By specifying the SSID, encryption type, password/passphrase, and if the SSID is hidden or not, mobile device users can quickly scan and join networks without having to manually enter the data. Note that this technique is valid for specifying only static SSID passwords (i.e. PSK); dynamic user credentials (i.e. Enterprise/802.1x) cannot be encoded in this manner.
Order of fields does not matter. Special characters """ (quotation mark), ";" (semicolon), "," (comma), ":" (colon) and "\" (backslash) should be escaped with a backslash ("\") as in MECARD encoding. For example, if an SSID were "foo;bar\baz", with quotation marks part of the literal SSID name itself, this would be encoded as: WIFI:S:\"foo\;bar\\baz\";;
This is super cool and would be awesome for situations where your guests are familiar with QR codes. But from my experience the process would go something like this:
Visitor: What's your wifi password?
Me: No password needed! We have a cool QR code you can scan that will auto-join you!
Visitor: Oh cool, how do I use a QR code? Do I need an app?
Me: Nope, just point your camera at it.
Visitor: Like .. .take a picture of it? And then what, do I...
Me: No just point your camera at it.
Visitor: Ok let me try it ... oh cool it's prompting me to join your wifi network? what do I do now
I agree with scenario one but also think you went too simplistic on the second scenario. Even with a simple wifi password like you suggested, you still need to specify the uppercase letters and plenty of people might have trouble spelling tortoise correctly on the first try.
Nevermind the fact that my friends group tends to be about 50% passwords of the type you used and the other 50% of them use a randomly generated one from a pw generator or add enough random capitalization of things like family member names to make it awkward. More often than not, I end up handing them my device to type it themselves.
The QR code seems a much simpler solution once people know how to use them. Thanks to things like electronic menus at restaurants due to Covid more folks than you might realize actually do know what to do. If grandma can learn how to use a QR code to access the high school band concert program online (true story), then anyone can.
It might be only my bubble (of non-tech-savvy people), but recently I started to use QR code to share my WiFi and there was never such friction you described. I don't do it with a printed out image, but my phone has an option to share the WiFi via QR code. Also, modern phones have a direct button from the WiFi connection screen to directly scan a QR and connect to WiFi... This is a thing... and it's easier to use it as typing `ShinyTortoise78`...
That might have been the case a few years ago (at least here in BC, Canada) but these days virtually every sit-down restaurant I go to has their menu available - often exclusively - via QR code.
I think there’s no need to optimize every single human interaction like we do with the machines :)
I don’t mind the little back and forth sometimes. Consequently, in this scenario the knowledge of how to use a QR code will come in handy for your guest.
before covid, that's completely true. since covid it's flipped the opposite - when every restaurant has a QR code instead of a printed menu, people get used to it quickly.
in the last few months, i've had visitors at events ask why we didn't have a QR code posted because they'd prefer that to typing in the name of our website.
So support both? Just post a paper on the wall with the name/password spelled out, and also a QR code. If people know how to scan then it's fast, if not then they can read+type the old way.
You can always put the password on the same piece of paper as the QR code. So if they don't know how to scan the code, they can type it in, no need for your to spell it either.
It’s not like you’re going to have to answer these questions forever, people won’t be surprised the camera can scan QR codes the fifteenth time they use it.
Had very similar experiences. Setup QR readers for a convention where users could scan for our website and a text bot... Absolute disaster, on both accounts.
I take it your visitors either cook all of their own food at home, or with their inability to use what passes for a restaurant menu these days, they have starved to death by now.
Bit of a self-plug I know, but this reminds me of something I had made a while back (https://github.com/kmanc/wifi_qr). Nice work! Always fun to see others' take on neat projects
I once had an idea to generate "hidden" qr codes in art and photos. Initially I wanted to take a photo of a giraffe and replace one of its spots with a QR code, and hang it in my living room for guests to scan. It turned into this (broken) website: https://www.qraffe.com/. I don't have a lot of time right now to fix it. The pdf rendering is broken. If anyone likes this idea and wants to help with a PR, I'll be mighty appreciative. https://github.com/joeframbach/qraffe
A QR code by itself is completely unreadable to a human. Can't this have the SSID / password too? All too often you see what should be simple textual data wrapped in this obtuse form which only specific machines can read. Text and a QR code can be read by everyone.
