WiFi QR Password

If your friend wants to get on your Wi-Fi, you don't have to share your (possibly long and confusing) password. Here's how to generate a QR code containing your network password and have them log on in one snap.

We recently shared an app that signs you into other people's Wi-Fi, and a number of you noted an even easier method: just stick a QR code on your router that automatically logs them in! We've actually talked about this before, so to give homage to those of you that tipped us off, we've reprinted this old article as today's tip of the week. Enjoy!

There are a lot of sites out there that let you create QR codes for Wi-Fi passwords, but we like QRStuff's code generator and ZXing Project's QR Code Generator (ZXing are the developers of Barcode Scanner). Just head to one of those, pick "Wifi network" from the dropdown menu, then enter in your SSID (network name) and password. Make sure you choose the right encryption type, too.

Once you click the Generate button, you'll get a QR code you can save and print out if you like.

Your friend will need to have a barcode scanner on their phone, preferably the free Barcode Scanner app on Android (which many of you probably already have). To connect to your network, all he/she has to do is scan the QR code. It'll instantly connect them.

iPhone users and other barcode scanners will be able to see the username and password, which they can then copy and paste. It won't connect them directly like Barcode Scanner for Android will, but it's still quick and easy. Thanks to everyone who sent in this tip!