How to Create a Wi-Fi QR Code

Published December 20, 2025 · Updated February 2026

Tired of spelling out your Wi-Fi password letter by letter every time a friend or guest comes over? A Wi-Fi QR code lets anyone connect to your network with a single scan — no typing required. This guide shows you how to create one in under a minute, where to display it, and how to keep your network secure.

How Wi-Fi QR Codes Work

A Wi-Fi QR code encodes your network name (SSID), password, and encryption type into a standard format that smartphones and tablets understand natively. When someone scans the code with their phone camera, the device automatically recognizes it as Wi-Fi credentials and offers to connect — no manual entry needed. The format is an open standard supported by both iOS (since iOS 11) and Android (since Android 10), so it works across virtually all modern smartphones.

Step-by-Step: Create Your Wi-Fi QR Code

1. Go to our QR Code Generator and click the Wi-Fi tab.
2. Enter your network name (SSID) — this is the name that appears in your device's Wi-Fi list. It's case-sensitive, so type it exactly as it appears.
3. Enter your Wi-Fi password — again, this is case-sensitive.
4. Select your encryption type — most modern routers use WPA/WPA2. If you're unsure, check your router settings or the sticker on the bottom of your router. Older networks may use WEP, and open networks (no password) should select "None."
5. Click Generate QR Code — your Wi-Fi QR code appears instantly.
6. Download it as PNG (for printing or digital use) or SVG (for high-quality prints at any size).

The entire process takes about 30 seconds, and the QR code is generated entirely in your browser — your Wi-Fi password is never sent to any server.

How to Find Your Wi-Fi Details

If you're not sure what your network name or password is, here's how to find it. On most routers, the default SSID and password are printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device. If you've changed the defaults, you can find your current settings by logging into your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in your browser). On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > your network > Properties to see the network name, and use the command prompt (netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetwork" key=clear) to reveal the password. On Mac, open Keychain Access and search for your network name to find the stored password.

Where to Display Your Wi-Fi QR Code

The best placement depends on your setting. For homes, consider printing the QR code on a small card and placing it on the coffee table, nightstand in a guest room, or the refrigerator. You can also frame it on the wall near the router. For businesses, display the QR code at the reception desk, on table tents in a cafe or restaurant, on a sign near the entrance, or in conference rooms. Hotels and Airbnbs often place Wi-Fi QR codes on bedside tables or inside welcome packets. The key is putting it somewhere guests will naturally look when they want to connect.

Customizing Your Wi-Fi QR Code

Our generator lets you customize colors and add a logo overlay to match your branding. For example, a café might use their brand colors and place their logo in the center of the code. If you're customizing, keep the contrast between the foreground and background high — dark modules on a light background work best. Avoid using light-on-light or dark-on-dark color combinations, as these make the code harder to scan. If you add a logo, keep it small (the error correction handles the obscured area, but larger logos reduce reliability).

Security Considerations

There are a few important things to keep in mind when using Wi-Fi QR codes. The password is encoded in plain text inside the QR code, which means anyone who scans it — or anyone who decodes the QR code image — can read your password. This is fine for guest networks, but you should think carefully before sharing your primary network credentials this way.

For the best security, consider setting up a separate guest network on your router. Most modern routers support this feature, and it keeps visitors on an isolated network that can't access your personal devices, shared files, or network storage. You can then create a Wi-Fi QR code for the guest network and share it freely without worrying about your main network's security.

If you change your Wi-Fi password, remember that any previously generated QR codes will stop working. You'll need to create and print a new one with the updated credentials.

Troubleshooting

If someone scans your Wi-Fi QR code and it doesn't connect, check these common issues. First, verify the SSID is typed exactly right — including capitalization, spaces, and special characters. Second, make sure the encryption type matches your router's actual setting. Third, confirm the password is correct. iPhones running iOS versions before iOS 11 don't support Wi-Fi QR codes, though this covers very few devices at this point. Some older Android phones may also require Google Lens to scan the code rather than the default camera app.

Frequently Asked Questions