Security

Wi-Fi password sharing

iOS and iPadOS devices that support Wi-Fi password sharing use a mechanism similar to AirDrop to send a Wi-Fi password from one device to another.

When a user selects a Wi-Fi network (requestor) and is prompted for the Wi-Fi password, the Apple device starts a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertisement indicating that it wants the Wi-Fi password. Other Apple devices that are awake, in close proximity, and have the password for the selected Wi-Fi network connect using BLE to the requesting device.

The device that has the Wi-Fi password (grantor) requires the Contact information of the requestor, and the requestor must prove their identity using a similar mechanism to AirDrop. After identity is proven, the grantor sends the requestor the passcode which can be used to join the network.

Organizations can restrict the use of Wi-Fi password sharing for devices or apps being managed through a mobile device management (MDM) solution.

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Apple Platform Security

Wi-Fi password sharing