What is a WiFi QR code?
A WiFi QR code encodes your network name, password, and security type into a small scannable image. When someone points their phone camera at the code, the device reads the credentials and offers to connect automatically. No typing, no dictating a long password, no mistakes.
The format follows an open standard: \`WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;\`. Every modern smartphone — iPhone (iOS 11+) and Android — can read these codes natively from the camera app. No extra software needed.
How it works
**The WiFi QR format:** \`\`\` WIFI:T:{security};S:{network name};P:{password};H:{hidden};; \`\`\`
- **T** — Security type: WPA (covers WPA2 and WPA3), WEP, or nopass for open networks. - **S** — The SSID (network name), with special characters escaped. - **P** — The password. Omitted for open networks. - **H** — Set to \`true\` if the network does not broadcast its name.
Special characters like semicolons, commas, colons, backslashes, and quotes are automatically escaped so the QR code is always valid.
Where to use WiFi QR codes
- **At home** — Print it and stick it on your fridge or near the router. Guests connect in seconds. - **Airbnb or vacation rental** — Include it in your welcome packet or frame it on the wall. - **Office or coworking space** — Post it at the front desk or in meeting rooms. - **Coffee shops and restaurants** — Display it on table cards or near the register. - **Events and conferences** — Add it to signage or printed programs. - **Hotels** — Place one in each room instead of printing a tiny password on a card.
Tips for the best results
1. **Print at a reasonable size.** At least 2 inches (5 cm) on each side. Larger is easier to scan from a distance. 2. **Use a clean background.** The QR code is black and white for maximum contrast. Avoid placing it on busy patterns. 3. **Test before sharing.** After generating, scan the code with your own phone to confirm it connects successfully. 4. **Update when you change your password.** A QR code stores the password at the time of generation. If you change credentials, generate a fresh code. 5. **Use WPA2 or WPA3.** WEP is outdated and insecure. Most modern routers default to WPA2 or WPA3.
Security considerations
The QR code contains your WiFi password in plain text within the encoded data. Treat the printed code the same way you would treat a written password:
- Do not post it in publicly accessible areas unless you intend for anyone to connect. - For guest networks, consider using a separate SSID with limited access so your main network stays private. - If you change your password, old QR codes will stop working. Generate a new one.
Supported devices
- **iPhone** — iOS 11 and later. Open the Camera app and point it at the code. - **Android** — Most devices running Android 10+. Some earlier versions need a QR scanner app. - **Tablets** — iPads and Android tablets work the same way. - **Laptops** — Some webcam-based QR readers exist, but the primary use case is phones.
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