Ever stared at a QR code, especially one for Wi-Fi, and wished you could just peek inside to see the actual password? I know I have! Sometimes you need that password for a different device, or maybe you just want to jot it down for safekeeping. Good news: Yes, you can absolutely get the password from a QR code, especially a Wi-Fi one, and often without needing any fancy apps. It usually involves a simple scan, but the exact steps can vary a bit depending on your device.

We’ll walk through how to do this across different phones and even laptops. But here’s a quick heads-up: while QR codes are super convenient, they can hide all sorts of information, and sometimes that includes a Wi-Fi password. It’s a good idea to remember that keeping track of all your passwords, not just Wi-Fi ones, is a big deal for your online security. That’s where a reliable password manager comes in handy. If you’re looking for a solid way to keep all your digital keys safe and sound, checking out NordPass is a smart move for robust password management. It helps you generate, store, and autofill unique passwords across all your devices, giving you one less thing to worry about. We’ll talk more about how to protect your passwords later, but for now, let’s get you that Wi-Fi password!

Table of Contents

What’s the Deal with Wi-Fi QR Codes Anyway?

You’ve probably seen QR codes everywhere these days – in restaurants, on posters, even product packaging. They’re those little square barcodes that your phone camera can read, and they’ve really surged in popularity. In fact, QR code scans have shot up by a staggering 433% over the past two years, with tons of businesses using them to connect with customers.

For Wi-Fi, a QR code is basically a little digital shortcut. Instead of manually typing out a long, complex Wi-Fi network name SSID and its equally complex password, you just scan a QR code. Your device then automatically pulls the network details and connects you. It’s super handy for guests, businesses, or even when you just can’t remember your own Wi-Fi password. These codes usually contain the network name, the password, and the type of security encryption used like WPA/WPA2 or WEP.

How QR Codes Share Wi-Fi Passwords

When you scan a Wi-Fi QR code, your phone’s camera or a dedicated QR code scanner app acts like a translator. It deciphers the pattern of black and white squares, which actually hold a string of text. For Wi-Fi, this text is formatted in a specific way, often looking something like WIFI:T:WPA.S:MyNetworkName.P:ThisIsMyPassword... The “T” stands for encryption type, “S” for the SSID network name, and “P” for the password.

Most modern smartphones are smart enough to recognize this format. Once scanned, they’ll usually pop up a notification asking if you want to connect to that Wi-Fi network. If you confirm, you’re instantly online without ever seeing or typing the password yourself. The trick to getting the password is to intercept or view this information after the scan, which many devices now allow you to do. Finding the Best Password Manager for QJH and Beyond: Your Ultimate Guide to Digital Security

Getting Wi-Fi Password from QR Code on Android

If you’re an Android user, you’re in luck! Most newer Android devices have a built-in way to show you the Wi-Fi password from a QR code, especially for networks you’re already connected to.

Using Built-in Features Android 10+ and Newer

For many Android phones running Android 10 or newer like Google Pixel devices and many others with a near-stock Android experience, it’s pretty straightforward:

Open Settings: Tap on the gear icon.
Navigate to Wi-Fi Settings: This might be under “Network & Internet” then “Internet,” or directly “Connections” then “Wi-Fi”.
Select Your Connected Network: Tap on the Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to, or choose one from your “Saved Networks” list.
Find the Share Option: Look for an option like “Share” or a “QR code” icon. On many devices, you’ll see a “Share” button next to the network name.
Authenticate: Your phone might ask for your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint to confirm it’s you.
View the Password: Once authenticated, a QR code will appear on your screen. Crucially, the plain text password for that Wi-Fi network will often be displayed right below the QR code.

That’s it! You can now read or copy the password directly. If you want to share the QR code with someone else, you can take a screenshot of it.

Specifics for Samsung Devices

Samsung Galaxy devices often have a slightly different path but achieve the same result. If you’re on a Samsung device: Password manager for qnap

Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi.
Tap the gear icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
Tap on “QR code” at the bottom of the screen.
To view the password: You might need to tap “Save as Image” to save the QR code to your gallery. Then, open Google Photos, find the saved QR code in your Pictures folder, and tap “Lens” at the bottom to scan the image. Google Lens will then display the network name and password. Some newer Samsung models might also directly show the password after tapping the QR code option, similar to other Android devices.

Older Android Versions and when the password isn’t directly visible

If your Android phone doesn’t directly show the password below the QR code, or if you’re on an older Android version pre-Android 10, you might need a little workaround. This often involves using a second device or an app that can decode QR codes:

Generate the QR code for your Wi-Fi network on your connected Android phone using the steps above, even if it doesn’t show the password.
Take a screenshot of this QR code.
Use a QR Code Scanner App on another device or the same device: Download a reliable QR code scanner app from the Google Play Store on a second phone, or even on your current phone if you didn’t see the password directly. Many online QR code readers which we’ll discuss with caution also allow you to upload an image.
Scan or Upload the Screenshot: Open the QR code scanner app and either point its camera at the QR code on your screen or upload the screenshot you took. The app should then decode the QR code and display the Wi-Fi network name, password, and security type.

