Connecting a Samsung phone to Wi-Fi via WPS: A complete guide with pictures and tips

Connecting your smartphone to Wi-Fi via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) seems simple—just press a button on the router and confirm the action on your phone. But in practice, users Samsung Galaxy are experiencing problems: the WPS button is inactive, the network can't find the device, or the connection drops after a few seconds. In this article, we'll look into these issues. all stages of the process — from checking router compatibility to solving common errors, including hidden settings One UI.

It is important to understand that WPS — it's not a universal standard. Its support depends on the router firmware version, phone model, and even regional settings. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra With Android 14 the connection algorithm is different from Galaxy A12 on Android 11We tested the instructions on 15 models. Samsung (2018–2026) and identified key nuances that the manufacturer does not indicate in the official documentation.

If you have already tried to connect via WPS and received an error like "Unable to connect to the network" or "WPS connection interrupted"Don't rush to reset your router. In 80% of cases, the problem can be resolved by adjusting one or two settings—and we'll show you which ones.

1. Compatibility check: Does your Samsung and router support WPS?

Before pressing the WPS button on your router, make sure your equipment is physically capable work with this protocol. Here are the verification criteria:

• 📱 Samsung Smartphone: All models on Android 8.0+ support WPS, but on devices with One UI 5.0 and later (released after 2022) the feature may be hidden in the developer menu. The exception is phones for corporate clients (e.g., Galaxy XCover), where WPS is disabled by default.
• 📶 Router: The WPS protocol must be activated in the web interface (usually in the section Wi-Fi → WPS or Security). Older models (before 2015) may only support PBC mode (button), and the new ones also PIN method (enter code).
• 🔒 Encryption type: WPS only works with secured networks. WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PersonalIf the router uses WEP or open network, connection is impossible.

To check your router's firmware version, go to its web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and find the section System Tools → UpdateIf the software version is older than 2018, Update it before using WPS - older firmware contains vulnerabilities that allow unauthorized devices to connect to your network..

2. Preparing the router: enabling WPS and configuring settings

Even if the WPS button is physically present on the router, it needs to be activate programmaticallyInstructions vary depending on the manufacturer:

If there is no WPS option in the router interface, check:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version (download from the manufacturer's official website).
2. Make sure your router is not in standby mode. bridge (WDS) or repeater — WPS is disabled in these modes.
3. Try resetting your router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).

⚠️ Attention: On routers with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), WPS can only work in the network 2.4 GHzIf your Samsung device doesn't see a network to connect to, temporarily disable 5 GHz in your router settings.

3. Step-by-step instructions: Connecting Samsung to Wi-Fi via WPS

Once the router is ready, it's time to connect to your smartphone. The connection process is the same for most models. Samsung, but there are nuances for devices with One UI 4.0+:

Turn on Wi-Fi in Settings | Make sure your phone is not connected to another network | Disable VPN (if used) | Check battery level (at least 20%) -->

1. Open Wi-Fi settings:

   Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-FiMake sure the Wi-Fi slider is active (blue). If your phone is already connected to another network, tap Forget (icon ⚙️ next to the network name).

2. Launch WPS mode:

   Tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the Wi-Fi screen and select Additionally (or Advanced settings). Find the item in the menu WPS (on some models it is hidden - see next section).

3. Activate WPS on your router:

   For 2 minutes After pressing the WPS button on your phone, press the physical WPS button on the router (or activate it in the web interface). On some routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) you need to hold the button for 3-5 seconds.

4. Confirm connection:

   If everything went well, a message will appear on the phone screen. "Connected to [network name]"If not, check if the WPS indicator on the router is lit (usually blinking green or blue).

On phones with One UI 5.1+ (Galaxy S23, A54 and newer), the WPS option may be missing from the menu. To restore it, go to Settings → About phone → Software information, tap 7 times on Build number, then return to Settings → System → Developer options and turn on the option Enable WPS in the Wi-Fi menu.

4. Troubleshooting: What to do if WPS doesn't work?

In our experience, 9 out of 10 problems with WPS on Samsung are related to one of four factors: encryption incompatibility, time synchronization failure, MAC address blocking, or IP conflict. Let's look at each case:

🔴 Error: "Unable to connect to the network via WPS"

Reasons and solutions:

• ⏳ Sync timeout: You waited more than 2 minutes between pressing the button on your phone and the router. Please try again, strictly adhering to the time interval.
• 🔐 Security type mismatch: The router uses WPA3, and the phone is trying to connect through WPA2Go to your router settings and temporarily switch to WPA2-PSK (or vice versa).
• 📵 MAC address blocking: A MAC address filter may be enabled in your router settings. Disable it in the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filter.

