Wi-Fi QR Codes: Exact Syntax
The Wi-Fi QR code format is a standardized string that iOS (11+) and Android (10+) recognize automatically. When scanned, the OS prompts to join the network without the user typing the password.WPA/WPA2 network:
``
WIFI:S:MyNetworkName;T:WPA;P:MySecretPassword;;
`
Open network (no password):
`
WIFI:S:OpenCafeWifi;T:nopass;;
`
Important details:
- The double semicolons at the end are required — the scanner uses them to detect the end of the string
- Network names and passwords are case-sensitive
- Special characters in SSIDs or passwords (semicolons, backslashes, quotes) must be escaped with a backslash
vCard QR Codes: Business Cards That Auto-Save
Full vCard:`
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
FN:Jeeva Kumar
N:Kumar;Jeeva;;;
ORG:PDFBucket
TITLE:Founder and Developer
TEL;TYPE=CELL:+919876543210
EMAIL:jeeva@pdfbucket.online
URL:https://pdfbucket.online
END:VCARD
`
Field notes: FN` is the formatted (display) name — required. Multiple TEL or EMAIL fields are allowed. The QR code encodes the full vCard string — longer vCards create denser codes.
URL QR Codes: Keep Them Short
For URL QR codes, the length of the URL directly affects how dense and scannable the code is. A 30-character URL produces a simple, scannable code. A 250-character URL produces a very dense code that requires a high-quality camera scan in good lighting.Best practice: If your URL is longer than 80 characters, use a URL shortener before generating the QR code.
Testing Before You Print
- Scan with iOS built-in camera — does it recognize the content type and offer the right action?
- Scan with Android camera or Google Lens — same test
- Print a test at the intended size — scan the printed version, not just the screen
- Test at the intended viewing distance — if it is a wall sign viewed from 1 meter, test from 1 meter