How to Create a WiFi QR Code (Step-by-Step Guide)

Why Use a WiFi QR Code?

Sharing your WiFi password the traditional way is tedious — you have to find the password, spell it out, and wait for the other person to type it correctly. WiFi QR codes solve this in seconds.

When someone scans a WiFi QR code with their phone:

The phone detects the WiFi credentials encoded in the QR code
A prompt appears asking to join the network
One tap and they're connected — no typing required

This works on both iPhone (iOS 11+) and Android phones using the built-in camera app or any QR code scanner.

Step 1: Gather Your WiFi Details

Before creating the QR code, you'll need three pieces of information:

Network Name (SSID): The name that appears when you search for WiFi networks. This is case-sensitive.
Security Type: Usually WPA/WPA2 (the most common for home and office networks). Older networks may use WEP, and some public networks have no password.
Password: Your WiFi password, exactly as it is (case-sensitive).

How to Find Your WiFi Details

If you don't know your WiFi details:

Check the router label: Most routers have the default SSID and password printed on a sticker
On Windows: Open Settings → Network → WiFi → your network → Properties → Security → Show characters
On Mac: Open Keychain Access → search for your network name → check "Show password"
On your phone: Go to WiFi settings → tap on your connected network → share/show password

Step 2: Create the QR Code

You have several options for creating a WiFi QR code:

Option A: Use Our Free Online Tool

The quickest way is to use our WiFi QR Code Generator. Just enter your network name, select the security type, type your password, and click "Generate." Everything runs in your browser — your password is never sent to any server.

Option B: Use the Scan & Generate App

If you want to create the QR code on your phone with custom colors and logo options, the Scan & Generate app has a built-in WiFi QR code template. You can also save it to your phone and share it directly.

Step 3: Print or Display the QR Code

Once you've generated the QR code, you can:

Print it out and stick it near your router, on the fridge, or by the entrance
Add it to a welcome guide for Airbnb, hotel, or office guests
Include it on a menu for restaurants and cafes
Frame it as a small sign for your home
Send it digitally via email or messaging before guests arrive

The WiFi QR Code Format

If you're curious about the technical details, WiFi QR codes use a standard format:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetworkName;P:MyPassword;H:false;;

Where:

T: Security type (WPA, WEP, or nopass)
S: SSID (network name)
P: Password
H: Whether the network is hidden (true/false)

Special characters in the SSID or password (like semicolons, colons, backslashes, and commas) need to be escaped with a backslash.

Compatibility

WiFi QR codes work on:

iPhone: iOS 11 and later (built-in camera app)
Android: Android 10+ (built-in), older versions with any QR scanner app
Samsung: Built-in camera supports it from One UI

One important note: iPhones cannot connect to WEP networks via QR code. If you're using an older WEP network, consider upgrading to WPA2 for both security and compatibility.

Tips for the Best Results

Print at a good size: At least 2cm × 2cm for easy scanning. Bigger is better if it'll be scanned from a distance.
High contrast: Stick with dark codes on a light background. Avoid colored codes for WiFi sharing — readability matters.
Test it first: Always scan the QR code yourself before printing to make sure it connects correctly.
Update when you change your password: Since the password is embedded in the QR code, you'll need to regenerate it if you change your WiFi password.
Consider a guest network: Instead of sharing your main WiFi, set up a separate guest network with limited access and share that via QR code.