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Basic norms of hospitality dictate that you welcome guests with open arms, and offer them refreshments. But, in this era of technological advancement, this may mean sharing your Wi-Fi password as well. Not that you’d need to share your password with a guest who is a mere acquaintance. But, if a trusted family member or friend is visiting, you’ll want to share with them what they need, so you can ensure their stay—long or short—is enjoyable.   

With that said, let us add it is of critical importance that you do not dismiss cybersecurity concerns at any time. Always remember allowing access to just any user/device may not be in your best interest. After all, you’ll be responsible for the sites visited and content browsed. And so, caution must be exercised when sharing your Wi-Fi password.

As for sharing the Wi-Fi password, here are some tips and tricks you can use to make the process easier. Because to be honest, if you have a long complicated password, as recommended for maximum security, it can be a pain to share it manually.

Let’s then take a look at how to share Wi-Fi passwords from your iPhone or MacBook.

How to Share Wi-Fi Access over iPhone

If you use an iPhone and the family member or friend seeking access to the internet also has an iOS device, you can give them access to the wireless network right from your iPhone. Quite without you having to share the Wi-Fi password or them having to enter it manually. How do you ask? Well, the process is quite simple.

  • In order to share your Wi-Fi password through an iPhone first of all check which iOS version the two devices use. Apple first made the password sharing feature available on iOS 11 so if devices have been updated to iOS 11 or higher, they’re good.
  • Next, go to settings and turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices—turn off any personal mobile hotspot if on.
  • Then, sign into the iCloud with your Apple ID. The email linked with your Apple ID must be saved in the other device’s contacts, while their email ID must be saved in yours.
  • Now move on to the next step and place the phones close to each other—within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range. Make sure your device which is sharing the password is unlocked and connected to the Wi-Fi network.
  • On the device receiving the password, go to the Settings app, and click on Wi-Fi. Then select ‘Choose a Network’ and click on the Wi-Fi network you want to be connected to.
  • Now, it’s the host device’s turn to share access. On the host iPhone, a pop-up would appear asking if you want to share your Wi-Fi with the other device. Click on the ‘Share Password’ button, and then on ‘Done’.
  • Voila! Your phone has shared access with the other device allowing it access to the internet.

Pretty simple, right? And you did not have to share your password over a not-so-protected messaging app or having to write it down on a piece of paper against all password protection norms.

Here is a quick fun fact— you can put this process of sharing the password to use with other iOS devices that you own. Wondering how to share Wi-Fi passwords with your own iOS devices differs? Well, if your Apple ID is the same for multiple iOS devices you won’t need to add it to the contact list on each device…talk about connecting fast!

How to Share Wi-Fi Password from Your MacBook?

Of course, you can! Since an iPhone and MacBook use the same operating software you should have no trouble sharing the Wi-Fi password from your MacBook or any other Apple device for that matter. Apple is known for its integration mechanism which allows you to share files and data seamlessly. And it’s at times like these when this Apple feature comes in especially handy.

The process you follow is the same as before. Connect your MacBook to Wi-Fi and place the iPhone that you want to allow Wi-Fi access to close to it. Select the Wi-Fi network on the iPhone that you wish to connect to, and on your MacBook, a pop-up will appear asking if you want to share the Wi-Fi password. Once you press ‘Share’ the iPhone will be able to connect to the network. There, that’s it. This should also work for other Mac devices.

Still Unable to Connect to Wi-Fi?

If you tried out the steps laid out, and still can’t connect, worry not. Here are some common mistakes people make, along with troubleshooting tips that are sure to prove helpful in solving the issue.

If any of the devices are older than iOS 11, you’d need to update. Simply go to Settings. Click on General and look for available updates.

Double-check to ensure you have saved the correct Apple ID.

To share Wi-Fi passwords it is essential both devices have the Apple ID of the other saved. If you haven’t added the ID to your contact list, do so now.

To ensure an uninterrupted connection, place the devices next to each other. If they’re not in range of the other, this process will not work.

So are you making any of these mistakes? If you aren’t guilty of these errors and still can’t share the Wi-Fi password here’s what to do:

  • iOS version is older than iOS 11
  • Wrong Apple ID
  • Apple ID not added to the contact list
  • Devices are far away
  • Restart your devices—a simple on and off does wonder so it’s definitely worth a try.
  • Turn the Wi-Fi off on your device and turn it on again—resetting the connection might just be what is needed.
  • Restart your modem and router—unplug these devices and after 60 seconds plug them back in and see if it helps.

How to Share Wi-Fi Password from an iPhone to Android?

Since the two don’t share the same operating system i.e. iOS, it’s not as simple. However, it can be done, and here’s how:

  • On your, iPhone download a QR code generator like Qrafter or Visual Codes.
  • Next launch the app. To create a QR code for your home Wi-Fi tap Add Codes, and then Connect to Wi-Fi. You’ll be asked to for the network SSID, password, and security type (e.g. WPA). Name the network and tap on Create Code.
  • On your Android, now launch the camera app and scan the QR code. Next, confirm the Wi-Fi network pop-up asking if you want to connect to the network.

There that’s it, almost as easy!  

Wrapping Up

Following the steps laid out above helps you share your Wi-Fi password—in a smart and secure way—making family and friends feel very welcome at your home. All thanks to the nifty Apple feature that lets you do so with iOS and Android devices, quite without compromising on security or ease.    

If you don’t however think your in-home Wi-Fi network is the best in terms of performance, or for that matter your internet connection is not up to handling multiple users/devices simultaneously—you can consider internet providers such as RCN, or WOW! who not only bring you generous speeds with unlimited data at affordable prices but offer the option to include Eero Whole-Home Wi-Fi—which relies on advanced Mesh technology to blanket your entire home with a strong wireless signal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you share your Wi-Fi password from your iPad?

Yes, you can. The process of sharing your Wi-Fi password from an iPad is the same as that from an iPhone or MacBook. Essentially because all these devices use the same operating system. You must however make sure all devices are updated to iOS 11 or higher.

How to find a Wi-Fi password on iPhone?

You must always know what your Wi-Fi password is. Or how to retrieve it. iPhone imposes a limitation in terms of viewing saved passwords. So in order to find the Wi-Fi password on your iPhone, you will have to access the IP for your router.

  • Go to the Settings app and tap on Wi-Fi.
  • Select the icon next to your Wi-Fi network to view Wi-Fi information.
  • Scroll down to the DHCP tab and get the IP address listed for the Router.
  • Launch Safari on your iPhone, and type in the Router IP address. When prompted to log in, use the default user name (admin) and password (admin), unless you have changed this info.
  • Once logged in, go to the Wireless Settings and click on ‘Wireless Security’. Here you’ll find an entry ‘Security Key’. This is the password for your Wi-Fi. When you tap on the field the password will be revealed.

Should you share your Wi-Fi password?

Well, this friendly act definitely has its cons. Anyone you give Wi-Fi access is able to access your home network. And, this sure puts your device(s) at risk. So, make sure the person you share your in-home Wi-Fi network with is a trusted family member or friend.