This is misuse of QR code; QR codes should be used to encode large data or some other clunky data that is hard for people to process that's why it is easier to look up such data/information with QR code and process/read it digitally. After all you have a camera in your pocket and a preinstalled QR code scanner(at least all new Android phones have). The main use case of QR codes that I see is simply linking you to a website. For example your favorite food brand links you to their website to explore their offering.
>Text and a QR code can be read by everyone.
Yea I agree with you that both plain text and a QR code should be shared so people can use what suits them the best at that particular moment.
Agreed. Where I used to work, IT started replacing the guest wifi (password changes monthly) with QR code instead of printing out the password on a piece of paper. It's really cumbersome when I want to join on my laptop.
I started with this quite a long back, way before a separate Guest Wi-Fi was commonplace and we were OK just sharing the Wi-Fi. My ideology with guest at home was to offer Water and Wi-Fi. Guest were happy when Mobile Phone signals were bad (slow) and costly.
I've forgotten the tool used but I had a QR-Code for the guest Wi-Fi for a very long time. These days, people don't really care as the Internet speed on their phones are pretty fast enough and the cost is very cheap (India).
I switched to guest networks after I accidentally casted a browsing session to the TV with Chrome and a Chromecast plugged into the TV. Luckily nothing sensitive was shown but it could’ve been embarrassing with other (NSFW) content shown. The guest networks are segmented and use their own VLAN
This weekend I went to my dacha neighbor to ask a wifi password. All I had is a laptop with half-tuned Debian (do not use no smartphones). He gave me that QR and I could not read it because QR is not text. He is not a technician and I did not want to persist in my ask, so the situation ended up with no internets for me :( Please stop using human-unreadable protocols if opposite is possible.
Sure a QR code is cool, but it's pointless for getting laptops onto a network and for the most part isn't that the main usecase for needing to get onto someone's 3rd party wifi (eg at an office, airBnB, etc?).
My phone has existing connectivity most of the time and it's rare that I need to connect it to wifi. Or that wifi would be preferable over my own 5G (or LTE) data connection.
Not hating, this is neat, but it seems low value. Certainly printing _only_ a QR code feels sub-optmial as it doesn't cover the laptop usecase.
I've done something similar, but didn't like the static passwords. My guest wifi password is the current date, in YYYY-MM-DD format, it's been a great way to keep my guests (mildly) satisfied. The format changes on occasion
You can also generate the QR code from an Android phone by going to WiFi settings, and tapping the "Share" from the details view of the network in question (assuming the phone is already connected to that network)
I've started deploying purpose-specific APs that I simply plug and unplug as I see fit.
So, for instance, if I want to use tor, I have an actual tor ap that is normally powered off. I plug in the PoE connection and a bit later I have an SSID that is Tor only.
I also have a "guest users" AP that has no password at all. Plug it in when needed. Unplug when people leave. Shrug.
I use the Ubiquiti frisbee APs that are PoE. Sometimes I insert a "slug"[1] between the switch and the AP which strictly enforces their purpose - like hard locking them to a VPN.
Here's what I do in my home: I've had the same easy-to-type WiFi password (it's a name and a four-digit year) since 2005 and I just tell my guests. It's not even a guest network. It's just my network. Free hugs in my house too.
"Which when scanned with the default camera app on iOS or Android will pop up something similar to this. With one click you're connected to the network."
I have never had an Android phone with the ability to scan QR codes with the "default camera app". The closest I've gotten is taking a picture of the QR code and then going into my pictures and using "Google Lens" to scan the picture for QR codes. Usually I end up downloading a dedicated QR scanner app from the app store, which I have zero confidence will be able to auto-connect me to someone's WiFi.
I've done this for years, quite convenient. I also have an NFC tag with the WiFi which works quicker (no need to open a QR scanner and no need to focus on the image for a sec) but I'm not sure if iOS supports it. I've put the tag behind the wifi "frame" so that you can just tap it instead of scanning it.
Android also has the option to "share" wifi via a QR code from the WiFi settings menu. It is quick and much easier than reading out the password to someone else.
