Take QR code instead of long password when connecting to Wi-Fi

LG Uplus Corp. introduced a functionality that allows access to Wi-Fi through an Internet TV screen. This is intended to make it possible to connect to Wi-Fi without the hassle of looking for a long password.

On Wednesday, the South Korean mobile telecom operator said that it applied the industry's first QR code-based Wi-Fi access to its IPTV service Uplus TV. It automatically connects the device to home Wi-Fi by simply taking a picture of the QR code on the Uplus TV screen with a smartphone camera.

It is made possible by connecting the Wi-Fi router service set identifier (SSID) and password to the QR code.

Previously, it was necessary to check the identifier and password written on the outside of the router and enter them one by one in order to connect a smartphone or tablet computer to Wi-Fi at home.

"Recently, more and more families are installing routers behind wall-mounted TVs. We came up with a QR code Wi-Fi access solution in response to customer complaints that it is too complicated to connect to Wi-Fi," said an LG Uplus official.

Write to Han-Gyeol Seon at always@hankyung.com