Wi-Fi二维码：一扫即连网络
How Wi-Fi QR codes work — the WIFI: URI format, encryption type encoding, and generating QR codes for guest network onboarding.
Wi-Fi QR Codes: One-Scan Network Configuration
Wi-Fi QR codes encode network credentials in a standardized format that smartphones can read to automatically connect to a Wi-Fi network. No more spelling out passwords or typing complex passphrases.
The WIFI URI Format
The standard format for Wi-Fi QR codes:
WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetworkName;P:MyPassword123;H:false;;
| Field | Description | Values |
|---|---|---|
| T | Authentication type | WPA, WEP, nopass, SAE (WPA3) |
| S | SSID (network name) | Any string (special chars escaped) |
| P | Password | Any string |
| H | Hidden network | true or false |
How It Works
- User opens their phone camera (iOS) or a QR scanner app
- Scans the Wi-Fi QR code
- Phone parses the WIFI: URI
- Prompts: "Join network 'MyNetworkName'?"
- User taps "Join" or "Connect"
- Phone connects using the encoded credentials
Platform Support
| Platform | Native Camera | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 11+ | Yes | Camera app natively recognizes WIFI: URIs |
| Android 10+ | Yes | Camera app or Wi-Fi settings QR scanner |
| Android 9 and below | Via app | Third-party QR scanner needed |
| Windows | Via app | Not natively supported |
| macOS | Via camera | Handoff from iPhone or third-party app |
Common Use Cases
| Location | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hotels | Guest room Wi-Fi access |
| Restaurants/cafes | Customer Wi-Fi without asking staff |
| Offices | Guest network onboarding |
| Retail stores | Customer Wi-Fi access |
| Homes | Share password with visitors |
| Events | Conference Wi-Fi distribution |
Security Considerations
- WPA3/SAE: Use WPA3 if supported for strongest encryption
- Guest networks: Isolate guest traffic from internal networks
- Password rotation: When changing passwords, generate new QR codes
- Placement: Ensure QR codes are in areas accessible only to intended users
- Network isolation: QR-connected guests should not access internal resources
Generating Wi-Fi QR Codes
Options for generating Wi-Fi QR codes:
- Router admin page: Some modern routers generate Wi-Fi QR codes
- Smartphone settings: iOS and Android can share Wi-Fi via QR from settings
- Online generators: Web tools that create WIFI: URI QR codes
- Print-ready: Generate as SVG or PDF for signage
Design for Display
- Print at minimum 3cm x 3cm (larger in public spaces)
- Use high contrast (black on white)
- Add text label: "Scan to connect to Wi-Fi"
- Include the network name in human-readable text (for manual connection fallback)
- Laminate or frame for durability in public spaces