On 1time.io, the QR code is just another way to deliver the same one-time encrypted link. Create the secret, reveal the QR, let the recipient scan it on another device, and the secret disappears after it is opened.
When QR sharing is useful
- Cross-device logins. You create the secret on a laptop and scan it with the phone that actually needs the password.
- Nearby handoffs. Two people are in the same room, so scanning is faster than sending a chat message.
- Short-lived credentials. Temporary guest access, staging logins, WiFi passwords, and one-off support sessions.
How it works
- Create the encrypted one-time link on 1time.io.
- Click Show QR code on the success screen.
- The recipient scans the QR on another device and opens the same one-time link.
- Once the secret is read, it is destroyed from the server.
Why this is safer than displaying the password itself
Putting the raw password on screen makes it readable to anyone nearby and easy to photograph. A one-time QR still needs care, but it contains a one-time link instead of the plaintext password. Whoever scans it first gets the secret once, then it is gone.
Best practice: Use QR for nearby or cross-device sharing. For remote recipients, copy the one-time link instead.
QR code vs copy link
| Method | Best for | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Copy link | Email, Slack, SMS, remote sharing | Requires sending through another channel |
| One-time QR code | Nearby sharing and cross-device handoff | Not useful on the same device, visible to nearby scanners |
| Plain password on screen | Almost never | Readable and photographable in plaintext |
If you want the broader security context, read our guide on how to share passwords securely. For WiFi-specific examples, read how to share your WiFi password securely.
Create a one-time QR code now
Generate an encrypted link, reveal the QR, and let the recipient scan it once.
Create a secure link