How to Make a QR Code for Wi-Fi (Free, Step by Step)

To make a QR code for Wi-Fi, you need three things: your network name (SSID) exactly as it appears, the password, and the security type, which is WPA/WPA2 for almost every home network. Put those into a Wi-Fi QR code generator, save the code, and print it or show it on your screen. Guests point their phone camera at it and join without typing anything.

Android can do this from its own settings. On iPhone, or if you want a printable code, use a generator app or website. All the options are below.

What goes into a Wi-Fi QR code? #

A Wi-Fi QR code stores a short line of text in a widely supported format. For a network called “Home Fiber” with the password “sunny-side-up-42” it looks like this:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:Home Fiber;P:sunny-side-up-42;;

T: is the security type: WPA (covers WPA and WPA2), WEP for very old routers, or nopass for an open network.
S: is the network name. It has to match exactly, including capital letters and spaces.
P: is the password, also case-sensitive.
H:true is added for hidden networks that don’t broadcast their name.

Special characters like ;, ,, : and \ in a name or password have to be escaped with a backslash. A good generator does this for you. A homemade code with an unescaped semicolon in the password will scan but won’t connect.

Before you start: find your network name and password #

Network name: on a phone that’s connected, it’s shown at the top of your Wi-Fi settings.
Password: check the sticker on your router, your router’s app, or a device that’s already connected. On iPhone, saved Wi-Fi passwords are in the Passwords app on iOS 18 and later; Apple’s guide covers how to find and share your Wi-Fi password.
Security type: if your router settings say WPA2 or WPA2/WPA3, choose WPA/WPA2. Choose WEP only if the router says WEP.

Make a Wi-Fi QR code on Android (built in) #

Android can show a QR code for the network you’re connected to. Google’s steps:

Open Settings.
Tap Network & internet, then Internet.
Tap your Wi-Fi network, then tap Share.
A QR code appears. Your friend scans it with their phone.

Google notes that some of these steps work only on Android 12 and up, and menus differ slightly between phone makers. This is handy for one-off sharing. It isn’t built for printing, so for a code on the fridge or at a front desk, use one of the options below.

Make a Wi-Fi QR code with an app (iPhone or Android) #

QR Handler has a dedicated Wi-Fi mode on its Create tab, and it works the same on iPhone and Android:

Open the Create tab and choose WiFi.
Type the network name (SSID) exactly as it appears.
Type the password. You can tap to show it and check for typos.
Pick the security type: WPA/WPA2, WEP or No password.
Turn on Hidden network only if your network doesn’t broadcast its name.
Tap Generate QR code.
Save to Photos to print it later, or Share it to send or print.

It handles the escaping of special characters for you, and you can choose one of six dark color presets that stay scannable. Tapping the finished code shows it full screen with the brightness turned up, which is the quickest way to let a guest scan it straight off your phone. The code is also kept in your history with a label, like “Guest Wi-Fi,” so you can pull it up again.

Make one with a free website #

Many free generator websites have a Wi-Fi option. Check two things before using one:

It makes a static code. A Wi-Fi code should hold the network details directly. You don’t want a “dynamic” code that routes through the website’s servers, which can stop working if a trial ends. See static vs dynamic QR codes.
You’re comfortable typing your password into it. Your Wi-Fi password is in the code either way, but you’re giving it to a website to build it. A generator that runs on your phone avoids that.

How guests scan it #

iPhone: open the Camera, point it at the code, and tap the join prompt.
Android: point the camera at the code, or open Wi-Fi settings and tap the QR icon next to Add network. See how to scan a QR code on Android.
Laptops generally can’t join from a QR code. Keep the password written somewhere for those.

If a guest scans with a scanner app instead of the camera, the app may show the network and password rather than joining. QR Handler, for example, shows all the details and copies the password for you to paste into Wi-Fi settings.

Keep your network safe #

A Wi-Fi QR code is your password in a different form. Anyone who can photograph it can join, and any scanner can reveal the password in plain text.

Use a guest network if your router supports one. Guests get internet access without reaching your computers, printers and smart home devices.
Don’t post the code where strangers can see it, like a front window or a photo on social media.
Remake the code when you change the password. A Wi-Fi QR code can’t update itself; it just holds the old password.
For a business, consider changing the guest password on a schedule and reprinting.

Printing tips #

Black or a dark color on white, with a clear margin around the code.
At least a few inches wide for a code people scan from across a table. Test it from the distance guests will stand.
Add a caption with the network name and “Scan to join Wi-Fi,” plus the password in text for laptops if you’re comfortable with that.
Laminate it or put it in a frame if it’ll be handled.

If a code you printed won’t connect, check the password inside it for typos. Our guide to a QR code not scanning covers the other common causes.

Frequently asked questions #

Is there a free Wi-Fi QR code generator? #

Yes. Android’s Wi-Fi settings make one for your current network, free apps including QR Handler make printable ones, and many websites do it for free. Choose one that makes a static code.

Do Wi-Fi QR codes expire? #

A static Wi-Fi QR code never expires by itself, but it stops working when you change the network name or password. Then you have to make a new one.

Can someone see my Wi-Fi password from the QR code? #

Yes. The password is stored in plain text inside the code, so any scanner app can display it. Treat the code the same way you’d treat the password written on paper.

Apple’s password sharing only works between Apple devices. Show a Wi-Fi QR code on your iPhone and let the Android phone scan it. Our guide on sharing a Wi-Fi password from iPhone to Android has the steps.