I print out a sheet with some text (including the network SSID and password) and a QR code to connect to the guest wifi using libre office writer. It has a built in qr code generator. The QR code text for a wifi password is here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code#Joining_a_Wi%E2%80%9....
[+] [-] graton|3 years ago|reply
Wikipedia has information on this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code#Joining_a_Wi%E2%80%91F...
Section of the Wikipedia article:
Joining a Wi‑Fi network
By specifying the SSID, encryption type, password/passphrase, and if the SSID is hidden or not, mobile device users can quickly scan and join networks without having to manually enter the data. Note that this technique is valid for specifying only static SSID passwords (i.e. PSK); dynamic user credentials (i.e. Enterprise/802.1x) cannot be encoded in this manner.
The format of the encoded string is:
Order of fields does not matter. Special characters """ (quotation mark), ";" (semicolon), "," (comma), ":" (colon) and "\" (backslash) should be escaped with a backslash ("\") as in MECARD encoding. For example, if an SSID were "foo;bar\baz", with quotation marks part of the literal SSID name itself, this would be encoded as: WIFI:S:\"foo\;bar\\baz\";;[+] [-] josefresco|3 years ago|reply
Visitor: What's your wifi password?
Me: No password needed! We have a cool QR code you can scan that will auto-join you!
Visitor: Oh cool, how do I use a QR code? Do I need an app?
Me: Nope, just point your camera at it.
Visitor: Like .. .take a picture of it? And then what, do I...
Me: No just point your camera at it.
Visitor: Ok let me try it ... oh cool it's prompting me to join your wifi network? what do I do now
Me: Yes Yes, just proceed, that's what it's for.
Visitor: That's soo cool, thanks.
Vs
Visitor: What's your wifi password?
Me: ShinyTortoise78
[+] [-] acchow|3 years ago|reply
"Uhh English is my 3rd language and I don't know how to spell tortus. is there a QR code I can scan?"
[+] [-] brewdad|3 years ago|reply
Nevermind the fact that my friends group tends to be about 50% passwords of the type you used and the other 50% of them use a randomly generated one from a pw generator or add enough random capitalization of things like family member names to make it awkward. More often than not, I end up handing them my device to type it themselves.
The QR code seems a much simpler solution once people know how to use them. Thanks to things like electronic menus at restaurants due to Covid more folks than you might realize actually do know what to do. If grandma can learn how to use a QR code to access the high school band concert program online (true story), then anyone can.
Teach a man to fish.
[+] [-] BadOakOx|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] hapticmonkey|3 years ago|reply
Guest: “What’s your wifi network?”
Me: “It’s XXXX”
Guest: selects network
Me: Prompt on my device “Would you like to share your wifi password with Guest” . Selects Yes
Guest: “oh wow I’m connected. Thanks!”
Now that only works if I am present. But it works wonderfully. It should be standardised across platforms.
[+] [-] beastman82|3 years ago|reply
A: I don't know it's written on the back of the modem.
<finds modem after 10 minutes on top of a dusty cabinet>
<dictates code which is in hexadecimal to someone typing>
[+] [-] system16|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] woevdbz|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] theandrewbailey|3 years ago|reply
Me: Is it doing anything? What did you do?
Vistor: No. I pointed my phone at it like you said. Then I took a picture.
Me: What app are you using?
Visitor: The photo app I always use.
Me: Can you be more specific?
Visitor (showing where the icon is): That one. I always use it.
Me: That one sucks. Do you have any others?
Visitor: I don't know. There's photos in the Facebook app. Should I try that?
Me (grabs a piece of paper from the fridge, exasperated): Here. This is my wifi info. Use the 5ghz one. If that doesn't work, try the other one.
Vistor: Oh, ok, whatever. Thanks.
[+] [-] Fatnino|3 years ago|reply
Me: it's the entire alphabet in order.
Visitor: I don't want to type 20+ obnoxious letters.
Me: can I interest you in a QR code?
[+] [-] geraneum|3 years ago|reply
I don’t mind the little back and forth sometimes. Consequently, in this scenario the knowledge of how to use a QR code will come in handy for your guest.
