Quick answer: a Wi-Fi QR code lets guests join your network by scanning with their phone camera — no typing the password. Create one free with the PAYATE Wi-Fi QR Code Generator: enter the network name (SSID), choose WPA/WPA2 and type the password.
Typing a long Wi-Fi password is annoying for guests and customers, and reading it out loud is not great for security. A Wi-Fi QR code solves both problems. It is perfect for homes, cafés, restaurants, hotels, offices, clinics and waiting rooms.
How to create a Wi-Fi QR code
- Open the Wi-Fi QR code tool.
- Network name (SSID): type it exactly as it appears in your phone’s Wi-Fi list. It is case-sensitive: “Cafe_Guest” and “cafe_guest” are different networks.
- Security: choose WPA/WPA2/WPA3 for almost every modern router. Choose WEP only for very old routers, or None for an open network.
- Password: type the Wi-Fi password exactly.
- Hidden network: tick this only if your network does not broadcast its name.
- Scan the preview with your phone to test it, then download PNG, SVG or PDF.
How guests connect
- iPhone (iOS 11+): open the Camera app, point it at the code and tap “Join network”.
- Android 10+: open the camera or Google Lens, or go to Settings → Wi-Fi → the QR icon, and scan.
- Older phones: any free QR scanner app can read the code and show the password.
What is inside a Wi-Fi QR code?
The code contains a short standard text that phones understand, for example:
WIFI:T:WPA;S:Cafe Guest;P:coffee2026;;
T is the security type, S the network name and P the password. Special characters such as ;, : and , must be escaped with a backslash — PAYATE QR does this automatically, which is a common reason why codes from other generators fail.
Is a Wi-Fi QR code safe?
The password is stored inside the code, so anyone who can scan it can join your network — exactly like telling them the password. Follow these rules:
- Use a separate guest network for customers, isolated from your main devices, cameras and computers.
- Do not post the code publicly online if the network is private.
- If you change the Wi-Fi password, create and print a new QR code — the old one will stop working.
PAYATE QR generates the code inside your browser: your password is never sent to our servers.
Design ideas for a Wi-Fi sign
- Add a caption like “Scan for free Wi-Fi” under the code (Design & colors → Caption).
- Also print the network name and password in small text for laptops that cannot scan.
- Print at least 4 × 4 cm for a table sign and 10 cm for a wall poster.
- Download SVG or PDF for sharp printing.
Troubleshooting
The phone says it cannot join the network
Check that the SSID and password are exactly correct, including capital letters and spaces, and that the security type matches your router.
The camera does not react to the code
Make the code bigger, improve the lighting and keep a dark code on a light background. Some older Android phones need Google Lens or a scanner app.
Does the code work for 5 GHz networks?
Yes. The QR code only contains the network name and password; it works with any band your phone supports.
Create yours now: free Wi-Fi QR code generator →