How to share your Wi-Fi password on an iPhone

Camryn Smith
CS
Camryn Smith

Nov 5, 2024 — 3 min read

Apple's iPhone feature is an easy and convenient way to securely share your Wi-Fi password in a few short steps.

If you have guests in your home, they might request you share the Wi-Fi password so they enjoy safe browsing on your secure home Wi-Fi network. Apple has just made sharing your Wi-Fi password easier with a Bluetooth connection.

If you have two iOS devices, one already connected to the internet and one awaiting connection, you can use your iPhone to allow the other device to connect to your home network without actually typing it in.

How to share Wi-Fi between iPhones

Can you share your Wi-Fi password from iPhone to iPhone? Yes! First, you need to ensure you have an updated version of iOS running on both iPhones. Apple released the Wi-Fi password-sharing feature in iOS 11, so make sure you’re on that or a later version. You’ll also need to turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for both devices. Turn off your personal hotspot if you have it on. You must also be connected to the network you are trying to share.

Also, you’ll need to add your Apple ID and the connecting iPhone’s Apple ID. If they both use the same Apple ID, you’ll have no problem. But if you’re trying to share the password with a friend’s iPhone, you’ll need to add one another’s Apple ID to your contacts list. 

Once that’s all set, get your iPhone and the other device you want to share the Wi-Fi password with. Similar to connecting via Bluetooth, you’ll have an easier time and stronger connection if the devices are close to one another. 

On the receiving device, take the following steps: 

  • Open the Settings app
  • Select ‘Wi-Fi’
  • Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to

Now it’s time for the host device to share access. On that iPhone, follow the below steps: 

  • You should see an alert pop up asking if you want to Share Your Wi-Fi
  • Select the Send Password button
  • Your phone will share access to the Wi-Fi network with the requesting phone 

After the password was successfully shared, you should be able to tap Done.

How to share your Wi-Fi password between Apple and Android devices

You can share your Wi-Fi password between an Apple and Android device, but it works differently. First, download a QR code generator on your iPhone. You can then create a QR code for your Wi-Fi password. Then, scan the QR code with the Android device and the Wi-Fi password will be shared.

This works both ways, too. If you have an Android and need to share your Wi-Fi with an Apple device, follow the same steps.

If you need to share your password from one Android to another, go to your Wi-Fi settings and tap the settings icon next to your network. You can then click the share button and authenticate yourself, and a screen will appear with a QR code to be scanned.

Updating your Wi-Fi network

For more information on securing and optimizing your home Wi-Fi network, be sure to connect with our experts on Facebook and Twitter and be sure to bookmark our Resource Center. If you’re looking for a new provider, check for other internet options that are available near you.

Wi-Fi password safety tips

Having a strong Wi-Fi password is essential to keeping your home network safe. When creating a Wi-Fi password, try to make it as unique as possible and never use personal information like your name, birthday, etc., since this information can be easily hacked. Randomize characters and include a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.

Having strong, unique passwords is important, but it sometimes makes them hard to remember. That’s where password sharing can come in handy. You don’t have to worry about remembering a long and confusing password when you can share your Wi-Fi at the click of a button.

Wi-Fi password sharing FAQs

How do I update my Wi-Fi network?

If you think your Wi-Fi network needs an upgrade, you can always upgrade to a faster internet plan for more Wi-Fi speed. If you don’t want to switch plans, try adding a Wi-Fi extender, repeater or mesh router to your home network. These can all help extend your Wi-Fi coverage. Learn more about how to boost your Wi-Fi connection.

Sharing your Wi-Fi password with Apple’s iOS should be easy, but if you’re having trouble with any of the steps above, try the following troubleshooting tips recommended by Apple Support:

  1. If you don’t see the setup animation, restart both devices and try again.
  2. If you still can’t share your Wi-Fi password, have the other person enter the password manually.

Yes. To share Wi-Fi from an iPhone to an iPad, first make sure both devices have Bluetooth turned on and personal hotspots turned off. The owners of each device will also have to add each other as contacts and include their Apple ID email addresses. Make sure to install the latest iOS updates and stand within 6 ft. of each other. The owner of the iPad can then select a Wi-Fi network and the iPhone user will be prompted to share the password.

Yes. Because Android devices don’t operate on the iOS operating system, you’ll need to take different steps. First, you’ll need to download a QR code generator on the iPhone. An app like Visual Codes or Qrafter will do the trick.

When you launch the app, you’ll be able to create a QR code for your home Wi-Fi password. When you want to give the password to an Android device, simply open the QR code on your iPhone and scan it with the Android. You can scan it with your camera or a dedicated QR scanner app. A message may pop up on the Android to confirm network connection.

Yes. Because Macbooks and iPhones are Apple devices, their software works more seamlessly. This allows for simple file transfer, data backup and Wi-Fi password sharing.

Connect your Macbook to the Wi-Fi network and put your iPhone next to it. On the iPhone, choose the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to (it should be the same network the Macbook is connected to). On your Mac, you should get a pop-up message requesting access to the Wi-Fi password. You’ll click Share to grant access to the iPhone. Note that you’ll need to be running macOS High Sierra or a newer version.

Camryn Smith

Written by:

Camryn Smith

Cammy is a writer with Allconnect, growing her broadband industry knowledge for over a year on the internet marketplace. Her expertise lies in home internet and broadband service with a focus on providers, plans… Read more

What to read next Read more

Latest