QR Code Password Sharing

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QR codes provide a convenient and secure way to share stash passwords. This guide explains how to use and manage QR code password sharing.

What Is a QR Code Password?

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A QR code password combines your stash password with a scannable QR code for easy sharing:

• Visual Format — Password encoded as a scannable image
• Instant Access — Scan to instantly get the password
• Offline Sharing — Share the image without revealing plain text
• Mobile-Friendly — Perfect for sharing on phones

When QR Codes Are Shown

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Initial Generation

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When you first enable password protection:

1. Password is generated
2. QR code appears automatically
3. You can download or screenshot it
4. This is the only time the QR code is shown

Password Regeneration

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When you regenerate a password:

1. New password is created
2. New QR code is displayed
3. Old QR code becomes invalid
4. Download the new QR code

After Closing the Dialog

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Once you close the password dialog:

• QR code is no longer visible in settings
• Password appears as masked (••••••••)
• You must regenerate to see a new QR code
• This is a security feature, not a bug

How to Download the QR Code

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Step 1: Open Password Dialog

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• Go to your stash settings
• Enable password protection or regenerate existing password
• Wait for the QR code to appear

Step 2: Click Download

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Click the Download QR Code button below the QR code.

Step 3: Save the File

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• The image downloads to your device
• Default name: stash-password-[stashname].png
• Save it in a secure location

Step 4: Share Securely

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• Send via encrypted messaging apps
• Email to yourself as backup
• Store in password manager
• Print for physical safekeeping

How Users Scan the QR Code

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On Mobile Devices

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iPhone (iOS)

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1. Open the Camera app
2. Point at the QR code
3. Tap the notification that appears
4. Password is copied to clipboard or shown

Android

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1. Open Camera or Google Lens
2. Point at the QR code
3. Tap the result
4. Password is displayed or copied

Using QR Scanner Apps

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If your camera doesn’t support QR codes:

1. Download a QR scanner app
2. Open the app
3. Point at the QR code
4. Read the password

On Desktop

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Use your phone to scan, then:

• Type the password manually
• Or use a browser extension that reads QR codes

Best Practices for QR Code Sharing

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✅ Recommended

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For Digital Sharing:

• Send via encrypted messaging (Signal, WhatsApp)
• Email as attachment (encrypted email preferred)
• Share through secure file transfer services
• Store in password manager with note

For Physical Sharing:

• Print on paper for in-person meetings
• Laminate for durability
• Store in sealed envelope
• Keep in secure location

For Team Sharing:

• Include in onboarding documents
• Add to team wiki (with access controls)
• Share during secure handoff meetings

❌ Avoid

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• Posting QR codes publicly (social media, forums)
• Including in public documentation
• Sharing in unencrypted channels
• Leaving QR codes visible on screens
• Printing and leaving in accessible locations

QR Code Security

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What’s Encoded

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The QR code contains:

• The plain text password
• A label identifying the stash
• Nothing else (no personal data)

Security Considerations

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Anyone with the QR code can:

• Scan it to get the password
• Access the stash (if they have the URL)
• Share it with others

Protect your QR codes:

• Treat them like passwords
• Don’t share publicly
• Delete after use if temporary
• Regenerate if compromised

Troubleshooting

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QR Code Won’t Download

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• Check your browser’s download settings
• Allow pop-ups for stashed.in
• Try a different browser
• Take a screenshot as alternative

QR Code Not Scanning

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Common issues:

• Screen brightness too low — Increase brightness
• Dirty camera lens — Clean your camera
• Poor lighting — Move to better light
• Wrong distance — Move closer or farther
• Damaged image — Re-download the QR code

Solutions:

1. Ensure the full QR code is visible
2. Hold your device steady
3. Try a different QR scanner app
4. Copy the password manually instead

QR Code Shows Error

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If scanning shows an error:

• The QR code may be corrupted
• Regenerate the password for a new QR code
• Contact support if issue persists

Lost the QR Code

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If you lost the downloaded QR code:

1. Go to stash settings
2. Click Regenerate Password
3. Download the new QR code
4. Old QR code stops working

Advanced Usage

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Storing QR Codes Long-Term

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Digital Storage:

• Password managers (many support attachments)
• Encrypted cloud storage
• Secure note apps
• Encrypted USB drive

Physical Storage:

• Fireproof safe
• Safety deposit box
• Locked filing cabinet
• With important documents

QR Code Expiration

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QR codes themselves don’t expire, but they become invalid when:

• Password is regenerated
• Stash is deleted
• Password protection is disabled

Multiple QR Codes

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You can have multiple valid QR codes if you:

• Download the QR code
• Share it with multiple people
• Don’t regenerate the password

All copies remain valid until regeneration.

Accessibility Considerations

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For Users Who Can’t Scan QR Codes

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Provide alternative access:

• Copy and share the password as text
• Use secure password sharing services
• Share via phone call or in person
• Include in encrypted email

Creating Accessible QR Codes

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If you’re printing QR codes:

• Use high contrast (black on white)
• Make it large enough to scan easily
• Include the password text below as backup
• Add instructions for scanning

Privacy Notes

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What Stashed Tracks

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• Password generation events
• Regeneration events
• Not who scans QR codes
• Not how many times a QR code is scanned

QR Code Metadata

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The QR code image contains:

• Only the password text
• No tracking pixels
• No identifying information
• No expiration data

Next Steps

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Related documentation:

• Password Protection Overview
• Privacy & Visibility Options

Quick Reference

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