Whether you’re a business trying to create a seamless way to connect to your network for your customers or need to know how to easily share your WiFi credentials with your friend, WiFi QR Codes offer a simple and easy solution: scan and connect!
Since the latest mobile devices have built-in QR Code scanners in the native camera app, using WiFi QR Codes to share internet access for commercial or personal uses is easy, efficient, and time-saving. When executed with the proper security protocols and the correct WiFi QR Code generator, your network remains secure and protected.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a WiFi QR Code using various security protocols for different use cases.
Table of contents
- What is a WiFi QR Code generator?
- How to create a WiFi QR Code for your network
- Where can you use WiFi QR Codes?
- Create a WiFi QR Code using the most secure QR Code Generator
- FAQs
What is a WiFi QR Code generator
A WiFi QR Code generator is a tool that lets you create QR Codes to connect to an existing network without entering a username or password. Anyone can scan the WiFi QR Code using the native camera app or a third-party QR Code scanner app to connect to the internet without typing a password or username (based on your settings).
You can print this QR Code and place it at hotels, restaurants, or coffee shops or share it via an image with the customer for scanning.
How to create a WiFi QR Code for your network
One of the easiest ways to create a WiFi QR Code is using a QR Code generator like Uniqode. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Go to QR Code generator dashboard
Navigate to the QR Code tab and click on “Create QR Code.”
Step 2: Select “WiFi” from the list of campaign types
The “WiFi” option is available in the static QR Codes section because they’re purely static. You cannot change the WiFi credentials once the QR Code is generated.
Learn: Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes: What’s the difference?
Step 3: Enter your network details
You will be prompted to fill in your WiFi network details. Here is a quick breakdown of the fields you have to fill in:
1. SSID: The SSID or Service Set Identifier is your WiFi network name. It is also known as the network ID
2. Encryption Mode: This is the security protocol that determines the type of encryption used to protect your network. You have three options:
- WPA/WPA2: Relatively newer security protocols were introduced in 2003 and 2004, respectively
- WEP: This is the earliest security protocol to protect a wireless network
- No encryption: for non-protected networks
3. Password: If you choose an encryption network, you must set a strong password to protect your network. This will be an alphanumeric string with special characters of your choosing.
👁️ Note: Regarding security, WPA/WPA2 is generally the safest and most widely used encryption type for WiFi networks. |
4. Visibility(Hidden/Visible): Using the visible network option, you can make your WiFi discoverable by devices. A hidden network will not show up your devices’ WiFi settings.
If you are unsure of these parameters in the dashboard while creating the QR Code, follow this guide to find and change your router settings or contact your network provider for assistance.
Step 4: Customize and create your WiFi QR Code
Once you’ve completed this, you can review and finish creating your code. Your WiFi QR Code can be downloaded in multiple formats (PNG, JPG, SVG, etc.) and printed out for your use!
✨Tip: You can try the Auto Design feature to automatically generate multiple versions of custom WiFi QR Codes based on the brand elements in your logo and website. |
Where can you use WiFi QR Codes?
The ease of sharing Wifi through QR Codes makes them the ideal choice for businesses and establishments that want customers to connect to their networks quickly with more people.
But before you start using them, it might help to know that there are essentially two types of WiFi networks:
- Public WiFi: Freely accessible to all and does not require any authentication. They are mainly used in public spaces, cafes, and restaurants
- Private WiFi: Available only to permitted users. They are used in hotels, offices, and any establishment that requires an authorized connection to their networks.
Based on your network type, the most common uses of WiFi QR Codes are:
- Hotel chains
- Restaurants and cafes
- Offices
- In public places such as airports, tourist destinations, malls, and city blocks
1. Elevate customer experience with WiFi QR Codes at hotel chains
A study revealed nearly all hotel guests (84%) and more than half of diners (56%) expect WiFi access in their rooms and it plays a crucial role in shaping the booking decision. It’s that important!
While most hotels offer WiFi, using a QR Code improves the experience. For instance, it will reduce back and forth with the front desk and improve the ease of accessing the internet. All you have to do is point your guests to the WiFi QR Code to scan.
