Connecting a Printer to Wi-Fi via WPS: A Complete Guide with the Nuances

Connecting the printer to a wireless network via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is one of the fastest ways to set up a printing device without the hassle of fiddling with passwords and IP addresses. This method is ideal for home and office networks where the router supports this technology and the printer has a dedicated button. However, even in this case, users often encounter issues, ranging from unresponsive devices to authentication errors.

In this article we will look at not only the standard connection procedure via WPS, but also nuances that are glossed over in the official instructions. You'll learn how to check hardware compatibility, which router settings can block the connection, and what to do if the printer doesn't detect the network after pressing a button. For owners of older models, we'll provide alternative connection methods—from manually entering a password to using a USB cable.

We will pay special attention to hidden router settings that affect WPS operation: for example, why some models TP-Link or ASUS require disabling MAC address filtering first, and how to fix this without resetting the settings. All instructions are adapted for printers. HP, Canon, Epson, Brother and other popular brands.

What is WPS and why is this method more convenient than others?

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) was developed to simplify connecting devices to a wireless network without the need to enter complex passwords. Instead, it uses:

• 🔘 WPS button on the router and printer (physical or software).
• 📌 PIN code (8 digits), which is sometimes printed on a sticker on the device.
• 📱 NFC (for modern models with contactless communication support).

The main advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Speed: connection takes less than a minute (versus 5–10 minutes when entering a password manually).
• 🔒 Security: data is transmitted in encrypted form, and the session is valid for a limited time (usually 2 minutes).
• 🛠️ Versatility: works with most modern routers (TP-Link, Keenetic, MikroTik) and printers.

However, WPS also has its downsides. Firstly, not all routers support this protocol (especially older models or devices from providers with custom firmware). Secondly, some printers (for example, budget ones) Pantum or Xerox) may require WPS mode to be activated first via the menu. Finally, this method will not work if DHCP is disabled on the router or client isolation is enabled.

Checking printer and router compatibility with WPS

Before you begin setup, please make sure your hardware supports it. WPSYou can check this in several ways:

For printer:

• 🔍 Inspect the device's body: look for a button with the inscription WPS or the 📶 icon (sometimes it is combined with a button) Wi-Fi).
• 📄 Check your documentation: it should be mentioned in the "Wireless" section Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
• 🖥️ Go to the printer's web interface (if it's connected via USB or Ethernet) and find the section Network → WPS.

For router:

• 🔍 Button WPS usually located on the rear panel next to the LAN ports.
• 🌐 Log in to your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check the presence of the section WPS or QSS (at TP-Link).
• 📡 Make sure your router is broadcasting a network within the range 2.4 GHz - Most printers do not support 5 GHz for WPS.

⚠️ Attention: If your router is from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), the WPS function may be disabled in the firmware. In this case, please contact support or use alternative connection methods.

Step-by-step instructions: connecting a printer to Wi-Fi via WPS

If your equipment is compatible, follow these instructions. The process may vary slightly depending on your printer model, but the general process is the same:

Make sure the printer is turned on and located close to the router (no further than 2 meters)|

Check that the Wi-Fi indicator on the router is lit (the network is active)|

Disable VPN or proxy on your computer (they may block device detection)|

Have the WPS PIN ready (if required) - usually on a sticker on the printer-->

Step 1: Enable WPS mode on your router

Click the button WPS on the back of the router and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing. On some models (ASUS, Zyxel) you need to go to the web interface and manually enable WPS in the section Wireless Network → WPS.

Step 2: Run WPS on the printer

Depending on the model:

• 🖨️ Press and hold the button WPS on the printer body (usually 3-5 seconds) until the Wi-Fi indicator flashes.
• 📱 On your printer's touchscreen, go to Settings → Network → WPS → Start.
• 🔢 If a PIN is required, enter it from the printer label or documentation.

Step 3. Wait for the connection

The connection process takes between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Successful completion will be confirmed by:

• 🟢 The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is constantly on (not blinking).
• 📄 Automatically prints a test page with network settings (on some models) HP And Canon).
• 🖥️ The printer appears in the list of devices on your computer or smartphone.

Step 4: Check the connection

Print a self-test page (usually through the printer menu) or send a test document from your computer. If printing fails, check:

• 🔌 Is the printer connected to the same network as your PC/smartphone?
• 🔄 Restart your router and printer (this sometimes helps when WPS freezes).
• 📡 Make sure your router isn't set to 5GHz Only mode - many printers only work in that range. 2.4 GHz.

