There's a standard QR format for Wi-Fi credentials. Every modern phone camera recognizes it. You encode SSID + password + security type, print or display the code, and guests join your network with one tap — no typing. Here's the exact format.
The format string
WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:secret123;;
Fields:
- T — security type.
WPAcovers WPA/WPA2/WPA3.WEPfor old networks.nopassfor open networks. - S — SSID (network name). Case-sensitive.
- P — password. Case-sensitive. Omit for open networks.
- H — optional;
trueif the network is hidden.
The trailing double semicolon ;; is required — it terminates the format and tells the parser you're done.
Escaping special characters
Because the format uses colons and semicolons as delimiters, they need escaping inside field values. Backslash before the character does it. So a password of p@ss;word becomes p@ss\;word in the QR. Commas and backslashes also need escaping with a backslash. Any decent QR generator handles this automatically — don't build the format string by hand if you're doing this programmatically.
Security considerations
The password is stored in plaintext inside the QR code. Anyone who can photograph the code — a nosy diner, a guest you don't fully trust — can extract your WPA password. Two practical guidelines:
- Use Wi-Fi QR codes for a dedicated guest network, not your main one.
- If you print the code for a conference or office, rotate the password periodically.
The user experience
On iOS 11+ and Android 10+, opening the camera and pointing at a Wi-Fi QR code shows a "Join this network" suggestion. Tap it, and you're on. No password field. No typos. The whole interaction is 2 seconds, which is exactly why this format is so useful for coffee shops, AirBnBs, and conference rooms.
Pick Wi-Fi mode. Enter SSID + password + type. Out comes a scannable, printable QR.