How to Share WiFi with a QR Code

WiFi QR codes let guests connect to your network instantly by scanning a code with their phone camera. No more spelling out long passwords, dealing with mixed-up characters, or watching someone type "l" instead of "1". The phone reads the network name, password, and encryption type from the QR code and connects automatically. It works on both iOS (11 and later) and Android (10 and later).

Step-by-Step Guide

Find your network name (SSID)

Your WiFi network name (SSID) is the name that appears when devices search for available networks. You can find it on a sticker on your router, in your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), or in your device's WiFi settings under the currently connected network.

Know your password and encryption type

You'll need your WiFi password and the encryption type. Most modern routers use WPA2 or WPA3. Check your router's admin panel or the sticker on the router. If your network is open (no password), select "None" as the encryption type.

Generate the QR code

Open the QR Code Generator, switch to the WiFi tab, and enter your network name, password, and encryption type. If your network is hidden (doesn't broadcast its SSID), check the "Hidden network" option. The QR code will generate automatically as you type.

Print or share the QR code

Download the QR code as a PNG (for digital sharing) or SVG (for high-quality printing). Print it and display it where guests can easily scan it -- near the entrance, on the fridge, by the router, or in a guest room.

WiFi Encryption Types

WPA3

Strongest

The latest WiFi security standard (2018+). Uses SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) for stronger protection against password guessing attacks. Recommended if your router and all devices support it.

WPA2

Strong

The most widely used standard since 2004. Uses AES encryption and is supported by virtually all devices. This is what most home and business networks use. Select "WPA" in the generator (covers both WPA and WPA2).

WPA

Adequate

The original WPA standard from 2003. Uses TKIP encryption, which is less secure than AES. If your router still uses WPA (not WPA2), consider upgrading your router or its firmware.

WEP

Weak

An outdated encryption standard with known vulnerabilities. Can be cracked in minutes with freely available tools. If your network uses WEP, upgrade to WPA2 or WPA3 immediately.

Open (None)

No encryption

No password required. Anyone in range can connect and potentially intercept traffic. Only appropriate for intentionally public networks (cafes, airports) where a captive portal handles authentication.

How It Works Under the Hood

WiFi QR codes use a standardized format that mobile operating systems recognize:

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

T = encryption type (WPA, WEP, or nopass), S = network name (SSID), P = password, H = hidden network (true/false). Special characters in the SSID or password are escaped automatically.

Where to Display It

-Print on a card or label and place it near your front door, on the fridge, or in the guest bedroom.
-Frame it alongside your WiFi network name for guests who prefer to type the password manually.
-For businesses, display it at the reception desk, on table tents, or on the wall near seating areas.
-Include it in your Airbnb or vacation rental welcome guide, both printed and as a digital image.
-Laminate the printout to protect it from wear and make it easy to wipe clean.

Security Considerations

-Anyone who sees or photographs the QR code can extract the password. Treat it like a written-down password.
-Consider using a separate guest network with limited access instead of sharing your main network credentials.
-If you change your WiFi password, remember to regenerate and reprint the QR code.
-For public spaces, don't place WiFi QR codes where they could be replaced by malicious ones (e.g., stickers swapped by attackers).

Guest Network Tip

Most modern routers support a separate guest network that isolates visitors from your main devices (computers, printers, smart home gadgets). Set up a guest network with its own password, then create a QR code for that network. This way, guests get internet access without being able to see or interact with your personal devices.

Create your WiFi QR code

Generate a scannable WiFi QR code in seconds. Just enter your network name and password.

Open QR Code Generator