Can't share Wi-Fi password between phones

Symptoms

• Password sharing prompt never appears on the other phone
• Sharing dialog shows but the other person doesn't see a prompt
• Works with some contacts but not others
• Only works on the same brand of phone

Likely causes

• CommonBluetooth or Wi-Fi turned off on one of the phonesPassword sharing features rely on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi being active on both devices.
• CommonThe two phone numbers or Apple IDs/Google accounts aren't saved as contacts with each otherMost password sharing features only work between devices that have each other's contact info saved.
• PossiblePhones are different operating systems (iPhone to Android)Built-in password sharing tools like iPhone's Wi-Fi share generally only work between the same ecosystem.
• PossibleDevices are too far apartThis feature typically requires close proximity, similar to AirDrop.
• Less commonThe device offering the password hasn't unlocked their screen during the share attemptThe sharing phone typically needs to be unlocked and nearby when the request appears.

What to do

1. Ensure both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on and are unlocked.
2. Confirm the two people have each other saved as a contact using the same phone number or Apple ID/Google account associated with the device.
3. Bring the two phones close together, within a few feet.
4. On the phone connecting, tap the Wi-Fi network so the password prompt is showing, then wait for the popup on the other phone.
5. If sharing between an iPhone and Android device, use a manually shared password or QR code instead, since built-in sharing may not support cross-platform.
6. Generate a QR code for the Wi-Fi network (many router apps or phone settings support this) and have the other person scan it with their camera app.
7. Restart both phones if the automated sharing prompt still doesn't appear.
8. As a reliable fallback, simply type the password manually or send it through a messaging app.

When to call a pro

This is a software feature limitation, not a hardware fault; typing the password manually or using a QR code is a reliable fallback across all phone types.

Safety