How to Create a QR Code for Your Wi-Fi Network

How a Wi-Fi QR code works

A QR code can store any short text. Phones recognize a special format that starts with WIFI: and offer to join the network automatically:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyHomeNetwork;P:correct-horse-battery;H:false;;

• T: security type: WPA (covers WPA, WPA2 and usually WPA3), WEP, or nopass for open networks.
• S: the network name (SSID), exactly as it appears, including capitals.
• P: the password.
• H: true if the network is hidden.

Special characters (\ ; , : ") in the name or password must be escaped with a backslash. A good generator does this for you.

The network details are stored in the image itself. There's no website in between, so the code never expires and doesn't depend on any service staying online.

How to create a Wi-Fi QR code, step by step

1. Find your network name and password. They're often on a sticker on your router, or in your computer's Wi-Fi settings.
2. Open the free QR Code Generator and choose Wi-Fi.
3. Enter the network name exactly, the password, and the security type (WPA/WPA2 for almost all modern routers).
4. Tick hidden network only if your network doesn't broadcast its name.
5. Customize the colors and style if you like, keeping strong contrast.
6. Download a PNG for screens or an SVG for printing.
7. Test it with your own phone before printing.

The code is generated in your browser, so your Wi-Fi password is never sent to a server. That's worth checking with any QR generator you use for passwords.

How guests scan it

• iPhone: open the Camera app, point it at the code, and tap the "Join network" banner.
• Android: open the Camera app or Google Lens, point it at the code, and tap to connect. On many phones, you can also tap the QR icon in the Wi-Fi settings.

Some phones can also share a network as a QR code: on Android, go to your Wi-Fi network settings and tap Share. Generating your own lets you print a durable, nicely designed version.

Printing tips

• Size: at least 3 × 3 cm (about 1.2 in) for scanning from close up. Make it bigger for a wall poster.
• Contrast: dark code on a light background. Light-on-dark codes fail on some phones.
• Margin: leave a white border around the code ("quiet zone") at least four modules wide.
• Error correction: choose Q or H for printed codes that may get scratched or partly covered.
• Label it: add the network name and "Scan to join Wi-Fi", plus the password in text for laptops without cameras.
• Protect it: laminate it or put it in a frame.

Where to use a Wi-Fi QR code

• Home: on the fridge or in the guest room.
• Cafés, restaurants and shops: on tables, menus or the counter.
• Rentals and hotels: in the welcome guide.
• Offices: in meeting rooms for the guest network.
• Events: on badges or signs.

Security tips

• Use a guest network for visitors and customers. Most routers can create one that's isolated from your computers, printers and smart devices.
• Use WPA2 or WPA3 with a long password. Avoid WEP, which is obsolete and insecure.
• Change the guest password occasionally, especially in businesses, and print a new code.
• Don't post it online. A photo of your Wi-Fi code on social media shares your password.

Troubleshooting

• "Unable to join": check the network name and password, including capital letters and spaces.
• Phone doesn't react: improve lighting and contrast, make the code larger, or try a different camera app.
• Hidden network: make sure the hidden option was set when creating the code.
• Changed password? The old code stops working. Generate and print a new one.

Frequently asked questions

Do Wi-Fi QR codes expire?

No. The details are in the image, so the code works until you change your network name or password.

Is it safe to use an online QR code generator for my Wi-Fi password?

Only if it generates the code locally. Ours runs entirely in your browser and sends nothing to a server.

Does it work on laptops?

Laptops rarely scan QR codes for Wi-Fi. Print the network name and password next to the code for them.

What else can I put in a QR code?

Links, plain text, email, phone numbers, SMS messages and contact cards (vCard). Our generator supports all of them.

The bottom line

A Wi-Fi QR code takes a minute to make and saves everyone the hassle of typing passwords. Create it locally, test it, print it big and clear, and use a separate guest network to keep your own devices safe.