Wi-Fi QR Code
Wi-Fi QR Code assembles WIFI:T:security;S:network;P:password;; and encodes it locally. The security field is free text and the payload does not escape semicolons, colons, commas, quotes, or backslashes in credentials. Compatibility varies by scanner, and the PNG exposes the password to anyone who can decode it.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceIs the Wi-Fi password protected inside the QR?
No. It is present in decodable plaintext.
Wi-Fi QR payload syntax is an application convention
Many phone scanners recognize fields for authentication type, SSID, and password, but this is not the QR symbol standard itself and implementations vary.
How it works
Enter the SSID in the main field, password and security text in options. Missing security defaults to WPA, then the assembled text is encoded.
Key concepts
The PNG is a credential
Photographs and copies retain network access until credentials change.
Escaping is missing
Special delimiters in SSID or password can corrupt field parsing.
When to use it
- Share a guest-network credential in a controlled place.
- Reduce manual entry of a long Wi-Fi password.
- Create a local test payload.
When not to use it
- Do not publish privileged network credentials.
- Do not use delimiter-containing values without testing.
- Do not assume every scanner supports the same security labels.
Worked examples
Guest network
- Input
SSID CafeGuest; WPA; password example- Expected output
WIFI payload QR
Compatible scanners may offer to join.
Empty password
- Input
Open network- Expected output
Password field remains empty
Security text must still match scanner expectations.
Semicolon in password
- Input
pass;word- Expected output
Potentially misparsed payload
The implementation does not escape delimiters.
Common mistakes
Posting the code publicly
It reveals the credential. Correction: Use a segmented guest network and controlled distribution.
Using special characters without testing
Payload delimiters are unescaped. Correction: Scan with target devices before use.
Assuming access lasts safely forever
Copies persist. Correction: Rotate guest credentials periodically.
Best practices
- Use a guest VLAN.
- Limit display and rotate credentials.
- Test iOS and Android devices used by recipients.
Related operations and differences
Bitcoin Payment QR Code
Choose Bitcoin Payment QR Code when you need to create a Bitcoin payment URI QR code.; use Wi-Fi QR Code specifically for qr wifi.
Code 128 Generator
Choose Code 128 Generator when you need to generate a downloadable Code 128 barcode.; use Wi-Fi QR Code specifically for qr wifi.
Code 39 Generator
Choose Code 39 Generator when you need to generate a Code 39 barcode.; use Wi-Fi QR Code specifically for qr wifi.
Contact vCard QR Code
Choose Contact vCard QR Code when you need to create a contact card QR code.; use Wi-Fi QR Code specifically for qr wifi.
EAN-13 Generator
Choose EAN-13 Generator when you need to generate an EAN-13 retail barcode.; use Wi-Fi QR Code specifically for qr wifi.
EAN-8 Generator
Choose EAN-8 Generator when you need to generate a compact EAN-8 barcode.; use Wi-Fi QR Code specifically for qr wifi.
Limitations and privacy
- No escaping, hidden-network flag, security validation, connectivity test, or credential expiry.
- Free-text security label.
- Anyone with the PNG can recover the password.
Generation happens locally in this browser. The PNG contains the entered payload, so share it with the same care as the underlying data.
Frequently asked questions
Is the password encrypted?
No.
What security is the default?
WPA.
Are special delimiters escaped?
No.
Does generation test the network?
No.