How to Find a Wi-Fi Network QR Code on iPhone: All Methods for iOS 16, 17, and 18

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to give guests access to your Wi-Fi but you don't remember the password? Or want to connect a smart device (e.g., Amazon Echo or Google Nest), but entering a long code manually is inconvenient? Wi-Fi network QR code solves this problem in seconds - just scan it with your smartphone camera. But where can I find it on iPhone, if there is no explicit "Generate QR" button in the settings?

Unlike Android, where the network's QR code is often available directly in the connection menu, iOS hides this function deeper. Moreover, its implementation depends on the system version (iOS 16 vs iOS 17/18), router model, and even network type (guest, hidden SSID, or primary). In this guide, we'll cover All working methods for getting a Wi-Fi QR code on iPhone without third-party apps, including workarounds for older iOS versions and non-standard routers.

Why isn't there a "Wi-Fi QR Code" button in iPhone settings?

Apple Traditionally, it simplifies the interface by removing unnecessary features. In the case of network QR codes, this is due to three reasons:

• 🔒 Security: The QR code contains the password in clear text (encoded in the format WIFI:T:WPA;S:my_ssid;P:my_password;;). Apple prefers users to share access via AirDrop or iCloud Keychain, where data is transmitted encrypted.
• 📱 Alternative methods: Starting from iOS 11, iPhone can automatically share Wi-Fi passwords with other devices Apple (through Contact or Family Sharing).
• 🌐 Router dependency: Many modern routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic) generate a QR code themselves - it can be found on the case sticker or in the web interface.

However, there are ways to get a QR code directly on iPhone, and they don't require jailbreaking or installing questionable utilities. Below are step-by-step instructions for different scenarios.

Method 1: Generate a QR code via "Passwords" (iOS 16 and later)

Starting from iOS 16, Apple Added a built-in password manager where you can view saved Wi-Fi networks and generate a QR code for them. This method works on all models. iPhone with current firmware, including iPhone 15 Pro Max And SE (3rd generation).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Passwords (you will need to enter the lock code or Face ID).
2. In the list, find the name of your Wi-Fi network (section Network passwords).
3. Tap on the network - a screen with details will open, including the field Password.
4. Press and hold the password field, then select Copy.
5. Return to Settings → Wi-Fi, find your network and tap on the icon ℹ on the right.
6. Scroll down and select Share password (If the option is not active, check that the device is unlocked and connected to this network).
7. The system will prompt you to generate a QR code – confirm the action.

The completed code will appear on the screen. You can:

• 📸 Scan with another device (turn on the camera and point it at the code).
• 🖼️ Save to Photo (take a screenshot or click "Share").
• 📤 Send via AirDrop, Messages or Mail.

Make sure your iPhone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

The network password is saved in iCloud Keychain (check in Settings → Passwords)

The device is unlocked (Face ID/Touch ID does not block access)

Disable VPN (may interfere with network detection)-->

⚠️ Attention: If in the list Passwords your network is not there, which means the password is not saved in iCloud KeychainIn this case, use Method 3 (via router) or Method 4 (manual generation).

Method 2: Using Wi-Fi Sharing (iOS 11–18)

This method does not create a QR code directly, but allows you to quickly transfer network access to another device. Apple (including Mac, iPad or another iPhone). If the recipient then generates a QR code through Passwords, you will be able to use it.

How does this work:

1. Make sure both devices (iPhone-the source and the destination device) are connected to iCloud and enter yours Family Sharing or a list Contacts.
2. On the receiving device, open Settings → Wi-Fi and select the desired network.
3. On iPhone- a pop-up window with an offer will appear on the source Share password. Click Send password.
4. On the receiving device, confirm the connection.

After this, the network will appear in the list of saved passwords on the second device, and you will be able to generate a QR code via Settings → Passwords (cm. Method 1).

⚠️ Attention: If you have hidden Wi-Fi network (with SSID broadcast disabled), this method may not work. In this case, use Method 3 or Method 5.

Method 3: QR code from the router sticker or its web interface

Most modern routers (TP-Link Archer, ASUS RT-AX, Keenetic, Xiaomi Mi Router) have a network QR code on the bottom sticker of the case. It contains the data for connecting to main network (not guest!) and is usually valid until the first password change.

If there is no sticker or the code is outdated, a QR code can be generated in the router's web interface:

1. Connect iPhone to the router's network (via Wi-Fi or cable via an adapter) Lightning/USB-C to Ethernet).
2. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1).
3. Log in (using the login and password from the sticker or your own if you have changed them).
4. Find the section Wi-Fi, Wireless network or QSS (Quick Secure Setup).
5. Look for the option QR code, Share via QR or Guest access.

Examples for popular brands:

• 🔄 TP-Link: Advanced Settings → QSS.
• 📡 ASUS: Wireless Network → QR Code (General tab).
• 🌐 Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Hotspot → QR code.
• 🤖 Xiaomi: Wi-Fi Settings → Share Network.

Method 4: Manually generate a QR code using Shortcuts (without apps)

If the previous methods did not work, you can create a QR code manually using the standard application Shortcuts (available on all iPhone With iOS 13+). This method is universal and works even for hidden networks.

Instructions:

1. Find out the exact name of the network (SSID) and password. If you don't remember the password, look it up in your router settings (see Method 3).
2. Open the app Shortcuts (if you don't have it, download it from App Store).
3. Tap + (create shortcut) → Add action.
4. In the search bar, enter Text and select an action Text.
5. In the text field, enter the template:

   WIFI:T:WPA;S:YOUR_SSID;P:YOUR_PASSWORD;;

   Replace YOUR_SSID And YOUR_PASSWORD to real data (no spaces!). For a hidden network, add H:true at the end:

   WIFI:T:WPA;S:YOUR_SSID;P:YOUR_PASSWORD;H:true;;

6. Add one more action: find QR code generator and select it.
7. Tap Show more and in the field Input data select Text (your template).
8. Click Next, name the shortcut (for example, "QR Wi-Fi") and save.
9. Launch the shortcut and a QR code will appear on the screen, which you can save or share.

An example of a ready-made template for a network my_wifi with a password 12345678:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:my_wifi;P:12345678;;

Method 5: Special apps for generating QR codes (if nothing else helps)

If the built-in methods don't work (for example, you have iPhone With iOS 12 (or older), you can use third-party utilities. It's important to choose apps with good reviews and without unnecessary fluff, as they will have access to your network data.

Top 3 verified apps:

• 📱 QR Code Generator (from Scanova) — supports Wi-Fi templates, allows you to customize the code design.
• 🔗 WiFi QR — specializes in generating codes for networks, there is a history of saved QR codes.
• 🛡️ Secure QR - encrypts data before generation (useful for public networks).

How to use:

1. Download the app from App Store.
2. Open it and select the option Wi-Fi QR or Net.
3. Enter SSID and password (the application may offer to copy them from the clipboard).
4. Select the security type (WPA/WPA2 or WEP).
5. Generate the code and save it or share it.

⚠️ Attention: Don't use apps that ask for access to Contacts, Photo or Locations — these permissions are not required to generate a Wi-Fi QR code. Also, avoid apps with suspiciously high ratings (they may be scammed).

Common problems and solutions

Even with detailed instructions, users still encounter difficulties. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them:

If you use guest network, remember that its QR code is often different from the main one. For example, on routers ASUS The guest network has a separate section in the web interface where you can generate a unique code.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

WIFI:T:WPA;S:my_hidden_network;P:password;H:true;;