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WiFi QR Code: iPhone/Android format (works reliably)

Exact WIFI: payload format, what “Encryption” means, and how to avoid scan failures on iPhone/Android (special chars, hidden networks).

By QRFlowChecked against the current generatorPayloadsPrimary tool: WiFi
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How we verify this guide

Before this page is included in the public guide directory, its examples are compared with the payload produced by the linked QRFlow generator and with the export and scan-readiness controls available in the current build. Camera, lighting, paper, print size, and destination apps can still change the result, so important print runs should always be tested on the final material and real devices.

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On this page
  1. The format scanners expect
  2. Special characters that break scans
  3. Hidden networks
  4. Recommended workflow (fast)
Quick steps
  1. Open the WiFi template: Use the WiFi QR generator to start.
  2. Paste SSID and password: Copy the exact router values and avoid manual typing errors.
  3. Set encryption and hidden status: Use WPA for most networks; mark hidden networks correctly.
  4. Handle special characters: If SSID or password includes ; , : or \, keep them exact.
  5. Test on real phones: Scan on iPhone and Android before printing or sharing.

Recommended templates

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Create an Instagram profile QR on desktop/web and download PNG or SVG for cards, packaging, posters, creator kits, or quick sharing.

Use cases & print ideas

Matching pages that explain where this QR type works best before you open the generator.
WiFi QR Code Use Cases
Let guests connect by scanning once instead of typing a long password at reception desks, rentals, cafes, or events.
Redirect QR Code Use Cases
Use Redirect QR for a controlled destination path; only hosted dynamic QR lets the printed asset stay fixed while the destination changes after launch.
YouTube QR Code Ideas for Print and Promotion
Turn offline scans into video views, channel subscriptions, or playlist opens without asking people to type a URL or search your handle.
Instagram QR Code PNG Ideas for Print and Packaging
Use an Instagram profile QR when you need a desktop-ready PNG or SVG for cards, packaging, posters, creator kits, or retail surfaces.

QRFlow generates WiFi QR codes locally in your browser (privacy-friendly; no uploads).

The format scanners expect#

Most iPhone/Android camera scanners understand this “WIFI:” payload (a de-facto standard):

WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourNetworkName;P:YourPassword;H:false;;
  • T: encryption type — use WPA for WPA/WPA2/WPA3, WEP for old routers, or nopass for open networks.
  • S: SSID (WiFi name)
  • P: password (omit if T:nopass)
  • H: hidden network (true/false)

Special characters that break scans#

If your SSID or password contains ; , : or \, some scanners fail unless the value is escaped. QRFlow handles this by escaping those characters in the WiFi payload.

Practical tip: if scans fail, test with a simpler password (letters + numbers) or regenerate after copying the exact router values (case-sensitive).

Hidden networks#

Hidden SSIDs are less reliable across devices. If you must use one, set Hidden network to true and keep the QR large enough for comfortable scanning.

  1. Open the WiFi template.
  2. Copy/paste SSID and password from the router settings (avoid manual typing).
  3. Test on at least one iPhone and one Android.
  4. Download SVG for print-ready signage (cafes, offices, event badges).

Continue reading

Next →
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Use 20-25 mm (0.8-1.0 in) for most business cards. Includes minimum size guidance for short URLs, larger sizing for vCards, quiet zone rules, and a card dimensions chart.

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Quick answers

Common questions

What is the correct WiFi payload format?
Use WIFI:T:WPA;S:SSID;P:password;H:false;; with proper values.
Why does WiFi QR fail on iPhone?
Incorrect encryption or unescaped special characters often cause issues.
Which QR format works best?
Use standard formats like URL, WIFI, vCard, or wa.me and keep the data short.
How do I keep QR content scannable?
Remove extra fields, shorten URLs, and print larger for dense data.
Try it now
Generate QR codes locally in your browser — no uploads.
Browse generatorsOpen generator →See use cases →