Can a QR code tell you the WiFi password?

Yes. A WiFi QR code contains the SSID, password, and security type encoded in plain text. Any QR decoder can read it and show you the password — including browser-based tools that require no installation.

How do I get my WiFi password from a QR code on my phone?

Open the Camera app and scan the QR code. On most phones this connects you automatically, but won't show the password. To see the actual password text, use a QR decoder app or upload the QR image to wifiqrscan.com.

I have a QR code sticker on my router — how do I find the password?

Take a photo of the QR code sticker with your phone, then open wifiqrscan.com in your laptop browser and upload the photo. The password will appear immediately.

Is it safe to decode a WiFi QR code online?

If you use a client-side decoder like WifiQRScan, yes — the image is decoded in your browser using WebAssembly and never sent to a server. Avoid services that require uploading files to an unknown server.

Why would I need the password text if I can just scan the QR code?

Smart TVs, gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), smart home devices, and older computers can't scan QR codes. You need the actual password text to type it in manually on those devices.

How to Get Your WiFi Password from a QR Code

WiFi QR codes are designed to let smartphones connect without typing a password. Scan with your camera, tap the notification, and you're on the network — the password stays hidden.

But what if you need the actual password text? Maybe you're setting up a PS5, a smart TV that only has a keyboard input, a printer, or any device that can't point a camera at a QR code. In those cases, you need to decode the QR code and extract the password as readable text.

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Upload a photo of your QR code sticker. Get SSID + password instantly.

Decode WiFi QR Code — Get the Password

Why You Might Need the Password Text

Scanning with a phone camera automatically connects that phone — but the password stays hidden from you. You need the plain text when:

Smart TVs (LG, Samsung, Sony, Hisense) — require manual password entry in settings
Gaming consoles — PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch all have WiFi setup screens expecting a typed password
Printers and scanners — most connect via a settings menu, not a camera
Smart home devices — thermostats, security cameras, smart plugs often use a companion app with a text field
Older laptops or desktops — no built-in QR scanner
Sharing the password verbally — you know there's a QR code on the wall but you need to tell someone the actual credentials

Step 1 — Find or Photograph the QR Code

Depending on where the QR code lives, here's how to get it into a usable format:

Router or modem sticker: Most modern routers have a QR code printed on the label on the back or bottom. Take a clear photo with your phone — make sure the whole code is in frame and in focus.

Printed card or sign: Hotels, cafes, and Airbnbs often print WiFi QR codes on cards. Photograph the card or, if you're on a laptop nearby, take a screenshot using Win+Shift+S (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+4 (Mac).

Digital QR code on another screen: Screenshot it. On Windows use Win+Shift+S, on Mac use Cmd+Shift+4. Then paste directly into the decoder with Ctrl+V.

QR code image already on your device: You're ready — just upload the file in the next step.

Step 2 — Decode the QR Code to Get the Password

Open WifiQRScan on your laptop or desktop browser
Upload your photo, paste a screenshot (Ctrl+V), or drag-and-drop the image file
The decoder reads the QR code locally in your browser and shows:

Field	Example
Network Name (SSID)	`MyHomeWiFi_5G`
Password	`correct-horse-battery`
Security Type	`WPA2`

Click the copy icon next to the password to copy it to your clipboard instantly.

Nothing is uploaded to a server. The image is decoded entirely inside your browser tab — your photo never leaves your device.

Step 3 — Enter the Password on Your Device

Now that you have the plain-text password, enter it wherever you need it:

Smart TV: Settings → Network → WiFi → select your network → type the password

PS5: Settings → Network → Settings → Set Up Internet Connection → Use WiFi → select network → enter password

Xbox Series X/S: Profile & System → Settings → General → Network settings → Set up wireless network → enter password

Nintendo Switch: System Settings → Internet → Internet Settings → select network → enter password

The password is case-sensitive. Make sure you copy it exactly — capital letters, numbers, and symbols all matter.

What If the QR Code Won't Decode?

Low image quality: Retake the photo. Get closer to the QR code so it fills most of the frame. Avoid shadows across the code.

Part of the code is obscured or damaged: A QR code can tolerate up to ~30% damage (error correction is built in), but if a corner is completely missing the decode will fail. Try to get a cleaner copy.

The decode succeeds but shows unexpected text: It might not be a WiFi QR code — some QR codes contain a website link, contact info, or plain text instead. If the output doesn't look like WiFi credentials, try the general QR decoder to see what's actually stored in the code.

The file format isn't accepted: WifiQRScan accepts JPEG, PNG, WEBP, and GIF. If your image is in another format, convert it first using any image viewer's "Save As" option.

Can't I Just See the Password on My Phone After Scanning?

Technically yes, but it requires digging through settings:

iPhone (iOS 16+): Settings → Wi-Fi → tap the network name → tap the password field to reveal it
Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → tap the network → Share (shows a QR code) → use WifiQRScan to decode that QR code back to text

Using the decoder is often faster than navigating phone settings, and works even if the device you need the password for isn't already connected.

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Use your phone or laptop webcam — continuous scanning, no app needed.

Scan WiFi QR Code