How to Make a Wi-Fi QR Code for Your Home, Shop or Office
To make a Wi-Fi QR code, choose the Wi-Fi type in a QR code generator, enter your network name (SSID) exactly as it appears, the password, and the security type (WPA for most routers), then download and print the code. Guests open their phone camera, point it at the code and tap the prompt to join, without typing the password.
How a Wi-Fi QR code works
A Wi-Fi QR code stores your network details in a standard text format that phones understand, for example:
WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyShopWiFi;P:my-password;;
T is the security type, S is the network name and P is the password. When a phone camera reads this, it offers to join the network directly. Nothing is sent to the internet; the details are inside the printed code.
What you need before you start
- Network name (SSID): exactly as it appears in your phone's Wi-Fi list, including capital letters and spaces.
- Password: exactly as set on the router. Special characters such as ; , : and " are handled automatically by our generator.
- Security type: usually WPA/WPA2. You can see it in the router's admin page or on the label under the router.
Step by step
- Open the QR code generator and choose Wi-Fi as the type.
- Enter the network name and password, and pick the security type.
- Keep the code dark on a light background; coloured codes are fine if the contrast is strong.
- Download SVG for printing or PNG for sharing on screen.
- Test it: turn off Wi-Fi on a phone that has not joined before, scan the code and check that it connects.
Printing and placing the code
- Print it at least 3 × 3 cm so it scans easily from arm's length; larger for walls and counters.
- Keep the white border around the code; scanners need it to find the edges.
- Add a short line above it, such as "Scan to join our Wi-Fi", and the network name below it for people who prefer to type.
- Laminate it or put it in a frame in shops and cafés so it does not get damaged.
Keeping your network safe
- Use a guest network. Most modern routers can create a separate guest network that cannot see your computers, printers or cameras. Put the guest network in the QR code.
- Change the guest password now and then, especially in busy places, and print a new code when you do.
- Hidden networks: if your network name is hidden, many phones will not join from a QR code. Make the guest network visible.
Frequently asked questions
Which security type should I choose?
Choose WPA for networks secured with WPA or WPA2, which covers most home and office routers. Choose WEP only for very old routers, and None for open networks with no password.
Does a Wi-Fi QR code work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Recent iPhones and most Android phones read Wi-Fi QR codes with the built-in camera app or Google Lens, and show a prompt to join the network.
What happens if I change my Wi-Fi password?
The old QR code stops working because the password is stored inside the code. Create and print a new one after every password change.
Is it safe to put a Wi-Fi QR code on the wall?
Anyone who can scan it can join your network, the same as if they saw the password. In shops and offices, use a separate guest network for the QR code and keep your main network private.
Does the QR code expire?
No. A Wi-Fi QR code made here is static: the details are inside the pattern, so it works until you change the network name or password.