WiFi QR Code Format: How the WIFI: URI Scheme Works

A complete reference for generating WiFi QR codes, from basic syntax to edge cases and platform compatibility.

The Problem WiFi QR Codes Solve

Sharing WiFi credentials is a surprisingly awkward process. You need to communicate a network name (which might be case-sensitive), a password (which might contain special characters), and the encryption type -- all without errors. WiFi QR codes eliminate this friction entirely: scan the code, and your device connects automatically.

This capability is built on the WIFI: URI scheme, a standardized format that encodes network credentials into a text string that QR code scanners recognize and act upon. Android has supported it natively since Android 10, and iOS since iOS 11.

Basic Format

The WiFi QR code format follows a simple key-value structure:

WiFi URI Syntax

WIFI:T:<encryption>;S:<ssid>;P:<password>;;

Fields are separated by semicolons. The string must end with a double semicolon (;;).

Each field is a key-value pair separated by a colon. The recognized fields are:

Field	Key	Required	Description
Encryption	T	Yes	WPA, WEP, nopass, or SAE
Network Name	S	Yes	The SSID (case-sensitive)
Password	P	No*	Network password (*required unless nopass)
Hidden	H	No	true if SSID is hidden, omit otherwise

Encryption Types

The T field accepts the following values:

WPA (WPA/WPA2/WPA3-Personal)

Use T:WPA for any WPA variant using a pre-shared key. This covers WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal, and mixed-mode networks. It is by far the most common setting and the correct choice for virtually all home and office networks.

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyHomeNetwork;P:correcthorsebatterystaple;;

SAE (WPA3-Personal)

Use T:SAE specifically for WPA3-only networks using Simultaneous Authentication of Equals. Most devices fall back to T:WPA for WPA3, but specifying SAE explicitly can improve connection behavior on WPA3-only networks.

WEP (Legacy, Insecure)

Use T:WEP only for legacy WEP networks. WEP encryption was broken in 2001 and should never be used for new networks. If you are generating a QR code for a WEP network, strongly consider upgrading to WPA2 or WPA3 instead.

nopass (Open Networks)

Use T:nopass for open networks with no password. The P field should be omitted entirely:

WIFI:T:nopass;S:CoffeeShopFreeWiFi;;

Special Character Escaping

Because the WiFi URI format uses semicolons, colons, and backslashes as delimiters and escape characters, these characters must be escaped with a backslash when they appear in the SSID or password:

Character	Escaped Form	Example
;	\;	P:pass\;word
:	\:	S:My\:Network
\	\\	P:back\\slash
"	\"	S:\"Quoted\"
,	\,	S:A\,B

Failure to escape these characters is the most common source of WiFi QR code failures. Our QR Code Generator handles escaping automatically when you use the WiFi preset.

Hidden Networks

If your network does not broadcast its SSID (a "hidden" network), add theH:true field. This tells the scanning device to attempt connecting even though the SSID is not visible in the standard network list:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:SecretNetwork;P:mypassword;H:true;;

Note that hiding your SSID provides minimal security benefit -- the SSID is still transmitted in probe requests and can be easily discovered with basic wireless tools. Use strong encryption and a long, random password instead.

Platform Compatibility

WiFi QR code support varies across platforms and apps:

Platform	Support	Notes
iOS 11+	Native Camera app	Shows "Join Network" notification
Android 10+	Native Camera app	Connects directly from camera
Android 9 and below	Third-party apps	Requires a QR scanner app
macOS (Continuity Camera)	Supported	Use iPhone to scan, Mac connects
Windows	Not native	Requires third-party scanner

Complete Examples

Home Network (WPA2)

WIFI:T:WPA;S:SmithFamily5G;P:Tr0ub4dor&3;;

Guest Network (Open)

WIFI:T:nopass;S:SmithFamily-Guest;;

Office Network (Hidden, WPA3)

WIFI:T:SAE;S:CorpNet-Secure;P:xK9#mP2$vL7@nQ4;H:true;;

Generate a WiFi QR Code

Use our QR Code Generator to create WiFi QR codes instantly. Select the "WiFi" preset, fill in your network name, password, and encryption type, and the tool generates a properly formatted and escaped WiFi URI automatically. Download the QR code as PNG or SVG for printing on signs, table tents, or welcome packets.