The fastest way: use the built-in share feature on iOS 16 and later
If both phones are running iOS 16 or newer, the easiest method is Apple's automatic WiFi password sharing. When someone with an older iPhone, iPad, or Mac tries to join your network, a notification appears on your phone asking if you want to share the password. Tap Share Password, and their device connects without you ever typing anything.
This works only when both devices are unlocked and within Bluetooth range — usually a few feet apart. The receiving device must be signed into the same iCloud account as yours, or at minimum have you listed as a contact. Apple encrypts the password during transfer, so you're not exposing it in plain text.
If the notification doesn't appear, make sure Bluetooth is on for both phones and that the person asking is actually trying to connect to your network at that moment. Sometimes the prompt times out after a few seconds, and they'll need to try joining again.
Key Takeaways
- iOS 16 and later can share passwords automatically when someone nearby tries to join your network — no typing required.
- For older iPhones or Android devices, you must read the password from your phone's WiFi settings and give it to them verbally or in writing.
- Your WiFi password is stored in the Settings app under WiFi, but you'll need to tap the info icon next to your network name to see it.
- Never text or email a WiFi password in plain sight — use a messaging app with end-to-end encryption, or tell the person in person.
- If you've forgotten your own password, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or by contacting your internet provider.
Finding your WiFi password in iPhone settings
To share your password manually, you first need to find it. Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap WiFi. Find your network name in the list and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to it.
A menu appears with network details. Look for the line labeled Password — that's the string of characters you need to share. The password is hidden by default, shown as dots. Tap the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual characters so you can read them aloud or write them down.
This method works on any iPhone running iOS 15 or later. On older versions, the password field may not appear at all in Settings — in that case, you'll need to check your router directly or contact your internet provider for the original password.
Sharing with Android phones and older devices
Android phones cannot receive passwords through Apple's automatic share feature, even if they're nearby. Instead, read your password from Settings (as described above) and share it directly with the person.
The safest way to send it is in person, spoken aloud. If distance is an issue, use a messaging app with end-to-end encryption — Signal, WhatsApp, or iMessage all work. Avoid text messages (SMS) or email, where the password travels in plain text across multiple servers.
Once the Android user has the password, they open their WiFi settings, select your network name, and type it in manually. They may see a prompt asking what type of security your network uses (WPA2, WPA3, or similar) — this information is usually set by your router and you can find it in your router's admin panel if they ask.
What to do if the automatic share doesn't work
If you're both on iOS 16+ but the share prompt never appears, check these things first. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both phones — go to Settings > Bluetooth on each device. The phones must be within about 30 feet of each other, though closer is more reliable.
Verify that the person trying to connect is actually attempting to join your network at the moment you're looking at your phone. If they tapped "Connect" more than a few seconds ago, the prompt may have already timed out. Ask them to try again while you're both watching.
If they're not in your contacts or on your iCloud account, the share feature may not trigger. In that case, fall back to reading the password from Settings and sharing it manually. You can also add them as a contact first, which sometimes helps the feature work more reliably.
Resetting your WiFi password if you've forgotten it
If you can't remember your password and can't see it in Settings, you'll need to reset it through your router. Most home routers have a small reset button on the back — hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, and the device returns to factory settings.
After a reset, your router broadcasts a default network name and password, usually printed on a sticker on the device itself. Log in with those credentials, then change the network name and password to something you'll remember. This process varies by router brand, so check the manual or the manufacturer's website if you're unsure.
If resetting the router feels risky, contact your internet service provider instead. They can often reset your password remotely or walk you through the process. Have your account number ready when you call.
Security considerations when sharing passwords
A WiFi password is not as sensitive as a banking password, but it still controls who can use your internet connection and potentially see your network traffic. Share it only with people you trust to use it responsibly.
If someone moves out, changes jobs, or you straightforward want to revoke their access, change your WiFi password. This disconnects all devices currently using the old password and forces anyone trying to reconnect to ask for the new one. You can do this in your router's admin panel — usually accessed by typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1) into a web browser.
Avoid sharing your password in screenshots, emails, or text messages where it could be forwarded or intercepted. Speaking it aloud or using an encrypted messaging app is safer. If you run a business or rental property, consider setting up a separate guest network with its own password instead of sharing your main network password.
Using a guest network instead of your main password
Most modern routers let you create a guest network — a separate WiFi connection with its own password that doesn't give access to your personal devices or files. This is useful if you frequently have visitors or want to share internet without sharing your main network.
To set up a guest network, log into your router's admin panel (check the manual for the address and login credentials). Look for a section labeled "Guest Network" or "Guest WiFi" and enable it. You can set a separate password and even control how much bandwidth guests can use.
The advantage is that you can change or disable the guest password without affecting your own devices. If someone misuses the connection, you can turn off the guest network entirely without having to reset your main WiFi password and reconnect all your personal devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?
No. Your iPhone only shows the password for networks it has previously connected to. If you've never joined that network, the password field won't appear in Settings. You'll need to access your router directly or contact your internet provider.
What if someone asks for my WiFi password but I don't want to share it?
You don't have to. You can straightforward say no. If it's a guest or visitor, you can offer to create a temporary guest network password instead, which gives them internet access without exposing your main network. You can disable it once they leave.
Is it safe to share my WiFi password over iMessage?
iMessage uses end-to-end encryption, so the password is safer there than in a regular text message. However, it's still stored on both devices. Speaking the password aloud or using it in person is the most find method.
Can I share my WiFi password with someone who has an older iPhone?
If their iPhone is running iOS 15 or older, they won't receive the automatic password share notification. You'll need to read your password from Settings and tell them manually, or they can ask Siri to show them the password if they've previously connected to your network on their device.
What happens if I change my WiFi password?
All devices currently connected to your network will disconnect when ready. They'll need the new password to reconnect. Anyone who had the old password can no longer join your network unless you give them the new one.