How to Generate and Share WiFi QR Code on iPhone Running iOS 18

With Android 10, Google added the option to let users share Wi-Fi connections with others via QR codes. Since then, if you wish to share your Wi-Fi connection, you simply need to share your Wi-Fi connection’s QR code and let your friend scan the code using their device. iOS has always been known to take its sweet time to introduce features that Android has had for years. For example, it is in iOS 18 that iPhone users can place the apps anywhere on the screen.

There is another feature that iOS introduced with iOS 18, is the WiFi QR code sharing. The new feature prevents users from typing those long passwords to access the shared Wi-Fi network. In this guide, we will share with you the steps you need to generate and share a WiFi QR code on iPhone running iOS 18.

What is a Wi-Fi QR code, and how does it work?

A QR code stands for Quick Response code. It makes use of grid-square patterns to embed information to hold much more data and enable easy sharing. A WiFi QR code includes the Wi-Fi network name, SSID, and password. Sharing this QR code with others will help them to connect to the same network without manually needing to enter the credentials. This process streamlines the process of sharing the internet with devices running the same or different operating systems. Some of the benefits include:

• Multiple users can connect to the network simply by scanning the WiFi QR code on iPhone running iOS 18.
• It also minimizes the need to share the password, which can get exposed to prying eyes.
• It is compatible with most modern Android and iOS devices, enabling cross-platform support.

A few things to keep in mind before we begin

Here is a list of things that you should be prepared with before you go ahead and follow the steps to generate a WiFi QR code on your iPhone:

• Make sure you have installed iOS 18 on your iPhone. Verify the version by navigating to Settings > General > About. If you are running an old iOS version, then go to Settings > General > Software Update and grab the latest update.
• The Wi-Fi network for which you wish to generate a QR code should be connected to your device.
• Ensure on the other device, the option to scan QR codes in the Camera app is enabled. You can perform a quick search to enable it based on your phone’s manufacturer.

How do I generate a Wi-Fi QR code on iPhone running iOS 18?

Before the feature launched with iOS 18, users had to create a custom shortcut to create and share WiFi QR codes. Now, all you need to do is follow the steps below:

1. Launch the Passwords app on your iPhone running iOS 18.
2. Tap on the Wi-Fi option and choose your network.
3. Tap on the Show Network QR Code button. The QR code for the selected network will show up on your screen.

Now, you can ask your friend to open the camera app on their device and scan the WiFi QR code to connect to the network without needing to manually enter the password. Another good thing is that you can share the generated QR code with anyone, and they will be able to connect to the network as long as you haven’t changed the credentials.

Notably, when you tap the share button from the Wi-Fi network screen in the Passwords app, it reveals the Wi-Fi password. In case you make changes to the Wi-Fi username or password, then you can always generate a new Wi-Fi QR code by following the simple steps above.

Alternative ways to generate Wi-Fi QR code for older iOS devices

Creating and sharing a WiFi QR code works on iOS devices running iOS 18. However, if you have an iPhone running an older version of iOS or macOS, you can make use of third-party websites to generate a QR code for the Wi-Fi network.

1. Visit the QiFi.org website on any web browser of your choosing.
2. Enter your Wi-Fi’s SSID name and key (Password) in the appropriate field and hit Generate.
3. Ensure that the Encryption is set to WPA/WPA2/WPA3.

Once you click on Generate, the website will create a QR code for your network, which others can scan to join the network. You can export this QR code as an image, grab a screenshot, or print it in your store for others.

Final thoughts

The addition of QR codes natively on iPhone with iOS 18 makes Wi-Fi sharing easier, effortless, and secure. Users can generate a QR code for their network and share it with guests if they are hosting a party. Otherwise, you can print out the Wi-Fi QR code for your network using your iPhone and leave it for your Airbnb guests. However, to be secure, ensure that you are sharing the Wi-Fi QR code with trusted people. We advise you to change the password for your Wi-Fi and also keep the networks updated in the Passwords app.

If you have an iOS 18 running iPhone, then you can also set up and use the Eye Tracking feature to use your iPhone with your eyes. With iOS 18, Apple also added the option to let you adjust the flashlight focus. If you have motion sickness, then Apple has added the useful Vehicle Motion Cues feature in iOS 18.