Local business · Last updated July 20, 2026

How to Make a Wi‑Fi QR Code for Guests and Cafés

Stop spelling the password over the espresso machine. A Wi‑Fi QR code lets guests join your network with one camera scan — no signup tool required if you encode the standard WIFI string in a free static code.

When a Wi‑Fi QR helps

• Cafés, restaurants, coworking lobbies, clinics, salons, and Airbnbs
• Events and pop-ups where verbal password sharing wastes staff time
• Meeting rooms with long complex passphrases

Security note: Anyone who can see the code can join. Use a dedicated guest SSID with client isolation when possible. Do not put the office admin Wi‑Fi on a public table tent.

The WIFI string format

A widely supported payload looks like this:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourNetworkName;P:YourPassword;;

• T — authentication type: WPA (includes WPA2/WPA3 in practice for many devices), WEP (legacy), or nopass
• S — SSID (network name) exactly as broadcast
• P — password (omit or empty for open networks with T:nopass)
• Optional H:true — hidden network

Special characters in SSID or password (;, ,, ", \) should be escaped with a backslash per the WIFI QR conventions. If a code fails only for some users, rebuild with a simpler guest password first to isolate the issue.

Examples

WIFI:T:WPA;S:CafeGuest;P:pour-over-2026;;
WIFI:T:nopass;S:LibraryFreeWifi;;
WIFI:T:WPA;S:EventHall;P:Welcome!;H:false;;

Create the code in this generator

1. Build the full WIFI:… string in a notes app (avoid smart quotes from Word).
2. Open the free QR generator.
3. Paste the string into Content (not a website URL).
4. Use dark modules on a light background; pick 1200px+ or SVG for print.
5. Download PNG/SVG and place on a tent, sticker, or counter card with a short label: “Scan for Wi‑Fi.”
6. Test with an iPhone and an Android device that are not already saved to the network.

Print and placement

• Table tent: code ≥ 3 cm wide; keep away from greasy edges
• Counter / reception: larger is fine; fix the card so it does not walk off
• Hotel rooms: bedside card; archive a digital copy for reprint after password rotation

See the print size guide if you are designing multi-size kits.

Common mistakes

• Encoding “the password only” as plain text — phones will not auto-join
• SSID mismatch (extra spaces, wrong band name, guest vs staff SSID)
• Printing a tiny decorative code behind a plant on the counter
• Leaving an old password code up after a security rotation

FAQ

Do Wi‑Fi QR codes expire?

The QR pattern does not. Access fails when the password/SSID changes or the network is down. Details in Do QR codes expire?

Can I track how many people scanned?

Not with a pure WIFI payload on a static code. If you need marketing metrics, use a URL QR to a landing page first, then show Wi‑Fi instructions — usually worse UX. Most venues prioritize connection speed over scan vanity metrics.

Is WPA3 different in the string?

Many devices still use T:WPA successfully on modern networks. Always test on target phones after changing router settings.