How to Create Guest WiFi QR Codes

The standard WIFI: URI format

Modern smartphones (iOS 11+ and Android 10+) natively understand the ZXing standard WIFI: URI syntax. When a user points their native camera app at the code, an operating system prompt appears offering to Join [Network Name]?

The raw payload string adheres to a defined key-value structure terminated with double semicolons:

S: represents the Service Set Identifier (SSID or network name). T: represents the security authentication protocol (WPA, WEP, or nopass). P: is the pre-shared key (password). H: specifies whether the network SSID is broadcast or hidden (true or false).

// Standard WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Guest Network Format:
WIFI:S:Oak-Guest-WiFi;T:WPA;P:RiverCreek2026;H:false;;

// Open / Unsecured Network Format:
WIFI:S:Public-Library-Open;T:nopass;;

Escaping special characters in Wi-Fi passwords

Because semicolons (;), colons (:), backslashes (\), and quotation marks (") serve as syntax delimiters in the Wi-Fi string standard, they must be escaped with a preceding backslash (\) if they appear within your SSID or password.

For example, if your guest password is MyPass;2026!, the raw payload must format the key as P:MyPass\;2026!;. Failing to escape semicolons truncates the password, causing the smartphone to report an incorrect password error.

QR Code Generator automatically escapes special characters when you choose Wi-Fi under “1. Choose your content” and fill out its fields.

Guest network security and VLAN isolation

Never print a QR code that connects visitors directly to your primary administrative or business network.

In restaurants, salons, clinics, and holiday rentals, all guest traffic must be segmented onto an isolated Guest VLAN or separate guest SSID with Client Isolation enabled.

Client isolation ensures that connected guest devices cannot communicate with each other, preventing malicious snooping between diners or patients. Furthermore, guest networks must be firewalled off from internal Point of Sale (EPOS) card terminals, security camera feeds, and administrative PCs.

Never place guest Wi-Fi QR codes in exterior street-facing windows. Placing access codes outside your physical premises invites unauthorized parking lot bandwidth freeloading and potential network abuse.

What to open next

Choose Wi-Fi on QR Code Generator, enter the SSID and password, and select the matching security type. For an open network choose None; the stored password is omitted. Check Hidden network only when required by the router.

Customise the design if needed, then download SVG, PNG, or JPEG. Follow How to Customise QR Code Logos, Colours and Frames before adding a logo or labelled frame.

Verify the decoded SSID and password on your computer screen using QR Code Scanner.

For venue table menus, combine Wi-Fi access with digital menus following How to Create Restaurant Menu QR Codes.

Stop when

Stop when tapping the camera banner on both iOS and Android successfully joins the guest network without prompting for manual password entry.

References

Use the linked specifications and product documentation to check behavior in your own environment.