Common errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, connecting via WPS may fail. Let's look at common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

1. The WPS indicator on the router is not blinking.

Reasons:

• ❌ The WPS function is disabled in the router settings.
• ❌ Button WPS broken or blocked (relevant for rented routers from providers).
• ❌ If your router is overheated or frozen, try rebooting it.

Solution: Log into your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1) and check the WPS status in the section Wireless network or Security.

2. The printer does not respond to the WPS button.

Possible reasons:

• ⚠️ The printer's Wi-Fi module is disabled (check in the menu) Settings → Network).
• ⚠️ The printer is too far from the router (the maximum distance for WPS is 2 meters).
• ⚠️ The printer battery is low (applicable to portable models).

Solution: Connect the printer to the router via USB (if there is a port) and update the device firmware via the official brand software (for example, HP Smart or Epson Software Updater).

3. Error "Unable to connect to the network"

This error often occurs due to:

• 🔒 Incorrect network encryption (WPS only works with WPA2-PSK or WPA3).
• 📵 MAC address filtering enabled on the router.
• 🕒 WPS session timed out (please try again in 1-2 minutes).

Solution: In the router settings:

1. Disable MAC address filtering (Wireless Network → MAC Filter).
2. Set the security type WPA2-PSK (Not WEP or Open network).
3. Restart your router and printer.

⚠️ Attention: If WPS still doesn't work after several attempts, check to see if your antivirus or firewall software is blocking the connection. Temporarily disable them and try again.

Alternative ways to connect a printer to Wi-Fi

If WPS doesn't work or your equipment doesn't support this technology, use one of the alternative methods:

1. Manual connection via Wi-Fi password

Compatible with all Wi-Fi-enabled printers. Instructions:

1. On the printer, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi.
2. Select your network from the list.
3. Enter your password (make sure the case is correct!).
4. Confirm the connection.

If the printer does not find the network, check that the router is broadcasting the SSID (network name) and is not hiding it.

2. Connection via WPS-PIN

Some printers (eg Brother or Xerox) support connection via an 8-digit PIN code, which:

• 📌 Printed on the device sticker.
• 🖥️ Can be generated in the printer's web interface.

Enter this PIN in the router settings in the section WPS → Add device by PIN.

3. Using a USB cable for initial setup

If your printer supports USB connection:

1. Connect the printer and computer with a cable.
2. Install drivers from the manufacturer's official website.
3. Run the setup program (for example, HP Easy Start or Canon PRINT Utility).
4. Follow the instructions of the Wi-Fi connection wizard.

After setup, disconnect the USB - the printer will remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.

4. Wi-Fi Direct (for modern models)

Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect devices directly, without a router. Suitable for printers HP, Canon And Epson latest generations. To use it:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct in the printer menu.
2. On your computer or smartphone, connect to the printer's network (the name will be something like DIRECT-xx-HP OfficeJet).
3. Start printing through special software (for example, HP Smart).

What should I do if my printer is connected to Wi-Fi but won't print?

If your printer has successfully connected to the network but is not responding to print tasks, check:

1. Drivers: Remove old drivers through "Devices and Printers" (Windows) or "System Preferences" (macOS) and install the latest ones from the manufacturer's website.

2. IP address: Make sure the printer is assigned a static IP on the network (configure it in the router or via DHCP reservation).

3. Firewall: Temporarily disable your antivirus and Windows firewall - they may be blocking communication with the printer.

4. Printing services: Restart the Print Spooler service in Windows (via services.msc).

Configuring a router for stable printer operation via Wi-Fi

Even if the printer successfully connects via WPS, problems may arise over time, such as connection drops, slow printing, or the device becoming undiscoverable. To avoid this, optimize your router settings:

1. Reserve an IP address for the printer

This will prevent the printer's IP address from changing when the router is rebooted. Instructions for TP-Link:

1. Go to your router's control panel (192.168.0.1).
2. Go to DHCP → Address Reservation.
3. Add a new reservation: specify the printer's MAC address (printed on the sticker) and the desired IP (e.g. 192.168.0.100).
4. Save the settings.

2. Disable Wi-Fi power saving mode

Some routers (ASUS, Keenetic) automatically turn off Wi-Fi to save power, which results in the connection to the printer being lost. Disable this feature in the Wireless Network → Advanced Settings.