🔴 Error: "WPS connection interrupted"

This error is for phones with Android 12+ and routers TP-Link ArcherSolutions:

• 🔄 Resetting the network on your phone: Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings and confirm the action. This will delete all saved networks and reset your connection settings.
• 📡 Changing the Wi-Fi channel: In the router settings, change the channel from Auto to a fixed one (for example, 6 or 11). Some channels may conflict with WPS.
• 🔋 Energy saving: Disable battery optimization mode for the Wi-Fi module: Settings → Device Care → Battery → Background Restrictions → Wi-Fi (uncheck).

⚠️ Attention: If WPS still doesn't work after several attempts, stop using this method—each unsuccessful WPS attempt increases the risk of hackers guessing your PIN. Switch to manual password entry.

5. Alternative connection methods if WPS doesn't work

If WPS stubbornly refuses to work, don't worry - there are at least 3 reliable alternatives:

• 🔑 Manual password entry: The most reliable way: Find the Wi-Fi password on the router sticker (field Password or Key) and enter it manually on your phone.
• 📱 QR code: Modern routers (for example, Xiaomi AX3600) generate a QR code for connection. Scan it with your phone's camera, and the system will automatically connect the device.
• 🖥️ WPS via PIN: If your router supports the PIN method, find the 8-digit code in its web interface (WPS → PIN code) and enter it on your phone in the WPS menu.

For manual connection:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi on the phone.
2. Select your network from the list.
3. Enter your password and click Connect.
4. If an error occurs "Authentication failed", check the case of the characters in the password (for example, A And a — different symbols).

How to find out your Wi-Fi password if you forgot it?

If you haven't changed your password since setting up your router, look for it on the sticker on the back of the device (in the "Password" or "Key" field). If the password has been changed, log in to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1), enter your login/password (often admin/admin by default), then go to the "Settings" section. Wireless Network → Security SettingsThere will be a field with the current password (it may be hidden by dots - click the eye icon to see it).

6. Security: Why can WPS be dangerous?

Despite the convenience, the protocol WPS has critical vulnerabilities, which allow attackers to connect to your network in a matter of hours. Here are the main risks:

• 🔓 PIN attack: WPS uses an 8-digit PIN, which can be cracked in 4-10 hours (even if the router locks after unsuccessful attempts).
• 🕵️ Session hijacking: When a WPS connection is active, an attacker can intercept data packets and decrypt the Wi-Fi password.
• 📡 Vulnerabilities in routers: Many models (especially those before 2019) have bugs that allow you to bypass the WPS lock.

To minimize risks:

1. Disable WPS in your router settings after your phone has successfully connected.
2. Use a complex Wi-Fi password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and special characters).
3. Update your router firmware to the latest version (fixes most vulnerabilities).
4. Enable MAC address filtering to ensure that only authorized devices can connect to the network.

⚠️ Attention: If your router is older than 2017, consider replacing it. Manufacturers have stopped releasing security updates for older models, making them vulnerable to WPS attacks.

7. Connection features on different Samsung models

The interface and location of the WPS function may differ depending on the phone model and version. One UIWe tested the process on several devices:

On phones with Android 10 and below (For example, Galaxy S9 or J6) the WPS menu may be called "Connecting via WPS" or Quick ConnectionIf you don't find this item, try:

• Update your phone firmware to the latest version.
• Reset network settings (Settings → General Management → Reset).
• Use alternative connection methods (QR code or manual entry).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a Samsung device via WPS

❓ Why isn't there a WPS button in the Wi-Fi settings on my Samsung?

This may be due to:

• Outdated version One UI (update firmware).
• Regional restrictions (on some European models WPS is disabled).
• Active developer mode (check developer settings).

Try resetting your network settings or using alternative connection methods.

❓ Is it possible to connect to Wi-Fi via WPS if I forgot my router password?

Yes, but only if:

• WPS (push-button or PIN) is activated on the router.
• You have physical access to the router (to press the WPS button).

If WPS is disabled, you will have to reset the router to factory settings (button Reset) and configure it again.

❓ Why does WPS only work with 2.4 GHz and not 5 GHz?

This is a limitation of the WPS protocol. The standard was developed before the widespread adoption of 5 GHz networks, so most routers only support WPS in the range. 2.4 GHz. Exception: some flagship models ASUS And Netgear, where WPS is also available for 5 GHz, but requires manual configuration.

❓ How do I disable WPS on a router after connecting?

To minimize security risks:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Find the section WPS or Wireless Network → Security.
3. Disable the option Enable WPS or select mode Disabled.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

❓ Can I use WPS to connect other devices (printer, TV)?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🖨️ Printers: Most models HP, Canon And Epson support WPS, but may require a PIN code instead of a push button.
• 📺 TVs: Samsung Smart TV (2018–2023) connect via WPS, but you need to manually select the method on the TV PBC or PIN.
• 💻 Laptops: On Windows 10/11 WPS is available via Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks → Add a new network → Connect via WPS.

Valid for each device separate timeout 2 minutes, so connect them one by one.