How to Make a Wi-Fi QR Code So Guests Connect Without Typing the Password

To make a Wi-Fi QR code, enter your network name (SSID), password and security type into a free generator, then print the code where guests can see it. When a guest points a modern iPhone or Android camera at it, the phone offers to join the network with one tap — nobody has to type or spell out a password again.

This guide shows you how to do it in about two minutes with our free QR code generator, where to find the details you need, which security option to choose, and how to fix a code that won’t connect.

What you need before you start

You need three pieces of information. Get them exactly right, because a Wi-Fi QR code copies them character for character.

• Network name (SSID). SSID stands for “service set identifier” — it’s simply the name guests see in their Wi-Fi list, such as CafeRosa-Guest.
• Password (sometimes called the network key or WPA key).
• Security type — WPA2, WPA3, the outdated WEP, or none.

Where to find your network name and password

• The router sticker. Most routers have a label on the back or underneath showing the default network name and password. If you’ve never changed them, that’s what you need.
• Your broadband provider’s app. Many providers let you see and change the Wi-Fi name, password and guest network from their app.
• The router’s settings page. You usually open it in a browser at an address printed on the sticker. Look for a section called Wireless, Wi-Fi or Guest network. The security type is shown in the same place.
• A phone that’s already connected. On many Android phones you can open the Wi-Fi network in Settings and tap Share to see the password; recent iPhones can show a saved Wi-Fi password in Settings after Face ID or your passcode.

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

1. Open the free QR code generator. There’s nothing to install and no sign-up.
2. In the Content section, choose Wi-Fi.
3. Type your network name into Network name (SSID). Copy it exactly, including capital letters, spaces and symbols.
4. Type the password into Password.
5. Choose the Security option: WPA/WPA2/WPA3 for almost every network today, WEP only for very old equipment, or None for an open network with no password.
6. Tick Hidden network only if your network doesn’t appear in the Wi-Fi list (most don’t need this).
7. Optional: pick a look under Style and Colours, and add your logo under Logo. Keep the code dark on a light background.
8. Open Frame & text and choose a frame with the text FREE WI-FI, so people know what the code does before they scan.
9. Wait for the preview to show Scan test passed. If you see a warning, follow its tips (usually more contrast or a smaller logo).
10. Click Download PNG for printing at home (choose 2048 px under Image size) or SVG for a designer or print shop — it stays sharp at any size.
11. Before printing lots of copies, test it: forget the network on your own phone, scan the code and check that it joins.

Your details are turned into the code in your browser. Because it’s a static code, the network details live inside the pattern itself, so it keeps working for as long as your network name and password stay the same. Read more in static vs dynamic QR codes and whether QR codes expire.

Which security option should you choose?

Pick the option that matches what your router shows. If it says WPA2, WPA3 or a mix (“WPA2/WPA3”), use the WPA option.

What’s inside a Wi-Fi QR code? (the standard format)

A Wi-Fi QR code is just a short line of text in a format that phone cameras recognise. It was popularised by the open-source ZXing barcode project and is now read by the iPhone and Android cameras. It looks like this:

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

• T: — security type: WPA, WEP or nopass.
• S: — the network name (SSID). This is the only required field.
• P: — the password (left out for open networks).
• H: — true if the network is hidden; optional.
• Each field ends with a semicolon, and the whole thing ends with two: ;;

Special characters in the name or password

Because ; and : separate the fields, five characters must be “escaped” with a backslash in front: \ ; , : ". For example, the password tea;time:2026 is written like this:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:CafeRosa-Guest;P:tea\;time\:2026;;

You don’t have to do this by hand — a good generator escapes these characters for you. It’s still worth knowing, because a badly escaped symbol is one of the most common reasons a code “scans but won’t connect”. If you’re choosing a new guest password, letters and numbers only (12+ characters) avoids the problem entirely.

Which phones can scan a Wi-Fi QR code?