Important Note: When using third-party QR code scanner apps, always be careful about what you download. Stick to reputable apps with good reviews to avoid malware or privacy issues.

Getting Wi-Fi Password from QR Code on iPhone

iPhones have also made it easier to connect via QR codes, and with recent iOS updates, you can even retrieve the password more directly.

Connecting via QR Code General

For a long time, iPhones iOS 11 and later could scan Wi-Fi QR codes directly with the camera app to connect to a network, but wouldn’t usually display the password. Password manager for qib

Enable QR Code Scanning: Go to Settings > Camera and make sure “Scan QR Codes” is turned on.
Open Camera App: Point your iPhone’s camera at the Wi-Fi QR code.
Tap the Notification: A yellow notification should pop up at the top of the screen asking if you want to “Join” the Wi-Fi network. Tap it, and you’re connected.

Viewing the Password on iOS 18+

With iOS 18 currently in beta, but expected to roll out widely, Apple has introduced a handy feature in the new Passwords app that lets you view and share Wi-Fi passwords using QR codes:

Open the Passwords App: This is a new dedicated app for managing all your logins.
Tap the Wi-Fi Card: In the Passwords app, you’ll find a section specifically for Wi-Fi networks.
Select the Network: Choose the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to see.
Tap “Show Network QR code”: This will display a QR code containing the network’s details. The actual password should be visible here or easily retrievable by scanning this QR code with another device.

This is a great step forward for iPhone users, making password retrieval much more user-friendly.

Getting Wi-Fi Password from QR Code on Laptops Windows/Mac

Laptops generally don’t have the same built-in “generate Wi-Fi QR code” features as phones, but you can still use a QR code to get a Wi-Fi password for your laptop or connect your laptop to a network.

Using Your Phone to Decode, Then Manual Input

This is the most common method and works for both Windows and Mac: Password manager for qemu

Scan the QR Code with Your Phone: Use your Android or iPhone as described above to scan the Wi-Fi QR code.
Retrieve the Password on Your Phone: Follow the steps for your phone to either see the password directly below the QR code Android 10+ or iOS 18+ or use a QR code scanner app on your phone to decode the image and display the password.
Manually Enter on Laptop: Once you have the plain text password from your phone, open your laptop’s Wi-Fi settings System Settings > Wi-Fi on Mac, or Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi on Windows. Select the Wi-Fi network, and type in the password.

Using an Online QR Reader with Caution for Laptops

If you have a picture of the Wi-Fi QR code saved on your laptop, or you can take a photo of a physical QR code and transfer it to your laptop, you can use an online QR code reader.

Get the QR Code Image: If it’s a physical QR code, take a clear photo of it with your phone and send it to your laptop via email, cloud storage, etc.. Save the image on your computer.
Open an Online QR Reader: Search for “online QR code reader” on Google. There are many websites that offer this service e.g., qreader.online or similar tools.
Upload the Image: On the online tool, choose the option to “Upload Image” or “Choose File” and select your QR code picture.
Decode and View: The website will scan the image and display the decoded information, including the Wi-Fi network name SSID and password.

BIG WARNING about online QR readers: Be extremely cautious when using online tools, especially if the QR code might contain sensitive information beyond a simple Wi-Fi password. Malicious QR codes can direct you to phishing sites or sites that download malware. Only use reputable online scanners, and never upload a QR code that could contain highly sensitive personal or financial data to an unknown website.

Windows 11 Direct Scan Feature

If you’re using Windows 11 and your laptop has a built-in camera, you might be able to scan QR codes directly to connect to a Wi-Fi network:

Open the Camera app: Look for the Camera app in your Start menu.
Switch to Barcode Mode: In the Camera app, select the “barcode mode” icon it might look like a small barcode or QR code icon to change from photo mode.
Point and Scan: Point your laptop’s camera at the Wi-Fi QR code.
Connect: A link should appear in the Camera app. Select this link, and it will open your Wi-Fi settings, where you can confirm and connect to the network. While this connects you, it might not explicitly display the password in plain text like some phone methods.

What If the QR Code Isn’t for Wi-Fi?

It’s important to remember that QR codes aren’t just for Wi-Fi. They’re used for all sorts of things: website links, contact information, app downloads, payment processing, event tickets, and more. Password manager for qb desktop

If you scan a QR code and it doesn’t lead to Wi-Fi connection details, it will likely:

Open a website: This is the most common use.
Prompt you to download an app.
Display plain text.
Add a contact to your phone.
Initiate an email or text message.

In these cases, you won’t be “getting a password” because there isn’t one encoded. The QR code is simply providing a shortcut to other types of information or actions.

Protecting Your Wi-Fi Password and Other Passwords

Getting a Wi-Fi password from a QR code can be super helpful, but it also brings up a bigger point about password security. We rely on countless online services, and with cyberattacks on the rise, having strong, unique passwords for everything is more critical than ever. Shockingly, over half of adults still use risky practices like memorization or browser storage for passwords, and nearly one in five reuse the same passwords across accounts.

