How to create a wifi qr code
Open your QR code generator, paste the URL or text below into the URL field, and click Create. The QR code is ready to download as a PNG. For best print quality, use at least 300 DPI when placing it in design software.
WiFi QR code format - T = auth type (WPA, WEP, or nopass), S = network name (SSID), P = password. For a hidden network, add H:true; before the trailing ;;.
Need a dynamic QR code you can edit later? Create a free QR4Everyone account - paste your URL, get a short link with a QR code you can update any time without reprinting.
How the WiFi QR code format works
The WiFi format is a special QR code payload that iOS (since iOS 11) and Android can parse to auto-configure a WiFi connection. The device reads the network name, password, and security type from the encoded string and connects without the user having to type anything.
For an open (no-password) network: WIFI:T:nopass;S:NetworkName;;
For WPA2: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;
For a hidden WPA2 network: WIFI:T:WPA;S:HiddenNetwork;P:Password;H:true;;
If your SSID or password contains special characters like semicolons, colons, or backslashes, prefix them with a backslash. Example: a password of pass;word becomes P:pass\;word;.
When to use a WiFi QR code
- Restaurants and cafés - Print on the table card or menu. Guests connect without asking staff.
- Hotels and Airbnbs - Put on the welcome card or inside the door so guests connect the moment they arrive.
- Offices and coworking spaces - Guest WiFi without a receptionist handing out passwords.
- Retail stores - Let customers connect for in-store browsing without a staff interaction.
- Events and conferences - Print on badge lanyards or signage. Faster than reading out a 20-character password.
Security considerations
A WiFi QR code is only as secure as your network. Anyone who scans or photographs your printed code can join the network. Keep guest and internal networks separate (VLAN or separate SSID). Never encode your primary secured network on a publicly displayed code.
If you rotate your WiFi password regularly, use a dynamic QR code through a URL shortener - redirect the QR to a page with the current password, so you update the page without reprinting the code. Alternatively, keep a stable guest SSID and accept the tradeoff of rarely changing its password.