provider. If you've forgotten the password entirely, you can reset it through the router, but this will disconnect all devices until they reconnect with the new password.

What if the person I'm sharing with doesn't have an Apple ID?

The wireless password-sharing feature only works between Apple devices signed into the same Apple ID. For anyone else, use one of the manual methods: read the password aloud, write it down, show them the Keychain entry on your Mac, or generate a QR code if you're sharing from Android. They'll type or scan it into their device.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password?

Yes, sharing your password with guests or family is normal and safe. Your WiFi password only controls who can connect to your network — it doesn't give access to files on your devices or your internet provider account. If you want to stop someone from using your WiFi later, you can change the password in your router settings, and they'll be disconnected.

Why does the password look different when I see it in Keychain versus what I remember typing?

Keychain shows the actual password stored in your Mac's system. If it looks different from what you remember, you may have mistyped it when you first connected, or your router may have auto-generated a password you didn't set yourself. Either way, what Keychain shows is the correct password to share.

Can I share my password without showing the actual characters?

Yes. If you're sharing from iPhone to another Apple device, the wireless method never shows the password to either person. If you're sharing from a Mac, you can generate a QR code using a third-party app, which the other person can scan instead of typing. Otherwise, you'll need to either read it aloud, write it down, or let them see it on your screen.