What Is a WiFi QR Code?
A WiFi QR code is a QR code that encodes your network name (SSID) and password in a standard format called the WiFi Network Configuration format. When a customer or guest scans it with their phone camera, the phone automatically prompts them to join the network — no typing required.
The format used is: WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourNetworkName;P:YourPassword;;
This is a widely supported standard. iPhones running iOS 11 and above and virtually all Android phones running Android 10+ can read WiFi QR codes natively through the default camera app, with no additional app needed.
Who Should Use a WiFi QR Code?
Cafes & Restaurants
Print the QR code on table cards. Customers scan to connect — no more staff repeating the password 50 times a day.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Include a WiFi QR code in the room welcome card. Guests connect the moment they walk in, without calling reception.
Offices & Coworking Spaces
Mount a framed QR code at the reception desk or in meeting rooms. Visitors and contractors connect instantly.
Homes
Frame a small print of your home WiFi QR code. Guests scan it themselves — you never have to look up the password again.
Step-by-Step: Create Your WiFi QR Code
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Open QRForge and select the WiFi tab
Go to qrforge.store and click the WiFi tab. No login needed.
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Enter your network name (SSID)
Type your WiFi network name exactly as it appears — including any capital letters, spaces, or special characters. This is case-sensitive.
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Enter your WiFi password
Type your current WiFi password. If you're not sure what it is, check the sticker on the back of your router, or go to your router's admin panel.
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Select your security type
Most modern routers use WPA/WPA2. If you set up your router in the last 5 years, select WPA/WPA2. Older routers may use WEP. If your network has no password, select None (Open).
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Click Generate and test immediately
Generate the QR code and scan it with your phone before printing anything. Confirm it connects you to the correct network.
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Download as PNG or SVG
Download PNG for digital sharing. Download SVG for printing — it will remain sharp at any size, from a small card to an A4 framed print.
Security note: Your WiFi password is encoded directly into the QR code image. Anyone who has the image file can extract the password using a QR reader. Treat your WiFi QR code like you treat your password — don't post it publicly online. Print it for physical display only.
Troubleshooting: WiFi QR Code Not Working?
If your WiFi QR code generates but the phone won't connect, check these common issues:
Wrong security type
The most common cause. If you selected WPA but your router uses WPA2, the connection will fail silently on some devices. Try generating the code again with WPA2 selected. Modern routers (post-2018) almost always use WPA2.
Wrong SSID or password
Check for typos. The SSID and password fields are case-sensitive. "MyHome" and "myhome" are different. A single wrong character breaks the code.
Hidden network
If your WiFi network is set to hidden (not broadcast its name), standard QR code scanning may not auto-connect on all devices. Consider unhiding your guest network, or use the hidden network option in your router settings.
iOS version
WiFi QR scanning requires iOS 11 or above. If a guest is on an older iPhone, they will need to enter the password manually.
How to Display Your WiFi QR Code
Best placements for cafes and restaurants
Table tents work best — visible immediately when seated, doesn't require looking around the room. Mount at eye level if using a wall sign. At the entrance is also effective if guests frequently stand outside browsing phones while waiting.
Print size recommendations
For table display, 6cm × 6cm is a comfortable scanning size. For wall signs, 15cm × 15cm ensures scanning from across a room. Always download SVG for printing — this ensures the code stays crisp at any size.
Add context text
Print "Scan for Free WiFi" above the QR code. This tells guests what it does instantly without having to figure it out. Include your network name below the code as a fallback for older devices.
Consider creating a separate guest WiFi network on your router and using that password for the QR code. This keeps your main network secure while giving guests easy access. Most modern routers support guest networks in their admin settings.
What Happens If You Change Your Password?
If you change your WiFi password, your existing QR code will stop working — it still encodes the old password. You'll need to generate a new QR code with the updated password and reprint any physical displays. This is one reason many businesses create a dedicated guest network with a stable password that rarely changes.
Create Your Free WiFi QR Code
Generate in seconds. No account needed. Download and print immediately.
Generate Free WiFi QR Code →Frequently Asked Questions
Does a WiFi QR code work on iPhone?
Yes. iPhones running iOS 11 or later can scan WiFi QR codes natively through the default Camera app. Point the camera at the code and a notification appears at the top of the screen to join the network.
Does a WiFi QR code work on Android?
Yes. Most Android phones running Android 10 or later support WiFi QR codes through the default camera app. Older Android devices may need a QR code scanner app.
Is it safe to create a WiFi QR code?
Yes, with normal precautions. Your password is encoded in the QR image. Display the printed code in your physical space but avoid posting the image file online.
Can someone steal my WiFi password from the QR code?
Anyone with the QR code image can extract the password using a standard QR scanner app. This is why WiFi QR codes are for physical display only — not for posting on websites or social media.
What security type should I choose?
Select WPA/WPA2 for most modern routers. If your router was set up in the last 5 years, WPA/WPA2 is almost certainly correct. WEP is an older, less secure standard. "None" is for open networks with no password.