Have you ever found yourself in a situation where guests need to connect to your Wi-Fi but you can't remember the password? Or have you ever wanted to quickly share network access with friends without having to type out a complex password? In such cases Wi-Fi QR code becomes a real salvation. But how to find it on iPhone, if Apple has not added this feature to the default settings?
Unlike devices on Android, where the network QR code can be generated in a couple of taps, for owners iPhone have to use workarounds. In this article, we'll look at all working methods — from official decisions in iOS 17 to little-known tricks with third-party apps. You'll learn how to create a QR code for your network, even if you don't have iPhone 8 or an older model.
Important: Methods vary depending on version iOS and the router model. If you have iPhone 15 Pro With the latest firmware, options are available that are not on iPhone SE 2020We'll highlight every detail so you don't waste time on instructions that don't work.
1. Official method: Generate a QR code via Settings (iOS 17 and later)
Starting from iOS 17Apple has finally added a built-in feature for creating Wi-Fi QR codes—but with a major limitation. This method works. only for sharing passwords with other Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac). Generating a QR code for universal use (for example, for Android phones) is not possible.
Here's how to do it:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Tap on the name of your network (there will be a checkmark next to it).
- Click on the icon Share Password** (square icon with an arrow pointing up).
- Bring another device Apple with it turned on
BluetoothAndWi-Fi— a notification will appear asking you to connect.
⚠️ Attention: This method does not create a physical QR code. It simply transmits network data via the protocol. Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL). If you need a QR code for printing or sending via messenger, please read the following sections.
2. Hidden feature: QR code in router information (not available on all models)
Few people know, but some routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer C80 or Keenetic) automatically generate a QR code for connecting to Wi-Fi. It can be found:
- 📦 On the sticker on the bottom of the router (next to the SSID and password).
- 🖥️ In the router's web interface, in the section
Wi-Fi → Basic SettingsorGuest network. - 📱 In the manufacturer's mobile application (for example, TP-Link Tether or ASUS Router).
If you have a router from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), this feature is most likely missing. Check your device model in the table below:
| Manufacturer | Models with QR code | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS | RT-AX88U, RT-AX58U, ZenWiFi | Sticker + web interface |
| TP-Link | Archer C80, Deco M5, X60 | Tether app |
| Keenetic | Giga, Hero, Viva | Web interface → Wi-Fi |
| Xiaomi | Mi Router 4A, AX3600 | Mi WiFi app |
If your router isn't on the list but was released after 2020, check its firmware—the feature may have been added in an update.
3. Wi-Fi QR Code Generator Apps: Top 5 Proven Options
When standard methods fail, third-party apps come to the rescue. We've tested dozens of utilities and selected the ones that:
- ✅ Does not require root access.
- ✅ They don’t collect unnecessary data (verified through App Privacy Report).
- ✅ Work on iOS 15 and newer.
Best options:
- QR Code Generator for Wi-Fi (free, no extra fluff)
The simplest tool: enter
SSIDand a password - you get a QR code. You can save it inPhotoor share via AirDrop. - WiFi Password QR (premium version for 199 ₽)
Additionally, it shows the history of connected networks and allows you to generate QR codes for guest networks.
- Shortcuts + built-in generator (for free)
Create a shortcut in the application Shortcuts with the "Generate QR code" action - more details in the next section.
⚠️ Attention: Never enter your Wi-Fi password into unknown apps. Check reviews and ratings before installing. App Store (must be not lower than 4.5).
Read reviews (especially negative ones) | Check App Store permissions | Install only from the official store | Don't enter passwords in suspicious forms-->
4. How to create a Wi-Fi QR code using Shortcuts without third-party apps
If you don't want to install additional software, use the built-in application. Shortcuts (Shortcuts) This method works on everyone iPhone With iOS 13 and newer, including iPhone 14 Pro Max And iPhone SE 3.
