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WiFi QR code on iPhone and Android

To show your Wi-Fi as a QR code on iPhone, open the Passwords app, tap Wi-Fi, choose the network and tap Show Network QR Code. On Android, go to Settings → Network & internet → Internet, tap your network and tap Share. Anyone who scans the code joins without typing the password.

QR code generatorUpdated 4 min read

For a code you can print and leave on the wall, make one with the generator below.

Share your Wi-Fi as a QR code on iPhone

Apple's iPhone User Guide describes these steps:

  1. Open the Passwords app.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi. The network you're connected to appears at the top; networks you've joined before are listed too.
  3. Tap the network.
  4. Tap Show Network QR Code. The other person scans it with their phone.

You don't need to be connected to share a network you've saved. If the other person also has an iPhone, iPad or Mac, there's a second way: when they pick your network in their Wi-Fi settings, your unlocked iPhone offers Share Password. Apple says both devices need to be in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range, not using Personal Hotspot, and in each other's contacts.

Share your Wi-Fi as a QR code on Android

From Google's Android help:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet, then Internet.
  3. Tap your Wi-Fi network, then Share. You may need to confirm with your PIN, pattern or fingerprint.
  4. Your phone shows a QR code. The other person scans it with their device.

Menu names differ a little between phone makers. On Samsung phones, for example, look under Connections → Wi-Fi, then the network's settings.

Scan a Wi-Fi QR code on iPhone

  1. Open Camera in Photo mode, or tap Scan Code in Control Center.
  2. Point it at the code.
  3. Tap the prompt to join the network.

The iPhone asks before joining, so nothing happens until you tap.

Scan a Wi-Fi QR code on Android

  1. Open the camera app or Google Lens and point it at the code.
  2. Tap the prompt to connect.

On many Android phones you can also go to Settings → Network & internet → Internet, tap Add network and use the QR icon beside the network name field to scan.

Make a printable Wi-Fi QR code for guests

A code on a phone screen only works while you hold it up. For a café, office, rental or spare room, print one instead:

  1. Below, enter the network name exactly as it appears, including capitals and spaces.
  2. Choose the security type and enter the password. Most home and business routers use WPA2 or WPA3, so pick WPA / WPA2 / WPA3. Choose No password for an open network.
  3. Tick Hidden network only if your network doesn't broadcast its name.
  4. Scan the preview with your phone to check it joins, then download a PNG or SVG.

The code is static: the details are inside the pattern, not on a server, so it never expires. It does stop working if you change the password, so make a new one when you do. Characters like ; and : in a name or password are escaped for you, which is a common reason home-made codes fail.

QR code generator

Open the full tool

The code is made in your browser and your password isn't sent anywhere. For a dedicated page with just this job, see the WiFi QR code generator.

Keep your network safe

A Wi-Fi QR code contains the password as plain text. Anyone who scans it can join, and a QR reader app can show them the password.

  • Put a printed code only where you'd happily tell people the password.
  • For visitors, use a guest network if your router has one, so they can't reach your own devices.
  • Change the password, and reprint the code, if it gets shared further than you'd like.

Related guides

Sources

Questions

How do I find the Wi-Fi QR code on my iPhone?

Open the Passwords app, tap Wi-Fi, tap the network and choose Show Network QR Code. Apple documents this in the iPhone User Guide for recent iOS versions.

How do I scan a Wi-Fi QR code on my iPhone?

Point the Camera app at the code in Photo mode and tap the Wi-Fi prompt that appears, or use Scan Code in Control Center. The iPhone asks before it joins.

How do I scan a Wi-Fi QR code on Android?

Point the camera app or Google Lens at the code and tap the prompt to join. In Android's Wi-Fi settings, Add network often has a QR scan icon next to it too.

Is a Wi-Fi QR code safe?

It holds your network name and password as plain text, so anyone who scans it can join and can read the password. Only put it where you'd tell people the password, and use a guest network for the public.