3. Configure traffic prioritization (QoS)

If your printer is slow when printing large documents, assign it a high priority:

• In routers TP-Link: Additional settings → QoS.
• In routers ASUS: Adaptive QoS → Device Priority.

Add the printer's MAC address to the priority devices list.

4. Update your router firmware

Outdated router firmware can cause conflicts with modern printers. Check the firmware update in the section Administration → Firmware Update.

⚠️ Attention: If your router is provided by your ISP (for example, MTS or Beeline), some settings (such as QoS or IP reservation) may be blocked. In this case, please contact support to unlock these features or request a hardware replacement with a model with full access to settings.

Security: WPS Risks and How to Minimize Them

Despite its convenience, WPS technology has vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers to hack your network. Key risks:

• 🔓 PIN code vulnerabilityAn attacker can guess an 8-digit PIN in a few hours by gaining access to the network.
• 🕳️ Brute force attack: Some routers allow an unlimited number of connection attempts via WPS.
• 📡 Traffic interception: If your printer is connected to a network but not password protected, it can be accessed by other devices.

To protect your network:

• 🔒 Disable WPS after setting up the printer (in the router control panel).
• 🔄 Change your Wi-Fi password regularly (at least once every 3 months).
• 🛡️ Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
• 📵 Hide your network's SSID (in the router settings, disable network name broadcasting).

If you frequently need to connect new devices via WPS (for example, in an office), consider alternative authentication methods:

• 📱 Guest network: Create a separate network for printers and other peripherals.
• 🔑 Safety certificates: Set up certificate authentication (available in business routers, for example, Ubiquiti or MikroTik).

Frequently Asked Questions

My printer doesn't support WPS. What should I do?

If your printer does not have a WPS button, use alternative methods:

1. Manual connection: Enter the Wi-Fi password in the printer menu (Settings → Network → Wi-Fi).
2. USB cable: Connect the printer to the computer and set up the network using the official software (for example, Epson Connect).
3. Wi-Fi Direct: Activate this mode on the printer and connect to it directly from your smartphone or PC.

For older models (eg. HP LaserJet 1020) You may need an external Wi-Fi adapter that connects to a USB port.

WPS is enabled on the router, but the printer doesn't see it. What's the problem?

The reasons may be as follows:

• The router is operating in the mode 5 GHz, and the printer only supports 2.4 GHz. Solution: In the router settings, enable the mode 2.4 GHz or set the mixed mode (2.4 + 5 GHz).
• The AP Isolation feature is enabled on the router. Solution: Disable it in the section Wireless Network → Advanced Settings.
• The printer's Wi-Fi module is disabled. Solution: Activate it through the device menu.

Also try resetting the network settings on the printer (usually through Settings → Network reset) and repeat the WPS procedure.

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi via WPS from a phone?

No, WPS technology is designed to pair devices directly with the router. However, you can:

1. Use manufacturer's application (For example, HP Smart or Canon PRINT) to connect the printer to the network by manually entering the password.
2. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on the printer and connect to it from your smartphone to print without a router.
3. Turn on mobile hotspot on your phone and connect the printer to this network via WPS (if the phone supports WPS, which is rare).

There are also universal apps available for Android and iOS like PrinterShare, which help you set up Wi-Fi printing.

After connecting via WPS, the printer prints very slowly. How can I speed it up?

Slow Wi-Fi printing is usually caused by:

• Low connection speed: Check that the printer is connected to the network. 2.4 GHz (it is more stable 5 GHz for printing).
• Router overload: Disconnect unnecessary devices from the network or configure QoS (traffic prioritization) for the printer.
• Outdated drivers: Update your printer software through the manufacturer's official website.
• Low signal quality: Move the printer closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi repeater.

Also try:

• Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (select the least loaded one, for example, 6 or 11).
• Disable the feature WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) in the router settings - sometimes it conflicts with printers.

Is it safe to leave WPS enabled after setting up the printer?

No, it's not secure. WPS technology has several known vulnerabilities:

• PIN attackAn attacker can guess an 8-digit PIN in a few hours, gaining access to your network.
• Push Button Configuration (PBC) Vulnerability: In some routers, the WPS button remains active longer than the required 2 minutes, which allows third-party devices to connect.

Recommendations:

• Disable WPS in your router settings immediately after connecting the printer.
• Use a complex Wi-Fi password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and special characters).
• Update your router firmware—new versions often patch WPS vulnerabilities.

If you frequently need to connect new devices, consider using a guest network with a separate password.