Wi‑Fi QR Security Best Practices

Last updated: December 11, 2025 — See all guides at /guides/

QR codes make sharing Wi‑Fi faster, but you still need solid security. Follow these steps to keep guests happy without weakening your network.

Start with the right network design

Separate visitor traffic from your main LAN. Most routers let you enable a guest SSID that blocks access to internal devices.

Use WPA2 or WPA3 Personal. Avoid WEP or open networks unless it’s truly public access.

If you must expose a QR for your primary Wi‑Fi, consider hiding the main SSID and keeping the QR for a guest SSID instead.

Rotate guest passwords: weekly for public venues, per-booking for rentals, monthly for small offices.
Keep passwords strong: 12+ characters with a mix of letters/numbers; avoid reusing old keys.
Print date stamps: add “Last updated” near printed QRs to reduce confusion.

Select WPA/WPA2/WPA3 as the security type.
Enter the exact SSID and password; check “Hidden” only if your SSID is not broadcast.
Export at 300–600 px for screens or 800–1200 px for print with a clear quiet zone.

Sharing your primary SSID/password—use a guest network instead.
Leaving passwords unchanged for months; stale credentials linger in screenshots.
Posting the QR publicly if it leads to your main LAN.

Test with current iOS and Android cameras after each password rotation.
Check router logs for unusual guest traffic; block peer-to-peer on guest SSIDs if possible.
Retest after firmware updates—security modes or hidden SSID behavior can change.

No. Hidden SSIDs are still discoverable with sniffing tools. Use WPA2/WPA3 and strong passwords.

Yes—keep contrast high, avoid covering the corner markers, and raise error correction to Q/H.

Captive portals add friction but can enforce terms or time limits. Pair them with a guest SSID, not your main network.