WiFi QR code generator
Print a QR code that connects guests to your WiFi with one scan. No app, no typing the password.
Generate your WiFi QR code
QR design & error correction options
🔒 100% Client-Side Privacy: Your WiFi SSID and password are processed directly in your browser using local cryptographic functions. Credentials are never sent over the network.
Beyond static QR codes: captive portals & private PSKs
Shared QR codes leak passwords and lack compliance. Purple delivers branded captive portals, automated CRM capture, and per-tenant private PSK (iPSK) on Cisco Meraki, Aruba, Ruckus, and UniFi.
One scan to connect
A WiFi QR code encodes the network name, security type, and password in the format that iOS and Android cameras read natively. Guests point their camera at it and tap to join, with no password to read out or mistype. Print it for reception desks, hotel rooms, meeting rooms, or cafe tables.
What this tool gives you
- WPA/WPA2/WPA3, WEP, and open networks, plus hidden SSIDs.
- Crisp SVG and high-resolution PNG downloads, ready to print at any size.
- Fully client-side. Your network name and password never leave the browser.
WiFi QR code syntax and URI specification
Modern smartphone cameras (iOS 11+ and Android 10+) parse wireless network configurations using the standardized MeCard / ZXing wireless URI scheme. Each parameter in the string is separated by a semicolon and terminated with a double semicolon.
| Parameter | Field Name | Syntax & Examples | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIFI: | Scheme Header | WIFI:... | Declares the barcode payload as a wireless network configuration string. |
| S: | Network SSID | S:MyNetwork; | The service set identifier (network name) broadcast by the access point. |
| T: | Authentication Type | T:WPA; | T:WEP; | T:nopass; | Encryption protocol: WPA (covers WPA/WPA2/WPA3-Personal), WEP, or nopass for open. |
| P: | Pre-Shared Key | P:SecretPassphrase; | Network passphrase or security key. Special characters (;, :, \, ") must be backslash-escaped. |
| H: | Hidden Network Flag | H:true; | H:false; | Optional boolean flag indicating whether the SSID is hidden and does not broadcast beacons. |
| ;; | Payload Terminator | ;; | Double semicolon terminating the wireless configuration record. |
Static WiFi QR codes vs enterprise captive portals vs iPSK
Choosing the right onboarding method depends on your venue size, security requirements, and visitor engagement goals. Compare how static QR codes stack up against managed captive portals and dynamic Identity Pre-Shared Keys (iPSK).
| Feature | Static QR Code | Purple Captive Portal | Identity PSK (iPSK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary use case | Small cafes, home offices, private meeting rooms | Public venues, retail, hospitality, healthcare, events | Student housing, build-to-rent (BTR), multi-tenant units |
| Authentication method | Shared pre-shared key (PSK) | Web login, SMS OTP, social auth, or email verification | Unique dynamic pre-shared key per user or apartment |
| Password security | Shared password easily leaked or forwarded | No shared password; dynamic session authorization | Private key isolated to specific resident devices |
| Client device isolation | Requires manual AP client isolation configuration | Built-in network isolation and firewall ACLs | Dynamic VLAN/micro-segmentation per resident |
| Visitor insights & CRM data | Zero data capture or visitor analytics | Real-time footfall, dwell time, CRM sync (HubSpot, Salesforce) | Resident device mapping and bandwidth management |
| Regulatory compliance | No terms of service or GDPR/CCPA acceptance | Automated legal compliance, opt-in consent, and audit logs | Tenant privacy compliance and audit readiness |
Related technical guides and network tools
Explore in-depth technical architectures and configuration guides for wireless network deployment, security isolation, and visitor engagement:
Captive Portal Architecture Guide
Learn how captive portals authenticate guest devices, handle walled garden domains, and automate CRM lead capture.
Guest WiFi Master Guide
Complete deployment playbook covering legal compliance, bandwidth shaping, RF design, and security isolation.
Enterprise WiFi Security Guide
Best practices for securing wireless networks with 802.1X, WPA3-Enterprise, client isolation, and rogue AP detection.
Cryptographic Password Generator
Generate high-entropy pre-shared keys and RADIUS secrets locally in your browser with real-time entropy calculation.
iPSK Subnet Designer
Design multi-tenant wireless networks with isolated pre-shared keys and vendor CLI configuration scripts.
WiFi Marketing Guide
Discover how venues use guest WiFi logins to build GDPR-compliant CRM databases and drive repeat visits.
Frequently asked questions
How does a WiFi QR code work on iPhone, iPad, and Android?
When a mobile device camera scans a WiFi QR code formatted according to the standard wireless network URI scheme (WiFi:S:SSID;T:WPA;P:password;;), the operating system parses the network credentials directly. iOS and Android display a native notification prompt asking the user if they want to join the network. Tapping the prompt automatically associates the device without requiring manual SSID selection or typing passwords.
Is it safe to generate WiFi QR codes online with this tool?
Yes. This tool operates entirely client-side using JavaScript in your web browser. Your network SSID, security encryption type, and pre-shared password are never transmitted to our servers or stored in any database. The SVG and PNG images are generated locally on your device.
What WiFi security encryption types are supported?
This tool supports WPA, WPA2, and WPA3-Personal (SAE/PSK) networks, legacy WEP networks, and open unencrypted networks (nopass). It also supports hidden network broadcasting flags.
Can I generate a QR code for hidden SSIDs?
Yes. Enabling the Hidden network option includes the H:true parameter in the QR payload. When scanned, supported client devices will probe specifically for the hidden SSID during network association.
Why do commercial venues upgrade from static QR codes to Purple captive portals?
While printed QR codes are convenient for small offices, large public venues, hotels, and retail brands face security and operational challenges with shared passwords (such as bandwidth abuse and zero visitor insights). Purple replaces static credentials with branded captive portals, automated CRM lead capture, CCPA/CPRA compliance, and 802.1X private PSK (iPSK) authentication.
Running guest WiFi at scale?
A printed QR code is the easy bit. Purple adds branded captive portals, data capture, and analytics on top, so guest WiFi becomes a marketing channel across every venue.
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