Since hotel WiFi connections require security, ensure the WiFi QR Code is placed at the front desk and inside rooms. This will prevent any unauthorized access to the WiFi (if it’s set to public) while ensuring your guests can connect to the network without a single call to the front desk.
Also read: Other ways QR Codes can elevate customer experience at Hotel Chains
1. Public spaces
Most cities worldwide have free community WiFi connections for the public to access the internet with ease. This facility has allowed tourists, localities, and other public sections to connect to the WiFi network without searching for the password.
By embedding WiFi QR Codes at regular intervals throughout the space, people can simply scan the QR Code to connect to the WiFi without asking around for the password.
2. Provide easy access to the internet at cafes and restaurants
Good food and free WiFi are the essential elements of a great dining experience. Free WiFi at restaurants and coffee shops can help customers stay longer at your outlet and drive up food orders. This is where you can improve your experience with QR Codes.
You can place WiFi QR Codes on tabletops or windows and physical restaurant menus for customers to scan and connect. You can also have the waitperson bring the QR Code to customers for increased security.Also read: How to make QR Codes redirect to online restaurant menus.
3. Offer free WiFi in public places to promote your business
Most customers prefer a business that offers free WiFi. Offering free public WiFi could be your strategy to boost your brand image and as a marketing channel. Embed WiFi QR Codes and your marketing material at regular intervals so people can scan them to connect to the WiFi without asking for a password.
Rose Marketing Solutions, a Dallas-based marketing agency, used WiFi QR Codes for a chain of laundromats, with a 75% conversion rate. The QR Codes were routed via dynamic forms to gather user information.
Visitors could scan the QR Code, provide information, and get the required details for WiFi access. The same forms could be tied to other marketing, such as SMS and email.
4. Convert your WiFi to QR Code for office spaces
Considering the high occupancy of office spaces and the number of people visiting the area, consider placing WiFi QR Codes within a few meters of each other. This way, team members do not have to look for the authorized person for the WiFi password.
For large office spaces, you can create unique QR Codes for different departments to give direct WiFi access to team members working in a specific department and avoid manually entering the password.
Create a WiFi QR Code using the most secure QR Code Generator
Security is one of the most important parameters when offering a WiFi network. This is because the QR Code essentially transmits your network SSID and password (if you’re using an encrypted model) over the internet. This data might be vulnerable if robust security practices aren’t in place.
Uniqode’s WiFi QR Code generator offers industry-leading data security for your networks. GDPR and SOC® 2 Type 2 compliance means any data in your QR Code is always secured and encrypted.Create your first WiFi QR Code by signing up for a free 14-day trial.
Capture leads & higher conversions
Rose Marketing Solutions used WiFi QR Codes & witnessed a surge in conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I connect to a WiFi network with an Android mobile device?
There are two ways to connect to a WiFi network with your Android mobile device:
With Android settings
- Swipe on your Android mobile device’s notifications to locate your WiFi connection. You can also open it by clicking on Settings > Network > WiFi.
- Scroll to the bottom of the section
- Click the QR Code that is adjacent to the Add Network option
- Now, scan the WiFi QR Code to join the network
You can also use your camera app on Android to scan to a WiFi QR Code.
2. How do I connect to a WiFi network with an iPhone?
To connect to a WiFi QR Code with iOS, you can use the camera app or the dedicated QR Code scanner on the notification bar.
- Open the camera app
- Position the camera on the WiFi QR Code to scan the QR Code
- Tap on the notification banner to join the WiFi network
3. Will my WiFi QR Code expire?
No, the WiFi QR Code does not expire since it is a static QR Code.
4. How can I share my WiFi without a password?
Share your WiFi without giving away your password, create a QR Code, and allow your guests to scan the QR Code to join the network without typing in the password.
5. Is a WiFi QR Code generator safe?
A trusted WiFi QR Code generator is safe if your WiFi network is private and secured with encryption. You can create QR Codes to let users connect to your network without worrying about someone stealing your information.
6. How to make a QR Code on Android to connect guests to your WiFi
If you need to share your personal WiFi network on Android, you can use your WiFi app’s share option to generate a QR Code.
7. How to generate WiFi QR Code on your iPhone?
You can create a wifi QR Code for personal use on your iPhone using the Shortcuts app on the iPhone.
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