Instructions:
- Open
Labels→ click “+” (create shortcut). - Tap
Add action→ enter “Text” in the search. - Add an action
Textand enter the pattern:
WIFI:S:{SSID};T:WPA;P:{PASSWORD};;Replace
{SSID}to the name of your network, and{PASSWORD}— to the current key. - Add one more action:
Generate a QR code(found in the "Scripts" section). - Click
Next, name the shortcut (for example, "QR Wi-Fi") and save. - Launch the shortcut and a QR code will appear that you can save or share.
netsh wlan show profiles name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear | findstr "Key Contents"
(for Windows) or security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME" (for Mac).-->
5. Alternative methods: how to do without a QR code
If none of the methods worked, don't despair. Here 3 reliable alternativesTo share Wi-Fi access:
- 📋 Screenshot with password: take a screenshot of your Wi-Fi settings (in
Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network), where the password is visible (you will need to enter the password code iPhone). Send a screenshot via messenger. - 🔗 Guest network: Enable guest access in your router settings (usually without a password or with a simple code). Instructions for popular models:
TP-Link:Additional settings → Guest network
ASUS:Wireless Network → Guest Network (1) - 📡 WPS connection: if the router supports
WPS, press the button on the device body, and on the second phone, select “Connect via WPS” in the Wi-Fi settings.
⚠️ Attention: Guest networks often limit speed and block access to local devices (such as printers or network drives). If you need a full connection, it's better to use a QR code or share a password.
What to do if the router does not support WPS?
If your router does not have a WPS button or it does not work, check:
1. Is the function enabled in the settings (section Wi-Fi → WPS).
2. Does your provider block it (relevant for rented routers from MTS or Beeline).
3. Update your router firmware – sometimes WPS is added in new software versions.
If nothing helps, use other methods from this article.
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When generating or using a Wi-Fi QR code, users often encounter problems. Here top 5 mistakes and their solutions:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The QR code is not scanned. | Incorrect text format in QR code | Check the template: it should be WIFI:S:..;T:WPA;P:..;; |
| The phone does not connect after scanning | The network is hidden (SSID is not broadcast) | Enable network visibility in your router settings. |
| The app is asking for access to photos. | Needed to save QR | Allow access to Settings → Privacy |
| The QR code leads to a strange website. | Viral application | Delete the app and generate the QR code again. Shortcuts |
| Doesn't work on Android | Invalid encryption type in QR code | Make sure the QR code is correct T:WPA (or WPA2) |
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out the QR code of the Wi-Fi I am connected to but don't know the password?
No. iPhone does not show passwords of saved networks in clear text (unlike Android or Windows). To create a QR code, you need:
- Find out the password from the router settings (via the web interface or the provider’s application).
- Or reset the router settings and set a new password.
If the router is not yours (for example, in a cafe or office), ask the administrator to provide a QR code.
Why is there no "Share Password" option on my iPhone 12?
This feature was introduced in iOS 11, but it only works if the following conditions are met:
- Both devices must be with iOS 11 or newer.
BluetoothAndWi-Fienabled on both gadgets.- The device that receives the password must be in your
Apple ID(or in contacts).
If the option is not active, please update iOS or use alternative methods from the article.
Is it possible to create a QR code for Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz)?
Yes, but with some reservations:
- Standard QR code format (
WIFI:..) supports 6 GHz networks, but not all phones scan them correctly. - On iPhone 15 Pro and there are no problems with the newer ones, but on Android-devices may require manual connection.
- To be on the safe side, specify both networks (2.4 and 5 GHz) in the QR code, separated by commas:
WIFI:S:MyWiFi_2G,MyWiFi_5G;T:WPA;P:password;;
How to protect your Wi-Fi QR code from hackers?
A QR code is like a password, but in a visual format. To prevent unauthorized access:
- 🔒 Do not publish QR codes in open sources (social networks, forums).
- 🔄 Change your Wi-Fi password regularly (every 3-6 months).
- 🛡️ Enable filtering on your router
MAC addresses(allow connection only to your devices). - 📵 Use a separate network with limited rights for guests.
If you suspect that your QR code has been compromised, change your network password immediately.
Does Wi-Fi QR code work on jailbroken iPhone?
Yes, but:
- Some tweaks (for example, Liberty Lite or Shadow) can block QR generation through Shortcuts.
- The standard "Share Password" feature works without limitations.
- Third party applications from App Store may refuse to run on jailbroken devices.
If you encounter an error, try:
- Disable all tweaks via iCleaner Pro.
- Reboot iPhone.
- Use an alternative method (e.g. web QR generator).