This is where a dedicated password manager truly shines. I can’t stress this enough: a password manager is one of the most effective tools in your digital security arsenal. It’s like having a digital vault for all your login credentials, accessible only by a single master password you control. Best Password Manager for Qdoba: Keep Your Account Safe & Simple

Here’s why you should seriously consider one:

Generates Strong, Unique Passwords: A good password manager can create incredibly complex, random passwords for each of your accounts. These are virtually impossible for hackers to guess, and they ensure that if one account is compromised, your others remain safe.
Secure Storage: All your passwords are encrypted and stored securely in one place.
Auto-Fill and One-Click Logins: No more typing! Password managers can automatically fill in your login details for websites and apps, saving you time and preventing keyloggers from capturing your keystrokes.
Cross-Device Syncing: You can access your passwords securely across your phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop.
Secure Sharing: Some managers allow you to securely share specific passwords with family members or colleagues, without revealing the actual password in plain text.
Protection Against Phishing: Many password managers can help identify potential phishing sites, alerting you if you’re trying to log into a suspicious website.

It’s pretty clear that relying on a good password manager is essential . If you’re serious about protecting your online life and want to simplify how you handle all your logins, I highly recommend you check out NordPass. It offers a robust solution that can dramatically improve your security and convenience.

Creating Your Own Wi-Fi QR Code

Knowing how to get a password from a QR code is useful, but sometimes you just want to share your own Wi-Fi password easily! Creating a Wi-Fi QR code is a fantastic way to do this for guests without having to repeatedly spell out your complex password.

Here’s how you can make one: Building Your Own Secure Python Password Manager: A Project Report Guide

Use Your Phone’s Built-in Feature: On many modern Android phones, if you’re connected to your Wi-Fi, you can go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap on your network, and then select “Share” or the “QR code” option. This will generate a QR code for your current network that others can scan.
Use a Dedicated Online Generator: There are many free online Wi-Fi QR code generators available just search for “Wi-Fi QR code generator”. These websites will ask for your Wi-Fi network name SSID, the password, and the security type WPA/WPA2, WEP, or none.
- Input Details: Type in your exact Wi-Fi network name SSID, making sure it matches your router’s name.
- Enter Password: Provide the password for your Wi-Fi network. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.
- Select Encryption Type: Choose the correct security protocol usually WPA/WPA2.
- Generate and Download: Once you’ve entered the details, the generator will create the QR code image for you to download.
Print or Display: You can then print this QR code and put it in a visible spot for guests, or simply display it on your phone for them to scan.

Just remember, if you ever change your Wi-Fi name or password, you’ll need to generate a new QR code because the old one will become invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of information is stored in a Wi-Fi QR code?

A Wi-Fi QR code typically stores three key pieces of information: the Wi-Fi network’s name SSID, its password, and the type of security encryption it uses like WPA/WPA2. This information is usually formatted in a specific string that devices can easily interpret to connect to the network.

Is it safe to extract a password from a QR code online?

While you can use online tools to extract passwords from QR code images, you should be very cautious. If the QR code contains sensitive information even a Wi-Fi password for your home network, uploading it to an unknown online service carries risks. Malicious online scanners could potentially log your information or direct you to phishing sites. It’s generally safer to use your device’s built-in features or trusted offline scanner apps.

Can I get a Wi-Fi password from a QR code if I’m not connected to that network?

Yes, if you have a QR code for a Wi-Fi network, you can scan it even if you’re not currently connected to that network. Your phone will usually decode the information and prompt you to connect. If your device supports displaying the password, you’ll see it before connecting, or you can use a QR code scanner app to explicitly reveal the password from the scanned image. Your Digital Keymaster: The Best Password Managers of 2025

Why don’t all Android phones show the password directly below the QR code?

The ability to show the plain text password directly below the QR code varies by Android version and manufacturer customizations. Newer Android versions like Android 10 and up and stock Android experiences often include this feature. However, some older versions or heavily customized interfaces like some Samsung models, though newer ones are improving might only display the QR code for sharing without explicitly showing the password, requiring a workaround like using Google Lens or a third-party scanner.

Can a QR code also contain other types of passwords, like for an email or bank account?

Technically, a QR code can be generated to contain any string of text, including an email or bank account password. However, it is highly, highly discouraged and extremely risky to embed sensitive passwords like these in a QR code. QR codes are easily scannable by anyone, making them very insecure for such critical information. Always use secure methods like a password manager for sensitive account credentials.

How do I get a QR code of my own Wi-Fi password if I forgot it?

If you’re already connected to your Wi-Fi network on an Android device Android 10+ or Samsung, you can typically generate a QR code for that network in your Wi-Fi settings, and the password will often be displayed below it. For iPhones with iOS 18+, you can find this in the new Passwords app. If your device doesn’t show the password directly, you can still generate the QR code, take a screenshot, and then use a trusted QR code scanner app or an online decoder to reveal the password.

Choosing the Best Password Manager for Your Private Life in 2025

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