diff --git a/adafruit_pyportal.py b/adafruit_pyportal.py
index 1a36177..f7d2ed5 100644
--- a/adafruit_pyportal.py
+++ b/adafruit_pyportal.py
@@ -268,6 +268,8 @@ def __init__(self, *, url=None, headers=None, json_path=None, regexp_path=None,
             print("No SD card found:", error)
 
         self._qr_group = None
+        # Tracks whether we've hidden the background when we showed the QR code.
+        self._qr_only = False
 
         if self._debug:
             print("Init caption")
@@ -784,13 +786,14 @@ def fetch(self, refresh_url=None):
             return values[0]
         return values
 
-    def show_QR(self, qr_data, qr_size=1, x=0, y=0):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
+    def show_QR(self, qr_data, *, qr_size=1, x=0, y=0, hide_background=False):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
         """Display a QR code on the TFT
 
         :param qr_data: The data for the QR code.
         :param int qr_size: The scale of the QR code.
         :param x: The x position of upper left corner of the QR code on the display.
         :param y: The y position of upper left corner of the QR code on the display.
+        :param hide_background: Show the QR code on a black background if True.
 
         """
         import adafruit_miniqr
@@ -829,7 +832,21 @@ def show_QR(self, qr_data, qr_size=1, x=0, y=0):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
         self._qr_group.x = x
         self._qr_group.y = y
         self._qr_group.append(qr_sprite)
-        board.DISPLAY.show(self._qr_group)
+        if hide_background:
+            board.DISPLAY.show(self._qr_group)
+        self._qr_only = hide_background
+
+    def hide_QR(self): # pylint: disable=invalid-name
+        """Clear any QR codes that are currently on the screen
+        """
+
+        if self._qr_only:
+            board.DISPLAY.show(self.splash)
+        else:
+            try:
+                self._qr_group.pop()
+            except (IndexError, AttributeError): # later test if empty
+                pass
 
     # return a list of lines with wordwrapping
     @staticmethod