The WIFI: Format
WiFi QR codes use a standardized format string that all modern smartphones (iOS 11+ and Android 10+) recognize natively:
WIFI:T:<security>;S:<SSID>;P:<password>;H:<hidden>;;
| Parameter | Description | Required | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
T | Security type | Yes | WPA, WEP, nopass, SAE |
S | Network name (SSID) | Yes | MyHomeWiFi |
P | Password | If secured | MyP@ssw0rd123 |
H | Hidden network flag | No | true or false (default) |
Examples
WIFI:T:WPA;S:CoffeeShopGuest;P:welcome2026;;WIFI:T:nopass;S:FreePublicWiFi;;;WIFI:T:SAE;S:SecureOffice;P:c0mpl3xP@ss!;;WIFI:T:WPA;S:HiddenNet;P:secret123;H:true;;Security Types Explained
| Type | Format Value | Security Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPA/WPA2 | WPA | Strong | Most common. Use for most networks. |
| WPA3 | SAE | Strongest | Latest standard. Requires WPA3 devices. |
| WEP | WEP | Weak | Deprecated. Easily cracked. Avoid. |
| Open | nopass | None | No password. Public networks only. |
Never use WEP
Special Characters in SSID and Password
If your network name or password contains special characters, they must be escaped with a backslash in the WIFI: format string:
\;for semicolons\:for colons\\for backslashes\,for commas
Our WiFi QR Generator handles this escaping automatically.
Guest Network Best Practices
If sharing WiFi in a business, hotel, or home, always use a dedicated guest network:
Isolate guests
Guest networks should be isolated from your main network so guests can't access printers, file shares, or other devices.
Rate limiting
Set bandwidth limits on the guest network to prevent a single user from consuming all bandwidth.
Regular password rotation
Change the guest password monthly or quarterly. Generate a new QR code each time.
Captive portal
For businesses, consider a captive portal with terms of service before granting access.
Did You Know?
Where to Display WiFi QR Codes
| Location | Placement | CTA Text |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel room | Bedside card or desk tent | "Scan to connect to WiFi" |
| Cafe / restaurant | Table tent or wall sign | "Free WiFi — scan to connect" |
| Office | Reception desk or meeting room | "Guest WiFi — scan to join" |
| Home | Fridge magnet or entry hallway | "WiFi password — just scan" |
| Airbnb / rental | Welcome card or house manual | "Connect to WiFi instantly" |
Device Compatibility
WiFi QR codes are supported natively on:
- iOS 11+ (2017) — Scan via Camera app, auto-prompts to join network
- Android 10+ (2019) — Scan via Camera app, auto-connects
- Android 5–9 — Requires Google Lens or a QR scanner app
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a WiFi QR code require internet to scan?
No. The WiFi credentials are embedded directly in the QR code. The phone reads the SSID and password from the code and uses them to connect. No internet is needed for scanning.
What happens if I change my WiFi password?
You need to generate a new QR code with the updated password. WiFi QR codes are static — the credentials are embedded permanently.
Can WiFi QR codes work with WPA3?
Yes. Set the security type to SAE (WPA3's authentication protocol). Note that the scanning device must also support WPA3.
Create your WiFi QR code
Automatic character escaping, custom colors, logo support. Share your network without dictating passwords.