How do I make a WiFi QR code?
A WiFi QR code is a plain text string in the form WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;. Paste that into the generator with your own network name and password, and any iPhone running iOS 11 or later or Android phone running Android 10 or later will offer to join the network when it scans the code.
The format
WIFI:T:WPA;S:CafeGuest;P:flatwhite2026;;Three fields, each ending in a semicolon, and two semicolons to close the string:
| Field | Meaning | Values |
|---|---|---|
T: | Security type | WPA for WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 networks. WEP for old WEP networks. nopass for open networks. |
S: | Network name (SSID) | Exactly as it appears in your router, including capitals and spaces. |
P: | Password | Leave the field out for an open network. |
H: | Hidden network | Optional. H:true; if the network does not broadcast its name. |
Passwords with special characters
Four characters have meaning inside the string and must be escaped with a backslash if they appear in your network name or password: semicolon, comma, colon and backslash. A password of cafe;2026 becomes P:cafe\;2026;. Double quotes are best avoided altogether. Spaces are fine and need no escaping.
WIFI:T:WPA;S:Front Desk;P:open\:sesame\,please;;Which phones join automatically
- iPhone and iPad: the built-in Camera app has recognised WiFi codes since iOS 11 (2017). A banner appears offering to join.
- Android: the stock camera or Google Lens handles it on Android 10 (2019) and later. Older Android phones need a scanner app that understands the WiFi format, and most free ones do.
- Laptops: there is no standard. Print the network name and password in small text under the code for laptop users.
Where to put it
Guest WiFi codes live on table tents, reception desks, fridge doors and rental welcome cards. Scanning distance is short, so 3 cm is plenty. Use error correction M or Q rather than H: the string is short, so the code is already small, and there is rarely a logo. If you do add a logo, switch to H.
Security note
Anyone who can photograph the code has the password. That is the point, but it means a WiFi code belongs on your guest network, not the one your point-of-sale terminal uses. When you change the guest password, the printed codes stop working, so print them in small batches. Because QReative generates the code in your browser, the password is never sent anywhere.