WiFi QR code generator
A WiFi QR code lets someone join your network by pointing their camera at it. No reading out a 20-character password, no typos. It is popular for homes, offices, cafés, rental properties and events.
What is inside the code
The code holds a short text string in a widely supported format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:mypassword;;. T is the security type, S the network name (SSID), and P the password. An optional H:true marks a hidden network. Phones recognise this format and offer to join.
Which phones can scan it
iPhones (iOS 11 and later) read WiFi codes from the built-in Camera app. Most Android phones do too, from the camera or Google Lens; on Android 10 and later you can also scan from the WiFi settings screen. Older devices may need a QR scanner app.
Filling in the fields
- Network name (SSID): type it exactly as it appears in your phone's WiFi list. It is case-sensitive, so "HomeWifi" and "homewifi" are different networks.
- Encryption: choose WPA/WPA2 for almost every modern router. Many WPA3 routers run in a mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode, where WPA/WPA2 works. Choose WEP only for very old equipment, and None only for open networks.
- Password: exactly as set on the router.
- Hidden network: tick this only if your network does not broadcast its name.
Special characters
In the WiFi format, the characters \ ; , : " have special meanings and must be escaped with a backslash. QRSnap does this for you, so type your network name and password normally.
If the code does not work
- Check the SSID and password for typos and capital letters.
- Check the encryption type matches the router settings.
- Make sure the guest is in range of the network you encoded (a 5 GHz-only network may have a different name from the 2.4 GHz one).
- If you change the WiFi password, the old code stops working. Make a new one.
Sharing WiFi safely
Anyone who can see the code can join your network, and the password is stored in plain text inside it. For visitors, a guest network is the safer choice, since most routers can keep guests away from your computers, printers and other devices. Avoid posting a code for your main network in a public window, and change the guest password from time to time.
Printing tips
Print the code at least 3–4 cm wide for a table card or fridge sign, and add a line of text such as "Scan to join WiFi" with the network name underneath, for people whose phones cannot scan. Download SVG if you are sending it to a printer.
QRSnap builds the code in your browser. The password you type is not sent anywhere.