QR code help
Why won't my Wi-Fi QR code connect people to the network?
A Wi-Fi QR code carries the network name, security type and password. It fails when any of them does not exactly match the router, the network is hidden but not marked, special characters were not handled, or the network uses a sign-in page or enterprise login that a QR code cannot complete.
Common causes
- The network name or password has a typo, wrong capitalisation or extra space.
- The security type does not match the router, for example WPA3-only or an open network.
- A hidden network was not marked as hidden.
- Special characters in the name or password were not handled correctly.
- The network uses a captive portal or enterprise sign-in.
- The phone has an old saved entry with a wrong password.
How to fix it
- Copy the exact network name and password from the router settings.
- Select the same security type as the router.
- Mark the network as hidden only if it really is.
- Test with a phone that has forgotten the network.
- Create a simple guest network with a plain password if special characters cause trouble.
- If guests must accept terms on a sign-in page, show instructions beside the code.
How to prevent it
Use a dedicated guest network and replace every printed code when the password changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to print my Wi-Fi password in a QR code?
Anyone who can read the image can recover the password, so use a guest network only.
Does it work on all phones?
Current iPhones and most Android phones can join from the camera, but behaviour varies, so test.