Why a WiFi QR code beats reading out the password
Long, random passwords are secure but painful to type on a phone. A WiFi QR code removes the friction: guests point their camera, tap the prompt and they are online in seconds. That is why cafes, hotels, coworking spaces and short-term rentals put one on the wall or on the menu.
What to check before you print
- Spell the network name exactly. It is case sensitive, and a trailing space will break the connection.
- Use a guest network if your router offers one. It keeps visitors away from your computers, printers and smart-home devices.
- Test on iPhone and Android. Both read WiFi codes with the normal camera app.
- Print at least 3 cm wide and keep high contrast: dark code on a light background.
Where to place it
Frame it near the reception desk, stick it on the fridge, add it to your restaurant menu, print it on a welcome card in a rental or show it on a TV screen in a waiting room. Add a frame with the label WIFI so people know what it is before they scan.
Keeping it secure
Change the WiFi password from time to time and regenerate the code. If you share the code publicly, switch on client isolation on the guest network so connected devices cannot see each other. For more on strong network passwords, read our guide to strong passwords.