How to Share Wi-Fi Password: iPhone, Android & Security Tips

You know the awkwardness: a friend walks in, asks for the Wi‑Fi password, and you can’t remember where you wrote it down. Or worse, you do remember but don’t want to read the long string out loud. Fortunately, modern phones have built-in ways to share that password instantly — sometimes without even showing it.

Apple devices with iOS 11 or later: Share password automatically when nearby ·
Android users (Android 10+): Generate QR code for instant sharing ·
Password managers (e.g., LastPass): Share without revealing the password text ·
Third-party apps available: Apple and Android stores offer dedicated tools

Four key facts, one pattern: each method trades convenience against security, and the right choice depends on the devices in the room.

How can I share my Wi‑Fi password?

Using Apple’s automatic sharing (iOS)

• Both devices must be running iOS 11 or later (or macOS High Sierra or later), with Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi turned on (Apple Support).
• The sharing device must be unlocked and connected to the network, and the recipient’s Apple ID must be saved in Contacts (Apple Support).

Using Android QR codes

• On Android 10 or later, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi, tap the connected network, then tap Share (T‑Mobile).
• The QR code can be scanned by any device with a QR‑capable camera — including iPhones, iPads, and Android phones (Engadget).

Using password managers

• Password managers like LastPass allow sharing the password without revealing the actual text.
• Both users need the same password manager app for this to work.

The implication: each method fills a specific gap, and no single solution works everywhere.

How to share Wi‑Fi password from iPhone to iPhone?

Prerequisites: iOS 11+, Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi on, contacts saved

• Both iPhones must have iOS 11 or later, Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi enabled, and the sharing device must have the recipient’s Apple ID in Contacts (Apple Support).

Step-by-step: unlock, select network, tap Share Password

• When the recipient selects the Wi‑Fi network, a prompt appears on the sharing device. Tap Share Password, then tap Done (Apple Support).
• Apple Support confirms this method is secure and does not display the password in plain text.

The implication: this is the only major‑platform method that shares credentials fully automatically, but it only works inside the Apple walled garden.

How do I share my Wi‑Fi password from my phone?

Share Wi‑Fi password on Android (QR code)

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi, tap the network, then tap Share. A QR code appears (T‑Mobile).
• The recipient scans it with their camera app — works across platforms, including iPhones and other Androids (Engadget).

Share Wi‑Fi password on iPhone (via Settings or AirDrop)

• Go to Settings > Wi‑Fi, tap the i icon next to the network, then tap the password field to reveal it. You can share the text via AirDrop or manually (Apple Support).
• On iOS 18 or later, you can also open the Passwords app, tap Wi‑Fi, select the network, and tap Show Network QR Code (Apple Support).

The catch: revealing the password in plain text is the simplest but least private method — anyone who sees it can save it indefinitely.

How do I share passwords between Apple devices?

AirDrop for passwords and passkeys

• AirDrop can securely share passwords and passkeys between nearby Apple devices. It uses encryption and requires recipient approval (Apple Support).

iCloud Keychain synchronization

• iCloud Keychain syncs saved passwords across your own devices but does not share with others without explicit action (Apple Support).

The pattern: for families or small teams all on Apple hardware, the combination of automatic Wi‑Fi sharing and AirDrop for other credentials creates a friction‑free sharing loop — but it’s exclusive.

How to share password without revealing password?

Using QR codes (Android, some apps)

• Android QR codes encode the network credentials; the password is never shown if the scanner simply connects (T‑Mobile).
• iPhone users on iOS 17+ can generate a QR code from the Passwords app — again, the password stays hidden (Apple Support).

Using Apple’s automatic sharing

• Apple’s automatic sharing does not display the password on either device (Apple Support).

Using password managers with share feature

• Password managers offer “share” features that grant access without revealing the password string (T‑Mobile).

The takeaway: privacy-focused users should stick to methods that never display the password string.

Step-by-Step: How to Share Your Wi‑Fi Password on Any Device

1. Apple iPhone to iPhone (automatic): Ensure both devices have iOS 11+, Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi on, and the recipient’s Apple ID is saved in Contacts. The recipient selects the network; a prompt appears on your device. Tap Share Password.
2. Apple iPhone to any device (QR code): Open Settings > Wi‑Fi, tap the i icon, then long‑press the password to copy. Use a QR‑code generator (like a website) to create a code with the format WIFI:S:NetworkName;T:WPA;P:Password;;. The recipient scans it with a camera app.
3. Android to any device (QR code): Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi, tap the connected network, then tap Share. Show the QR code to the recipient.
4. Android or iPhone via password manager: Open your password manager, find the Wi‑Fi entry, and use its share feature. Both parties need the same app.

The pattern: these steps cover every common device combination without exposing the password text unnecessarily.

What’s Known and What’s Not

Confirmed facts

• Apple iOS 11+ supports automatic Wi‑Fi password sharing (Apple Support).
• Android 10+ offers QR code sharing for Wi‑Fi (T‑Mobile).
• Password managers like LastPass allow sharing without revealing the password.

What’s unclear

• How many users actively use QR code sharing vs. manual methods.
• Whether sharing across iPhone and Android via third-party apps is as secure as built-in methods.

What the Experts Say

“When the recipient selects the Wi‑Fi network, a prompt appears on the sharing device. Tap Share Password, then tap Done.”

— Apple Support (official guidance)

“QR‑code sharing is one of the most private methods because it grants access without exposing the actual password.”

— T‑Mobile (carrier support blog)

“Apple devices do not natively support direct Wi‑Fi password sharing with Android phones; QR codes are a practical workaround.”

— Engadget (tech editorial)

The pattern across all expert advice: the simplest method is the one your phone already offers. No one is pushing a universal solution because the two major platforms have designed their sharing features to work best within their own ecosystems.

For a detailed walkthrough of the built-in method, see this guide on sharing Wi-Fi passwords on iPhone from Metro Bulletin UK.

Frequently asked questions