Skip to main content

What’s the Wi-Fi password? Share it easily in iOS 11 with Wi-Fi Sharing

iOS 11 Problems
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Did you know you can easily share your Wi-Fi connection with other people if you’re using iOS 11? No? According to our latest Twitter poll, you’re not alone.

Trying to settle an argument in the office: How many of you know about the Wi-Fi sharing feature on iOS 11?

— Digital Trends (@DigitalTrends) November 21, 2017

The results of our recent Twitter poll show nearly half of the respondents have no idea Apple introduced Wi-Fi sharing in iOS 11.

While some routers now include guest access, they’re still few and far between. Most people still rent routers from their Internet Service Providers (ISP) for Wi-Fi access. These routers usually have long, random passwords. Even though you can usually change these passwords to something easier, it’s probably better to resist the urge and use something that’s actually a challenge for hackers. But what if a friend comes over and asks for the Wi-Fi password? You won’t have to do much with iOS 11’s Wi-Fi sharing feature.

It’s pretty easy. First, both you and the person you’re sharing the Wi-Fi connection with need to have iOS 11 installed on your iPhones. This person will also need to be saved in your contacts. If you’re sharing with someone using a Mac, the situation is the same, except you’ll see a notification appear on the upper right hand side of your screen.

Once your friend is listed in your contacts, the rest is easy. When your friend tries to connect to your Wi-Fi, you’ll see a request pop up on your iPhone screen asking if you want to share your password with your friend’s iPhone. Just select the “Share Password” button and they’ll be connected to your Wi-Fi.

Want to stop sharing your connection? Well, that’s not quite as easy. Right now your only option is to change your router password.

Editors' Recommendations

Steven Winkelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Steven writes about technology, social practice, and books. At Digital Trends, he focuses primarily on mobile and wearables…
Best iPhone 15 deals: How to get Apple’s latest iPhone for free
The display on a green iPhone 15.

The iPhone 15 is Apple’s current flagship phone, and it’s also one of its most popular phones. It’s come storming out of the gate since its release and has skyrocketed to make our ranks of the best phones. Its popularity can make it difficult to find iPhone 15 deals, but there are some out there. We’ve rounded up the best iPhone 15 deals going on right now, and while most of them entail trading in a device for savings, trade-in value is very high and could land you a free iPhone 15 if you’re trading in the right device. We’ve got all of those details below, so read onward and start saving on a new Apple iPhone 15.
Today's best iPhone 15 deals

: Get up to $830 in savings when you trade in a similar device. Also included is 3 free months of Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, and 4 free months of Apple Arcade.
: Save up to $830 with device trade-in and inclusion of Verizon Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plans.
: Save up to $830 via 24 monthly bill credits when you add a line on a qualifying plan and trade in an eligible device.
: Save up to $700 when you trade in an eligible device and commit to an AT&T Unlimited plan of more than $76 per month.

Read more
The 10 best photo editing apps for Android and iOS in 2024
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (left) and Google Pixel 8 Pro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Smartphones tend to have pretty good camera systems these days, whether you're talking about the very latest Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 14. But even the perfect photo can sometimes need a little additional pizazz. A little extra sparkle can come in the form of a simple color filter, artificially added background blur, or can extend as far as diving into an image's levels and other advanced features. Heck, now that we're in the AI era, it can also include using a tool to transpose yourself into a medieval setting or swapping a face with a friend.

Read more
The best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases in 2024: the 20 best ones
Renders of iPhone 15 Pro Max cases next to each other.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the latest smartphone from Apple and boasts a 6.7-inch screen and a durable titanium casing. However, even with its sturdy design, the phone can still suffer from accidental damage such as cracking or shattering. To ensure that your phone stays in good condition and lasts longer, it's important to invest in a protective case.

To help you with your selection, we have put together a list of the 20 best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases. These cases have been carefully selected based on their durability, design, and functionality. Whether you're looking for a slim and stylish case or a heavy-duty one that can withstand extreme conditions, we've got you covered.

Read more