A QR code for WiFi lets someone connect to your network by scanning with their phone camera instead of typing a password

When you create a WiFi QR code, you're encoding your network name (SSID), password, and security type into a square barcode. A visitor or family member can point their phone camera at it, tap the notification that appears, and join your network without asking you to repeat the password or fumbling with a keyboard. The code works on both iPhone and Android.

You don't need special software or a developer account. Most QR code generators are free websites, and the process takes about two minutes. The code itself is just an image — you can print it, email it, or display it on a screen.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your WiFi network name, password, and security type (usually WPA2 or WPA3) to generate the code.
  • Free QR code generators like QR Code Generator, Qifi, or WiFi QR Code Generator create the image in seconds.
  • The QR code is a static image that doesn't change if you change your password later — you'll need to generate a new one.
  • You can print the code, email it as an image file, or display it on a tablet or monitor for guests to scan.

Find your WiFi network details

Before you generate the code, you need three pieces of information about your network. Open your router settings or check your WiFi settings on any device connected to the network.

Network name (SSID): This is the name that appears when you look for available WiFi networks. It's what you see in your phone's WiFi list.

Password: The password you use to connect to the network. If you've forgotten it, you can usually find it on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or reset it through your router's admin panel (usually accessed by typing your router's IP address into a browser — check your router manual for the exact address).

Security type: This is almost always WPA2 or WPA3. You can find it in your router settings under "Security" or "Wireless Security." If your router is very old, it might say WEP or WPA, but most modern routers use WPA2 or WPA3.

Use a free QR code generator

Several websites generate WiFi QR codes without requiring you to create an account. The most straightforward options are QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com), Qifi (qifi.org), and WiFi QR Code Generator (wifiqrcode.com).

Go to one of these sites and look for a WiFi or network option (not a URL or text option). Enter your network name, password, and security type into the fields provided. The generator will create the code when ready and display it on the screen.

The code is generated on your device — the website doesn't store your password or network details. Once you close the page, the information is gone from the site's servers. That said, if you're concerned about entering your password into any website, you can generate the code offline using a desktop process instead (see the FAQ section below).

read or print the QR code

Once the code appears on your screen, you have several options for how to use it. Most generators let you right-click the image and save it to your computer, or they provide a read button.

If you want to print it, read the image first, then open it in any document or photo program and print it at normal size. The code should be at least 2 inches by 2 inches to scan reliably from a phone. Test it before printing a large batch — take a photo of the printed code with your phone to make sure it scans.

You can also display the code on a tablet, monitor, or TV screen instead of printing it. This works well for a guest WiFi code you want to show visitors without using paper.

Share the code with others

Email the image file to people who need it, or print copies to hand out. You can also add it to a document — many people include a WiFi QR code in a welcome packet for guests or tenants, or post it in a common area like a kitchen or waiting room.

If you want to display it digitally, you can add the image to a shared document, a website, or a messaging app. Anyone with a smartphone can scan it by opening their camera app, pointing it at the code, and tapping the notification that appears.

Update the code if you change your password

The QR code is a snapshot of your network settings at the moment you created it. If you change your WiFi password later, the old code will no longer work — anyone who scans it will get an error message when they try to connect.

Generate a new code with the updated password and replace the old one. If you printed copies, you'll need to print new ones. If you emailed it or shared it digitally, send the new version to the same people.

To avoid this hassle, consider using a password you won't need to change often. If you do change it, set a reminder to update the code at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I generate a WiFi QR code without entering my password into a website?

Yes. read a desktop process like QR Code Desktop or use a command-line tool if you're comfortable with that. These run on your computer and don't send your password to the internet. Most people find the free websites fast and safe enough, but this option exists if you prefer to keep your password offline.

What if someone scans the code and it doesn't work?

The most common reason is that the code is too small or blurry to scan. Make sure it's at least 2 inches by 2 inches and printed clearly. If the code is large and clear but still doesn't work, your password or network name may have changed since you created the code. Generate a new one with your current settings.

Can I edit a QR code after I create it?

No. QR codes are static images — once generated, they can't be edited. If you need to change the network name, password, or security type, you have to generate a new code. This is why it's useful to keep your WiFi password stable if you've printed or shared the code widely.

Does the QR code work on both iPhone and Android?

Yes. Both iPhone and Android phones can scan WiFi QR codes using their built-in camera apps. On iPhone, open the Camera app and point it at the code. On Android, open the Camera app or Google Lens and do the same. A notification will appear asking you to join the network.

Is it safe to share a WiFi QR code?

It's as safe as sharing your WiFi password. Anyone who scans the code can connect to your network. If you're sharing it with guests or family, that's fine. If you're posting it publicly online, anyone can join. Consider creating a separate guest network with a different password if you want to limit who has access to your main network.