WiFi QR code generator

Share your WiFi without reading out the password

Spelling out "capital K, seven, dash…" to every visitor gets old fast, and one wrong character means starting again. A WiFi QR code fixes that: your guest points their phone at the code, the phone offers to join the network, and nobody types a thing. This page turns your network name and password into that code and gives it to you as a PNG or SVG image, or as a sign ready to print for the hallway, the spare room or a holiday let.

Everything is worked out in your browser. The password is never sent or stored: it is gone as soon as you close the page.

How to use it

1. Type the "Network name (SSID)" exactly as it appears in the list of networks, including capitals and spaces.
2. Enter the "Wi-Fi password". Tick "Show password" to check it.
3. Pick the "Security": "WPA / WPA2 / WPA3" for almost every modern router, "WEP (legacy)" for very old kit, or "None (open network)" if there is no password.
4. Tick "Hidden network" if your router does not broadcast its name.
5. Adjust the appearance if you like, then click "Download PNG", "Download SVG" or "Print the sign".

The tool warns you when the password length looks wrong: 8 to 63 characters for WPA, 5 or 13 characters (or 10 or 26 hexadecimal digits) for WEP.

What the code contains

The QR code holds one short line of text in the format phones understand: WIFI:T:WPA;S:name;P:password;;. Because semicolons, commas, colons, double quotes and backslashes act as separators, the tool puts a backslash in front of each one. For example, the network Flat 4, Guest with the password tea&biscuits becomes WIFI:T:WPA;S:Flat 4\, Guest;P:tea&biscuits;;: 44 bytes and a version 4 QR code (33 × 33 modules) at error correction M. Open "Text encoded in the QR code" to see it for yourself. A hidden network adds H:true;, and an open network has no P field at all.

To scan, opening the phone's camera and pointing it at the code is usually enough: most recent handsets then show a prompt to join. On older phones, use a QR code reader app.

Security and the printable sign

Anyone who photographs the code can get online. For a B&B, a surgery waiting room or a community hall, it is best to switch on your router's guest network so your laptops and printer stay out of reach. If you change the password, the old code stops working: make a new one and swap the sign.

The "Printable sign" section lays out an A4 page with a heading ("Guest Wi-Fi" by default, which you can change), the code at 12 cm, the network name and a one-line hint. The "Show the password on the sign" box adds the password in plain text, handy for a laptop without a camera; untick it for a busy public space. Scan the preview with your own phone before printing.

Stick to dark colours on a light background: the contrast check warns you below 4:1 and when the code is lighter than its background. "Remember the network name on this device" keeps the SSID only, never the password.

Frequently asked questions

Does a WiFi QR code expire?

No. It is a static code that carries the name and password itself, with no server in between. It keeps working as long as the network settings stay the same.

Why doesn't my phone offer to connect?

Check the network name first, as it is case-sensitive, then the security type. A code that is too small, too pale or in reversed colours can also fail. Print it at least 3 cm wide.

Is my password sent anywhere?

No. Your browser builds the code without talking to the server, and the password is never saved, even when you choose to remember the network name.