Question 1

How do WiFi QR codes work?

Accepted Answer

A WiFi QR code encodes your network credentials in a standard URI format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;H:false;;. When someone scans it with their phone's camera, iOS (11+) and Android (10+) recognise the format and show a 'Connect to network' prompt. One tap, they're connected — no typing. The QR is generated locally by this tool — the SSID and password never leave your browser.

Question 2

Does a WiFi QR code work on iPhone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. iPhone's native Camera app reads WiFi QR codes on iOS 11 and later (every iPhone from 2017 onwards). When scanned, iOS shows a yellow 'Join network' banner — tap it and you're connected. No app required. The same works on iPad. For older iOS versions, a third-party scanner app is needed.

Question 3

Does it work on Android?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Native Android QR support for WiFi starts at Android 10 (most Pixel, Samsung Galaxy from 2019+). Google Lens and the default camera decode the WIFI: URI and offer one-tap connect. On older Android, Google Lens, QR scanner apps, or the Settings > Network > Add with QR option all work. Samsung's Bixby Vision also supports it.

Question 4

Which security types are supported?

Accepted Answer

The WIFI: URI standard supports WPA (which covers WPA2 and WPA3 in practice), WEP (legacy — avoid), and 'nopass' for open networks. Our generator encodes whichever you select. If your router uses WPA2 or WPA3, pick 'WPA' — phones auto-detect the specific variant during connection.

Question 5

Can I use a WiFi QR code for hidden networks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tick the 'Hidden network' checkbox when generating. The QR then includes H:true, telling the scanner to treat the SSID as hidden and add it manually. The device will connect but the network won't appear in the visible networks list.

Question 6

Is it safe to print a WiFi QR code?

Accepted Answer

For a guest-only network — yes, that's what it's for. For your primary home or office WiFi, treat the QR exactly like the password itself: don't post it publicly. Best practice: create a separate guest network on your router, give it a different password, and print the guest QR. Most modern routers (Asus, TP-Link, Google Nest, eero) support guest networks in one click.

Question 7

Does the QR code expire?

Accepted Answer

No. A WiFi QR is static — it encodes exactly the credentials you entered, forever. It keeps working as long as the SSID and password on your router don't change. If you change your WiFi password, you need to regenerate and reprint the QR — anyone with the old QR no longer connects.

Question 8

Can I add a logo to a WiFi QR code?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use the Design panel to upload a logo image (router brand, cafe logo, company mark) — it overlays on the centre of the QR and Reed-Solomon error correction keeps the code scannable. We auto-bump error correction level to H (30% recovery) when a logo is present so the code stays readable at any print size.

Question 9

What size should I print a WiFi QR code for my cafe?

Accepted Answer

For a table-card or counter sticker, 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) square scans reliably from 30 cm away. For a wall poster at standing height (1-2 metres viewing distance), make the QR at least 4 inches (10 cm) square. Download at 1024px or 2048px for crisp print at any size. Leave a white quiet-zone border around the code (4 modules minimum) for reliable scanning.

Question 10

What are common use cases for WiFi QR codes?

Accepted Answer

Cafes and restaurants stick them on each table so customers connect instantly. Hotels and Airbnbs print them in the welcome binder or on the fridge. Offices use them at reception for visitors. Homes tape them inside a kitchen cabinet or frame them for guests. Conferences and events put them on badges or lanyards. Any place where repeated 'what's the WiFi password?' questions waste time is a candidate.

Question 11

Can I include special characters in the password?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our generator automatically escapes the four characters that have special meaning in the WIFI: URI format: backslash (\), semicolon (;), comma (,), and double-quote ("). So a password like 'abc;xyz' is encoded as 'abc\;xyz' in the QR — but when scanned it's decoded back to the original. You don't need to do any manual escaping yourself.

Question 12

How is this different from a standard QR code generator?

Accepted Answer

Any general QR generator can encode the WIFI: URI if you paste it manually — but you have to know the exact syntax, escape characters correctly, and remember semicolons. This tool has a dedicated form: you type SSID and password into labelled fields, pick security from a dropdown, and we build the URI string for you. It's the same QR output — just without the risk of typos in the URI syntax. Use our general [QR Code Generator](/qr-generator) for URLs, text, vCard, and other types.

How a WiFi QR Code Works

How to Create a WiFi QR Code (Step by Step)

Use Cases: Where WiFi QR Codes Save Time

Security Best Practices

Compatibility: Which Phones Auto-Connect?

Print Size Guide

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions About WiFi QR Codes

How do WiFi QR codes work?

How do WiFi QR codes work?

Does a WiFi QR code work on iPhone?

Does a WiFi QR code work on iPhone?

Does it work on Android?

Does it work on Android?

Which security types are supported?

Which security types are supported?

Can I use a WiFi QR code for hidden networks?

Can I use a WiFi QR code for hidden networks?

Is it safe to print a WiFi QR code?

Is it safe to print a WiFi QR code?

Does the QR code expire?

Does the QR code expire?

Can I add a logo to a WiFi QR code?

Can I add a logo to a WiFi QR code?

What size should I print a WiFi QR code for my cafe?

What size should I print a WiFi QR code for my cafe?

What are common use cases for WiFi QR codes?

What are common use cases for WiFi QR codes?

Can I include special characters in the password?

Can I include special characters in the password?

How is this different from a standard QR code generator?

How is this different from a standard QR code generator?

How a WiFi QR Code Works

How to Create a WiFi QR Code (Step by Step)

Use Cases: Where WiFi QR Codes Save Time

Security Best Practices

Compatibility: Which Phones Auto-Connect?

Print Size Guide

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions About WiFi QR Codes

How do WiFi QR codes work?

How do WiFi QR codes work?

Does a WiFi QR code work on iPhone?

Does a WiFi QR code work on iPhone?

Does it work on Android?

Does it work on Android?

Which security types are supported?

Which security types are supported?

Can I use a WiFi QR code for hidden networks?

Can I use a WiFi QR code for hidden networks?

Is it safe to print a WiFi QR code?

Is it safe to print a WiFi QR code?

Does the QR code expire?

Does the QR code expire?

Can I add a logo to a WiFi QR code?

Can I add a logo to a WiFi QR code?

What size should I print a WiFi QR code for my cafe?

What size should I print a WiFi QR code for my cafe?

What are common use cases for WiFi QR codes?

What are common use cases for WiFi QR codes?

Can I include special characters in the password?

Can I include special characters in the password?

How is this different from a standard QR code generator?

How is this different from a standard QR code generator?