WiFi QR Code: Share Your Network Without Typing Passwords (2025)

A WiFi QR code is a scannable image that stores your network credentials—name, password, and security type—letting guests connect instantly without typing. Point a phone camera at the code, tap to confirm, and you're connected.

No more spelling out passwords letter by letter. Here's how to create a WiFi QR code that works on every phone.

What Is a WiFi QR Code?

A WiFi QR code encodes your network credentials: name (SSID), password, and security type. When someone scans it, their phone prompts them to join the network automatically. It's the simplest way to share network access without revealing your password verbally.

Works on:

• iPhone (iOS 11+)
• Android (most versions)
• Tablets and other mobile devices

How to Create a WiFi QR Code

Step 1: Gather Your Network Information

You'll need:

• Network name (SSID): Exactly as it appears in your WiFi list
• Password: Case-sensitive, exact match
• Security type: WPA/WPA2 (most common), WPA3, WEP, or None

Step 2: Choose a QR Code Generator

Use any generator that supports WiFi codes. At QR Code Maker, WiFi codes are:

• Free forever (they're static codes)
• No account required
• No expiration

Step 3: Enter Your Credentials

Input your network name, password, and security type. The generator encodes this information into the QR pattern.

Step 4: Customize (Optional)

Add colors that match your space or branding. Just maintain high contrast—the code needs to scan reliably.

Step 5: Test Before Printing

Critical step: Scan the code with your own phone (not already connected to the network) to verify it works. Test on both iPhone and Android if possible.

Step 6: Download and Display

Download in PNG for digital display or SVG for print. Display somewhere visible to guests.

WiFi QR Code Format

WiFi QR codes use a specific format:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;

Where:

• T: = Security type (WPA, WEP, or nopass)
• S: = Network name (SSID)
• P: = Password
• H:true = Hidden network (optional)

You don't need to know this format—generators handle it automatically. But it explains why the information must be exact: the format is rigid.

Where to Display Your WiFi QR Code

Home Use

Best locations:

• Near the router
• In the entryway or mudroom
• On the refrigerator
• In guest bedrooms

Display options:

• Framed printout
• Laminated card
• Sticker

Business Use

Best locations:

• At the entrance
• On reception desks
• At each table (restaurants/cafes)
• In waiting areas
• On room cards (hotels)

Display options:

• Table tents
• Wall plaques
• Counter stands
• Menu cards

Guest Network: The Smart Approach

Don't share your main network password. Create a separate guest network instead:

Why Use a Guest Network?

1. Security: Guests can't access your devices, files, or printers
2. Easy rotation: Change the guest password without affecting your devices
3. Bandwidth control: Many routers let you limit guest network speed
4. No re-sharing concern: If someone shares your guest QR code, it's less risky

How to Set Up a Guest Network

Most modern routers support guest networks:

1. Log into your router admin panel (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
2. Look for "Guest Network" or "Guest WiFi" settings
3. Enable it and set a password
4. Create your WiFi QR code with the guest network credentials

Rotating Credentials

Update your guest password periodically (quarterly works for most businesses):

1. Change password in router settings
2. Create new QR code with updated password
3. Replace displayed codes

For homes, annual rotation is usually sufficient.

Troubleshooting WiFi QR Codes

"Connection failed" or Nothing Happens

Check these common causes:

Works on iPhone but Not Android (or Vice Versa)

• Different phones handle WiFi codes slightly differently
• Test on multiple devices before mass printing
• Some older Android versions have spotty support

Code Scans but Shows Text Instead of Connecting

• The QR code may be generated as plain text instead of WiFi format
• Use a WiFi-specific generator, not a generic text QR code maker
• The format must start with WIFI: for phones to recognize it

Printed Code Won't Scan

• Print larger (minimum 2cm × 2cm)
• Increase contrast
• Avoid glossy surfaces that cause glare
• Ensure quiet zone (white border) isn't cut off

Security Considerations

What's Encoded in the QR Code?

Your network password is embedded in the QR code pattern. Anyone who can see the code can extract the password using a QR code reader that shows raw data.

This means:

• Don't display WiFi QR codes in public areas if you don't want the password shared
• The code is essentially the same as writing your password on a sign
• Guest networks mitigate this concern

Should You Use a WiFi QR Code?

Yes, if:

• You already share the password freely (coffee shop, office lobby)
• You're using a guest network with limited access
• Convenience for visitors is a priority

Maybe not, if:

• You want to control exactly who gets access
• The network has access to sensitive systems
• You need to track who connects (use a captive portal instead)

WiFi QR Codes for Business

Restaurants and Cafes

Benefits:

• Faster customer connection = faster social media sharing
• Reduced staff interruptions for password requests
• Modern, tech-forward impression

For restaurants, WiFi QR codes pair well with digital menu QR codes—put both on your table tents.

Placement:

• On menus or table tents
• At the counter or register
• On receipts (print a small code)

Hotels and Hospitality

Benefits:

• Streamlined check-in (no explaining passwords)
• Consistent experience across properties
• Easy credential rotation between guests

Placement:

• Room key cards
• Welcome packets
• Bedside table tent

Offices and Coworking

Benefits:

• New employee/visitor onboarding
• Meeting room convenience
• Reduced IT support tickets

Placement:

• Reception area
• Conference rooms
• Visitor badges

Retail Stores

Benefits:

• Customer engagement while shopping
• Enables in-store app features
• Keeps customers in-store longer

Placement:

• Near entrance
• At fitting rooms
• Point of sale

Creating Multiple WiFi QR Codes

For businesses with multiple networks or locations:

Different Networks, Different Codes

Branded Consistency

Maintain consistent design across all WiFi codes:

• Same colors matching brand
• Same placement style
• Same instruction text
• Same frame or border treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do WiFi QR codes work without internet?

Yes. The credentials are encoded in the pattern itself. No server or internet connection is needed—the phone reads the data directly from the QR code.

Can I track who scans my WiFi QR code?

Not through the QR code itself—WiFi codes are static and don't phone home. If you need scan tracking, you'd need a dynamic QR code (but those require internet, defeating the purpose for WiFi). Your router may log connections, but not specifically QR code scans.

Do WiFi QR codes expire?

The QR code itself never expires. However, if you change your WiFi password, the old QR code will stop working.

What if my network name has spaces or special characters?

Most generators handle this automatically. If you're having trouble, try removing special characters from your network name or testing with different generators.

Can I use WiFi QR codes with hidden networks?

Yes, but the code needs a H:true flag. Make sure your generator supports hidden networks, or manually add this to the format.

Should I use WPA2 or WPA3?

Use whatever your router is configured for. WPA3 is more secure but not all devices support it. WPA2 has broader compatibility.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password via QR code?

Mostly yes, but understand the tradeoff: the password is encoded in the QR pattern and can be extracted by anyone with a QR reader that shows raw data. For home use, this is usually fine. For businesses, consider using a separate guest network with a QR code rather than sharing your main network credentials.

What phones support WiFi QR codes?

iPhones running iOS 11 or later (2017+) and Android phones with Android 10 or later (2019+) have native camera support for WiFi QR codes. Older phones may need a third-party QR scanner app.

Create Your WiFi QR Code

Ready to stop dictating your WiFi password? Create a WiFi QR code right here:

Free forever, no account required, no expiration.