A WiFi QR code lets guests join your network by pointing their camera at a little square — no squinting at a password taped to the wall, no typos, no "is that a zero or an O?" Here's how to make one for free and where to put it.
What a WiFi QR code actually does
When someone scans a WiFi QR code with their phone camera, the phone reads the network name, password, and security type straight out of the code and offers to connect automatically. They tap "Join" and they're online. It works on both iPhone and Android with the built-in camera — no special app required.
The magic is that the network details are baked directly into the pattern of the code. Nothing is stored online, and the code keeps working forever — even if the place that made it disappears.
How to make one, step by step
- Open the QRcritter generator and click the WiFi tab.
- Type your network name (SSID) exactly as it appears when you connect — capitalization matters.
- Enter the password, and choose your security type (almost always WPA/WPA2 for modern routers).
- If your network is hidden, switch "Hidden network" to Yes. Otherwise leave it as No.
- Optional: open Customize the look to match your brand colors or drop your logo in the middle.
- Download the PNG for a quick print, or the SVG if you're printing large or want it razor-sharp.
Where to put it (and how big)
Placement makes or breaks it. Put the code where people naturally sit or wait, at a size they can scan from about arm's length:
- Cafés: a small table tent or a sticker on each table works far better than one poster by the counter.
- Rentals: a framed card on the kitchen counter or nightstand, plus a line in your welcome book.
- Offices: reception desk and the visitor waiting area.
For print, aim for the code to be at least 2 × 2 cm (about ¾ inch) — bigger for posters. This is where the SVG download earns its keep: because it's a vector file, you can scale it up to poster size with zero blur. (More on that in our guide to whether QR codes expire.)
If it won't scan
- Double-check the password for typos — the most common cause by far.
- Keep strong contrast. A dark code on a light background scans best. Very light or low-contrast color choices can fail.
- Don't print it too small. Under about 1.5 cm, phone cameras struggle.
- Test before you print a batch. Scan your own code with a couple of different phones first.