WiFi QR Code Generator
Guests scan once and connect to your network, no typing required.
Use High when adding a logo
WiFi QR Code Generator
Telling guests your WiFi password is surprisingly painful. You spell it out letter by letter, they mistype it, you try again, and the whole process eats three minutes that nobody enjoys. A WiFi QR code eliminates this entirely. The guest points their phone camera at the code, taps a notification, and they are online. No typing, no confusion, no awkward repetition of uppercase-J-lowercase-x-seven-hash.
This generator uses the standard WiFi QR format recognized by both iOS (since version 11) and Android (since version 10). The encoded string contains your network name, password, encryption type, and a hidden-network flag. Everything runs in your browser: your network credentials never travel to any server.
How It Works
The WiFi QR format follows a specific syntax: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;H:false;; where T is the encryption type (WPA, WEP, or nopass for open networks), S is the SSID, P is the password, and H indicates whether the network is hidden. When a phone camera decodes this string, the operating system recognizes the WIFI: prefix and offers to join the network automatically. On iPhones running iOS 11 or later, a small card appears asking for confirmation. On most Android devices, the connection happens after a single tap.
The generator encodes this string using the QR byte mode, just like any other text. It adds Reed-Solomon error correction so the code remains functional even if it gets scratched, smudged, or partially covered.
Common Use Cases
Coffee shops and restaurants print WiFi QR codes on table cards, counter displays, or directly on the menu. Airbnb hosts include them in welcome packets so guests connect the moment they walk in. Conference venues display large QR posters at registration desks to handle hundreds of simultaneous connections without repeated announcements. Small offices frame a printed code on the wall near the guest seating area. Home users with complex passwords tape one on the router itself for family members and visitors.
Tips and Best Practices
Double-check the SSID spelling: even one wrong character means the phone will try to connect to a network that does not exist. If your password contains special characters like semicolons or backslashes, test the generated code before printing. For hidden networks, set the Hidden flag to Yes so the phone knows to probe for the SSID instead of scanning passively. When printing for a public space, laminate the card to prevent wear. Rotate your WiFi password periodically and regenerate the code each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What encryption types are supported?
The generator supports WPA (which covers WPA2 and WPA3), WEP, and open networks with no password. WPA is the correct choice for virtually all modern routers. WEP is outdated and insecure but still recognized by the QR format. Select None for open hotspots.
Can I create a QR code for a hidden network?
Yes. Set the Hidden dropdown to Yes. This tells the scanning device to actively probe for the network name instead of waiting for it to broadcast. Without this flag, some phones will fail to connect to hidden networks even though the credentials are correct.
Why does my iPhone connect but my Android friend cannot?
The most common cause is a mismatch in encryption type. If your router uses WPA3 but an older Android phone only supports WPA2, the connection will fail regardless of the QR code. Verify that the encryption setting in the generator matches your router configuration and that the receiving device supports that standard.
How do I verify the code works before printing large batches?
Generate the code, then scan it with your own phone while standing near the router. Confirm that it connects successfully. Then test with a second device, ideally a different operating system. Only after both tests pass should you print at scale.
Can I include both a guest network and a main network on the same poster?
Not in a single QR code. Each code stores exactly one set of credentials. The simplest approach is to generate two separate codes and place them side by side on the same poster, clearly labeled Guest and Private.
Related Tools
For sharing contact details instead of WiFi credentials, use the vCard QR generator. If you are setting up QR codes for a restaurant, our restaurant menu QR guide covers placement and sizing tips. For general printing advice, see the QR code size guide.