Question 1

How does a phone join WiFi from a QR code?

Accepted Answer

The code holds a short text payload in the WIFI: format — the network name, the password and the security type. iPhones have read it with the built-in camera since iOS 11, and Android since version 10; older Android phones use Google Lens or the WiFi settings' scan button. The phone shows a "Join network" prompt and never displays the password.

Question 2

Which security type do I pick for a WPA2 or WPA3 network?

Accepted Answer

WPA. The format defines only three values — WPA, WEP and nopass — and both WPA2 and WPA3 networks are written as WPA. There is no WPA2 or WPA3 value, and a code carrying one is a code no phone accepts. Almost every home router since 2006 is WPA.

Question 3

Does the code work for a hidden network?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tick the hidden box. That adds H:true to the payload, which tells the phone to look for a network that is not broadcasting its name. Without it the phone may report the network as not found even though the credentials are right.

Question 4

Why is my password wrapped in quotes in the text below the form?

Accepted Answer

Because it is made only of hex digits — letters A to F and numbers — and the format requires those to be quoted, or a reader may treat them as raw bytes rather than characters. The same rule applies to a network name like BEEF or 1234. It is handled for you, and the quotes are not part of the password.

Question 5

Does the code expire, or stop working after some number of scans?

Accepted Answer

No. The password is inside the code itself, not behind a link to a service, so there is nothing to expire and no scan limit. The only thing that breaks it is changing the WiFi password, after which you print a new one.

Question 6

Is my WiFi password sent anywhere?

Accepted Answer

No. The code is drawn in your browser from what you type. Nothing is uploaded, logged or stored, and the password field is a plain text box on purpose, so your browser will not offer to save it.

WiFi QR code generator

WiFi QR codes, explained