How to Use iPhone Guided Access to Lock App in Place
An iPhone can share Wi‑Fi password automatically when both devices are nearby, unlocked, and signed into Apple services correctly. The receiving device must open the Wi‑Fi network screen, and the iPhone already connected to the network will show a pop-up to send Wi‑Fi credentials. No AirDrop WiFi setting is required for the standard password-sharing method.
💡Protip:
“AirDrop WiFi” is a common search term, but Wi‑Fi password sharing does not use the AirDrop menu.
Steps
- Make sure both devices have Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth turned on, and keep both devices close together.
- Confirm the connected iPhone is already using the Wi‑Fi network that needs to be shared.
- On the other iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open Settings > Wi‑Fi and select the same network.
- Unlock the connected iPhone and wait for the Share Password prompt to appear.
- Tap Share Password, then tap Done after the other device connects.
| Option | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in password sharing | Apple device to Apple device | Requires Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, and Apple service conditions |
| Manual password entry | Any device | Requires typing the password |
| QR code from another phone or app | Mixed-device sharing | Not built into iPhone Wi‑Fi sharing |
Common Issues and Fixes
- No Share Password prompt appears — Likely cause: Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi is off on one device. Fix: turn on both settings on both devices and keep devices within a short range.
- Connected iPhone does not recognize the other device — Likely cause: Apple ID contact details are not saved properly. Fix: make sure the email used for Apple ID is saved in Contacts on both sides.
- Receiving device cannot join the network — Likely cause: wrong network selected. Fix: confirm both devices are using the exact same Wi‑Fi network name.
- Prompt appears but sharing fails — Likely cause: one device is locked or running outdated software. Fix: unlock both devices and install current iOS, iPadOS, or macOS updates.
- Trying to send WiFi credentials to Android or Windows — Likely cause: built-in iPhone sharing only works with Apple devices. Fix: use manual password entry or another cross-platform method.
Quick Tips
- Personal Hotspot is different from Wi‑Fi password sharing. A hotspot shares cellular data, not saved router credentials.
- Hidden networks usually need the exact network name entered first before any password-sharing attempt.
- Public, hotel, or captive portal networks may not support normal share WiFi password behavior.
🤔Note:
If the network uses a captive portal (for example, hotel Wi‑Fi that requires a web sign-in), normal Wi‑Fi password sharing may not work as expected.
Related Questions
Can Wi‑Fi password sharing work without Contacts?
In many cases, Apple recommends saving each other’s Apple ID email in Contacts. Missing contact info can prevent the share prompt from appearing.
Can saved Wi‑Fi passwords be viewed and send WiFi credentials manually?
Yes. On newer iOS versions, saved network passwords can be viewed in Wi‑Fi settings after Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode authentication.
