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`...
> Also, modern phones have a direct button from the WiFi connection screen to directly scan a QR and connect to WiFi
I recently did this with a few (some more tech-savvy, some less tech-savvy) people and it seemed to blow their mind. I don't know if this is a commonly known feature.
My phone has this feature and now I know about it! :) Never would have noticed the little icon on the wifi settings page without knowing to look for it.
