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.
If scans fail, compare the decoded payload with the exact router values (case-sensitive). Use fictional credentials for format tests; keep the real network password strong.
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.
Recommended workflow (fast)#
- Open the WiFi template.
- Copy/paste SSID and password from the router settings (avoid manual typing).
- Test on at least one iPhone and one Android.
- Download SVG for print-ready signage (cafes, offices, event badges).
Reproduce an escaped WiFi payload#
Use this fictional example: network Cafe;Guest, WPA encryption, password demo:2026, and Hidden network off. Enter the values literally; do not add backslashes in the form. QRFlow adds the escaping when it builds the payload.
WIFI:T:WPA;S:Cafe\;Guest;P:demo\:2026;H:false;;
Export a PNG and read it with the local image scanner. Compare the decoded text with the example above. This checks encoding, not network connectivity: joining still requires a real router with matching credentials, compatible security settings, and a device in range. Decode the exported image
When decoding succeeds but joining fails#
- No join prompt: the camera may treat the payload as text; try the phone’s WiFi settings scanner.
- Wrong-password message: compare case, punctuation, and the network name with the router. Do not weaken a real network password to make the QR smaller.
- Connected without internet: check the guest portal or router connection. A WiFi QR cannot complete a captive-portal login or configure an enterprise identity.
Format reference: ZXing WiFi payload conventions.