[+] [-] aaaaaaaaaaab|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] notatoad|3 years ago|reply
in the last few months, i've had visitors at events ask why we didn't have a QR code posted because they'd prefer that to typing in the name of our website.
[+] [-] dmtroyer|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Consultant32452|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] yjftsjthsd-h|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] remram|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] tinus_hn|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] fmajid|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] robbitt|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] SteveDR|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mikestew|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] koins|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jgrahamc|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] metadat|3 years ago|reply
Thanks for sharing, this sort of overkill is my favorite kind~ Cheers @koins!
[+] [-] dangrossman|3 years ago|reply
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ligninandlight?section_id=28828952
[+] [-] joeframbach|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] nahimn|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] 3dprintscanner|3 years ago|reply
See: <https://twitter.com/adambowie/status/1521078234057695233> for context
[+] [-] mrkramer|3 years ago|reply
Already linked by people in this topic https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code#Joining_a_Wi%E2%80%91F...
>All too often you see what should be simple textual data wrapped in this obtuse form which only specific machines can read.
>See: <https://twitter.com/adambowie/status/1521078234057695233> for context
This is misuse of QR code; QR codes should be used to encode large data or some other clunky data that is hard for people to process that's why it is easier to look up such data/information with QR code and process/read it digitally. After all you have a camera in your pocket and a preinstalled QR code scanner(at least all new Android phones have). The main use case of QR codes that I see is simply linking you to a website. For example your favorite food brand links you to their website to explore their offering.
>Text and a QR code can be read by everyone.
Yea I agree with you that both plain text and a QR code should be shared so people can use what suits them the best at that particular moment.
[+] [-] rntksi|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Brajeshwar|3 years ago|reply
I've forgotten the tool used but I had a QR-Code for the guest Wi-Fi for a very long time. These days, people don't really care as the Internet speed on their phones are pretty fast enough and the cost is very cheap (India).
[+] [-] gravitate|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] santamex|3 years ago|reply
https://avm.de/ratgeber/wlan-zugang-teilen-mit-qr-codes-geht...
Edit: English: https://en.avm.de/guide/how-to-share-your-wi-fi-access-with-...
[+] [-] eimrine|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] dotBen|3 years ago|reply
My phone has existing connectivity most of the time and it's rare that I need to connect it to wifi. Or that wifi would be preferable over my own 5G (or LTE) data connection.
Not hating, this is neat, but it seems low value. Certainly printing _only_ a QR code feels sub-optmial as it doesn't cover the laptop usecase.
[+] [-] jimmaswell|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] samatman|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] megraf|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] tiffanyh|3 years ago|reply
https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=jgrahamc
[+] [-] woevdbz|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] rsync|3 years ago|reply
So, for instance, if I want to use tor, I have an actual tor ap that is normally powered off. I plug in the PoE connection and a bit later I have an SSID that is Tor only.
I also have a "guest users" AP that has no password at all. Plug it in when needed. Unplug when people leave. Shrug.
I use the Ubiquiti frisbee APs that are PoE. Sometimes I insert a "slug"[1] between the switch and the AP which strictly enforces their purpose - like hard locking them to a VPN.
[1] https://john.kozubik.com/pub/NetworkSlug/tip.html
[+] [-] js2|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] ryanianian|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] roozbeh18|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] umvi|3 years ago|reply
I have never had an Android phone with the ability to scan QR codes with the "default camera app". The closest I've gotten is taking a picture of the QR code and then going into my pictures and using "Google Lens" to scan the picture for QR codes. Usually I end up downloading a dedicated QR scanner app from the app store, which I have zero confidence will be able to auto-connect me to someone's WiFi.
[+] [-] wingspan|3 years ago|reply
[1] https://gist.github.com/ianobermiller/9f17f1022bc75c2228d742... [2] https://bl.ocks.org/ianobermiller/raw/9f17f1022bc75c2228d742...
[+] [-] kevincox|3 years ago|reply
Android also has the option to "share" wifi via a QR code from the WiFi settings menu. It is quick and much easier than reading out the password to someone else.
[+] [-] tkuraku|3 years ago|reply
No need for any special third party tools.