How to make a QR code for your Wi-Fi network.

Make the code in four steps

1. Write down the exact network name (SSID) and password. Check capitals, spaces and look-alike characters such as 0 and O.
2. Build the text line described in the next section.
3. Open the QR code generator, switch the content type to plain text, paste the line and generate the code.
4. Download PNG for screens and documents, or SVG if you will print it large. Then scan the downloaded file with at least one phone before you share or print it.

The generator runs in your browser, so the text you enter is not sent anywhere to build the image.

The text format

The format below is the one the open-source ZXing barcode project documents, and it is what phone cameras and QR scanner apps generally look for:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourNetworkName;P:YourPassword;;

The text starts with WIFI: and ends with two semicolons. Field order is flexible, but keep the structure the same as the example. Example for a network called HomeNet with password blue-door-42: WIFI:T:WPA;S:HomeNet;P:blue-door-42;;

A note on newer security modes: WPA is the value most guides and generators use, and phones commonly accept it for mixed WPA2/WPA3 home routers. If a scan fails on a WPA3-only network, test again on another phone and check your router's security setting.

Names and passwords with special characters

The characters \, ;, , and : have meaning in the format. If your network name or password contains one, put a backslash in front of it. For example, a password pass;word is written P:pass\;word, and one containing a colon becomes P:ab\:cd.

• Do not add spaces around the semicolons.
• Do not press Enter after the line; a stray line break can stop the code from being recognised.
• If the password consists only of digits or looks like hexadecimal, some scanners may treat it unexpectedly. Test it.
• Copy and paste the password from your router settings instead of retyping it.

Anyone who scans it gets the password

A Wi-Fi QR code is not encrypted. The password sits in the code in readable form, and anyone can read it with a scanner app or by looking at the decoded text. Treat the image like a written-down password.

• Do not post it on social media or a public noticeboard.
• Consider a separate guest network, which most home routers support, so visitors are kept apart from your own computers, phones and smart devices.
• If a code has been shared too widely, change the Wi-Fi password and make a new code. The old one will stop working because it contains the old password.

The code itself does not expire. It simply holds the text you gave it, as the QR code generator adds no tracking redirect.

Printing and placing the code

• Keep the blank border. Scanners need a plain margin around the code. Do not crop it tight.
• Use strong contrast. Dark code on a light background works best. Avoid reversing the colours.
• Do not stretch it. Keep the width and height equal.
• Choose a size to match viewing distance. A code on a fridge or desk card can be small; one meant to be scanned from a metre away needs to be larger. See QR code print size.
• Pick the right file. SVG stays sharp at any size; PNG is fixed at its pixel size. The choice is explained in QR code: PNG or SVG.

If the phone does not offer to join

• Scan with the built-in camera app first. Some phones need that setting enabled, or a QR option in the quick settings.
• Check the line starts with WIFI: in capitals and ends with ;;.
• Compare the SSID and password character by character with the router's settings.
• Confirm the security type. An open network uses T:nopass.
• Make a new code with a larger size if the print is blurry. A high-resolution PNG or an SVG helps.
• If the phone shows only the raw text, the format likely has a typo.

A note on changing the code later

The code holds fixed text. If you change the password or network name, the old code stops working and you need to generate a new one. This differs from dynamic codes that point to an editable address, which is covered in static vs dynamic QR codes. For other uses, such as a menu or a business card, see QR codes for a restaurant menu and business cards. When you are ready, open the QR code generator and paste your line.

Frequently asked questions

What text goes into a Wi-Fi QR code?

Use WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;; replacing the network name and password with yours. Use T:nopass with no password for an open network.

Does a Wi-Fi QR code show my password?

Yes. The password is stored in the code as readable text, so anyone who scans it can read it. Share the code only with people you would give the password to.

What if my password has a semicolon or colon in it?

Put a backslash before the special character, for example pass\;word. The same applies to backslashes, commas and colons.

Will the code stop working if I change my Wi-Fi password?

Yes. The code holds the old password, so generate a new one after changing it.