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Having a complex password for your Wi-Fi network is recommended, but it can be a pain to share with someone. While Apple has long made this easier for iPhone users, recent updates in iOS 18 now allow you to view and share passwords more easily with everyone.
When another iPhone or iPad attempts to connect to a Wi-Fi network you're currently using, and they're in your contacts, you'll receive a notification to share the password. Simply tap "Share password," and they'll be connected without needing to know the actual password. It's incredibly easy.
But what if you need the password for something else, like signing into a non-Apple device, TV or sharing it with someone using an Android phone?
Below, we'll show you how to view the password for your current Wi-Fi network, any networks you've previously connected to and easier ways to share a password in various situations.
For more, check out the best hidden iOS 18 features and the best iPhone deals right now.
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View the password for the Wi-Fi network you're on
This first method allows you to view the password of the Wi-Fi network you're either currently connected to or have connected to in the past and are near enough to the router for the network to appear in your settings.
If you meet these requirements, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, find the Wi-Fi network you want the password for and tap the information icon. Next, tap Password and use Face ID, Touch ID or enter your passcode to view the Wi-Fi network password. Finally, hit Copy to save the password to your clipboard.
You can view passwords for any Wi-Fi networks you've ever connected to, as long as you're currently connected to it or near enough that it appears under My Networks.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNETThis only works for Wi-Fi networks you're currently connected to or nearby, but there is a way to find the passwords to all the other Wi-Fi networks you've connected to in the past.
If you want to view every single stored Wi-Fi password on your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the Edit button on the top right. A list of your known networks, or every single Wi-Fi network you've ever connected to, will appear in alphabetical and numerical order.
To view a password, tap the information icon and then hit Password.
You can copy the password to your clipboard or have the password spoken out loud to you.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNETShare Wi-Fi password via QR code
Apple finally introduced an incredibly helpful feature that allows you to share Wi-Fi passwords using a QR code -- something that's been baked into Android since version 10. But better late than never, and it only takes a couple of taps to accomplish.
- Go to the Passwords app (iOS 18 only)
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Tap on the network you want to share the password to
- Tap Show Network QR Code
This is useful if you're trying to share a password with someone who uses an Android phone, someone who's not in your contact list or multiple people.
This only works for Wi-Fi passwords, not regular passwords.
Nelson Aguilar/CNETWhile it does technically make sense to have this functionality in the Passwords app, we can't help but wonder why the ability to share Wi-Fi via QR code isn't also in the dedicated Wi-Fi settings -- where the passwords have been all along.
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