WiFi QR Code Format Guide: Complete Syntax & Specifications

WiFi QR codes use a specific text format that devices recognize to automatically connect to wireless networks. This guide covers the exact syntax, security types, and special cases.

Basic WiFi QR Code Format

The standard format follows this structure:

WIFI:T:[security];S:[SSID];P:[password];H:[hidden];;

Format Components

• WIFI: Required prefix (case-sensitive)
• T: Security type (WPA, WEP, nopass, SAE)
• S: SSID (network name)
• P: Password (omit for open networks)
• H: Hidden network (true/false, optional)
• ;; Double semicolon terminator (required)

Security Type Specifications

WPA/WPA2 Networks (Most Common)

WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyHomeNetwork;P:SecurePassword123;;

Use T:WPA for both WPA and WPA2 networks. This is the most common security type for modern routers.

WPA3 Networks

WIFI:T:SAE;S:MyWPA3Network;P:SecurePassword123;;

WPA3 uses T:SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals). Note: Not all devices support WPA3 QR codes yet.

WEP Networks (Legacy)

WIFI:T:WEP;S:OldNetwork;P:1234567890;;

Open Networks (No Password)

WIFI:T:nopass;S:GuestNetwork;;

For open networks, use T:nopass and omit the P: parameter entirely.

Hidden Network Support

Hidden networks don't broadcast their SSID. Add H:true to the format:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:HiddenNetwork;P:password123;H:true;;

If the network is visible (default), you can omit the H: parameter or use H:false.

Special Character Handling

If your SSID or password contains special characters, you must escape them with a backslash:

Characters That Need Escaping

Example with Special Characters

WIFI:T:WPA;S:Coffee\:Shop;P:pass\\;word\,123;;

This represents: SSID "Coffee:Shop" with password "pass\;word,123"

Complete Format Examples

Home Network (WPA2)

WIFI:T:WPA;S:SmithFamily;P:MySecurePassword2024;;

Guest Network (Open)

WIFI:T:nopass;S:Guest_WiFi;;

Office Network (Hidden, WPA2)

WIFI:T:WPA;S:OfficeSecure;P:C0mpanyP@ss;H:true;;

Coffee Shop (Special Characters)

WIFI:T:WPA;S:Joe\'s Coffee;P:espresso\:2024;;

Device Compatibility

WiFi QR codes are supported on:

• iOS: iPhone (iOS 11+) via Camera app
• Android: Android 10+ via Camera or Settings
• Windows: Windows 10/11 via Settings app
• macOS: Limited support, may need third-party apps

Security Best Practices

• Use WPA2 or WPA3: Never use WEP for security
• Strong Passwords: Minimum 12 characters, mixed case, numbers, symbols
• Guest Networks: Create separate QR codes for guest access
• Regular Updates: Change passwords periodically and regenerate QR codes
• Physical Security: Don't display WiFi QR codes in publicly visible locations

Common Format Errors

• Missing Double Semicolon: Must end with ;;
• Wrong Case: "WIFI:" must be uppercase
• Unescaped Characters: Special chars need backslash
• Spaces in Parameters: Spaces are allowed in SSID/password
• Wrong Security Type: Use WPA, not WPA2 or WPA-PSK

Testing Your WiFi QR Code

1. Generate QR code with correct format
2. Test on multiple devices (iOS, Android)
3. Verify automatic connection works
4. Check password is entered correctly
5. Test with hidden network if applicable

Advanced Use Cases

Multiple Networks

Create separate QR codes for different networks (2.4GHz vs 5GHz, guest vs private).

Enterprise Networks

Enterprise WPA2/WPA3 with 802.1X authentication is not supported in the standard WiFi QR format. Use manual configuration for these networks.

Temporary Access

For events or temporary access, consider using a guest network with a simple password that you can change afterward.

Conclusion

The WiFi QR code format is straightforward once you understand the syntax. Always use WIFI:T:WPA;S:[name];P:[password];; for modern networks, escape special characters with backslashes, and test on multiple devices before deployment.