• iPhone and iPad: the built-in Camera app has read Wi-Fi QR codes since iOS 11 (2017). Point the camera at the code and tap the Join prompt. If nothing happens, check that Scan QR Codes is switched on in Settings → Camera. See Apple’s guide to scanning a QR code with iPhone.
• Android: Android 10 and later can share and join Wi-Fi with a QR code built into the system, and most current phones read the code straight from the camera app or Google Lens. On some models the scanner sits in Settings → Wi-Fi, next to “Add network”. See Google’s help page on connecting to Wi-Fi on Android.
• Older phones and laptops: very old Android phones may need a scanner app, and most laptops can’t scan these codes. Menus also vary by phone maker and version, which is why you should always print the password as text too.

Keep it secure

• Use a separate guest network. Never put your main or staff network on a public sign. Anyone who scans the code — or photographs it — has your password.
• Never use the router’s admin password. The Wi-Fi password and the password for the router’s settings page are different things. Only the Wi-Fi one goes in the code.
• Change the guest password now and then — for example every few months, or when a staff member leaves. Then make a new code and reprint the cards. The old code simply stops connecting.
• Print the password as text under the code (for example “Network: CafeRosa-Guest · Password: blue-teapot-48”) for people whose phones can’t scan, and for laptops.

Wi-Fi QR code not working? Troubleshooting

• The network name doesn’t match exactly. SSIDs are case-sensitive: CafeRosa and caferosa are different networks. Watch for trailing spaces too.
• Wrong security type. A WPA2 network saved as WEP or None won’t connect. Check the router settings and choose again.
• Hidden network. If your network doesn’t broadcast its name, tick Hidden network; without it, the phone may find nothing to join. Untick it if the network is visible.
• Special characters. Passwords with ; : , " \ or emoji can trip up some phones. Test on both an iPhone and an Android, or switch to a letters-and-numbers password.
• It joins but there’s no internet. The code did its job; the network is the problem. If you use a sign-in page (captive portal), the phone should open it after joining — if not, guests can open any website to trigger it.
• 5 GHz-only or WPA3-only networks. Some older phones can’t see 5 GHz networks or can’t join WPA3-only ones. A guest network with both 2.4 and 5 GHz and WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode is the most compatible.
• The camera won’t pick it up. The code is probably too small, too low in contrast or on glossy, reflective card. On a table card, aim for at least 3 × 3 cm. See what size a QR code should be for the distance rule and a test checklist.

Where to put your Wi-Fi QR code

• Cafés and restaurants: table tents next to the menu code, a sticker on the counter by the till, or a small sign on the wall by laptop-friendly seats.
• Bars and pubs: on the bar itself, beer mats or the back of the drinks menu.
• Airbnbs, holiday lets and B&Bs: in a frame by the front door, inside the welcome book and on the fridge. Guests usually want Wi-Fi in the first five minutes.
• Offices and co-working spaces: at reception and in meeting rooms, for visitors only — staff stay on the main network.

Running a restaurant with a digital menu? Your QR Dining menu can show your Wi-Fi name and password in its footer text, alongside opening hours, so guests see it every time they open the menu. You can also put the Wi-Fi code and the menu code side by side on the same table card.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Wi-Fi QR code safe?

It’s exactly as safe as writing the password on a sign — anyone who scans it can join. That’s fine for a guest network kept separate from your business systems, but never use it for your main network.

Do Wi-Fi QR codes expire?

No. A Wi-Fi QR code is static, so the details are stored inside the code and it works indefinitely. It only stops working if you change the network name, password or security type.

Can an iPhone scan a Wi-Fi QR code without an app?

Yes. Since iOS 11 the Camera app recognises Wi-Fi QR codes and shows a prompt to join the network.

Why does my phone say it can’t join the network after scanning?

Usually the network name or password doesn’t match exactly, the wrong security type was chosen, or a special character wasn’t escaped. Re-check the details on your router and make the code again.

Can I track how many people scan my Wi-Fi QR code?

No. A Wi-Fi code connects the phone directly to your network without visiting any web page, so there’s nothing to count.

Can I put my Wi-Fi and menu in one QR code?

Not in a way phones handle reliably — one code does one job. Use two codes next to each other, or show the Wi-Fi details in your menu’s footer.