Connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS on Android: A Complete Guide with Pictures

Connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is one of the fastest ways to connect Android- a device connected to a router without entering a password. This method saves time, especially when the network password is complex or has simply been forgotten. However, not everyone knows that this technology doesn't work on all smartphones and has security limitations.

In this article you will find Current WPS connection methods on Android in 2026, including how to work around common errors (for example, when the WPS button on the router doesn't respond or the function is missing from the phone menu). We'll cover the nuances for popular brands— Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme — and we'll explain why some manufacturers are removing WPS support from their firmware.

If your router doesn't support WPS or you're concerned about the protocol's vulnerabilities, alternative connection methods are listed at the end of this article, ranging from QR codes to using apps from the router manufacturer.

What is WPS and why doesn't it always work on Android?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) — a standard that simplifies connecting devices to a wireless network. Instead of entering a password, the user presses a physical button on the router or enters a PIN. The technology first appeared in 2006, but since then its security has been repeatedly criticized due to vulnerabilities (such as brute-force attacks on the PIN).

On Android WPS support depends on:

• 📱 Operating system versions: V Android 9+ Google recommends abandoning WPS in favor of more secure methods (for example, Wi-Fi Easy Connect).
• 🔧 Manufacturer's firmware: Xiaomi And Samsung The option is often removed from the menu, but it can be returned through the engineering menu.
• 📡 Router models: older devices (eg TP-Link TL-WR740N) only support WPS 1.0, which is blocked by new smartphones.

If your phone doesn't have a "WPS" option in its Wi-Fi settings, it doesn't always mean it doesn't support it. Sometimes the option is hidden—you can activate it through Settings → System → Developer options → Enable WPS (on some firmware versions).

⚠️ Important: If your router was manufactured before 2018, check for firmware updates. Outdated WPS versions are vulnerable to hacking within a few hours.

Step-by-step instructions: connecting via WPS on a standard Android device

This method works on "clean" Android (For example, Google Pixel, Nokia) and most devices with minimal shell changes. If you have MIUI, One UI or ColorOS, proceed to the next section.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Make sure your router supports WPS. There's usually a button labeled "WPS" on the router's body. WPS or the 🔄 icon.
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Wi-Fi.
3. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Additionally or Advanced settings.
4. Tap on the item WPS (if it is not there, see the section on hidden settings).
5. Select a connection method:
   • 🔘 WPS button - Press the physical button on the router within 2 minutes.
   • 🔢 PIN code — enter the 8-digit code from the sticker on the router.

Wait for the "Connected" message. This process takes up to 30 seconds.

The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi.

The WPS button is available (not blocked by the provider)

Wi-Fi and geolocation are enabled on the phone (sometimes required)

The distance to the router is no more than 5 meters-->

If your phone doesn't connect after pressing the WPS button on your router, try:

• 🔄 Restart your router and smartphone.
• 📶 Move closer to the router (WPS is sensitive to signal strength).
• ⚙️ Manually update the router firmware via the web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Connection features for Xiaomi, Samsung, and other brands

Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard interface. Android, removing or moving the WPS option. Below are the latest instructions for popular brands.

For devices Xiaomi with hidden WPS option:

1. Activate Developer mode (tap 7 times Build number V Settings → About phone).
2. Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers.
3. Find the item Enable WPS and activate it.
4. Restart your phone and the option will appear in the Wi-Fi menu.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones Samsung Galaxy A 2022-2026 WPS series may be blocked due to policy KnoxIn this case, use alternative methods (QR code or app) SmartThings).

What to do if WPS doesn't work: 5 troubleshooting tips

Even with the correct settings, WPS connections may fail. Let's look at common scenarios and their solutions.

1. The router does not respond to pressing the WPS button

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔌 Router power supply: Check that the WPS indicator is blinking after pressing the button. If not, reconnect the power supply.
• ⏱️ Time-outMost routers have a 2-minute WPS activation window. Press the button again.
• 🔒 Blocked by provider: some operators (eg Rostelecom) disable WPS in branded routers. Check the settings at 192.168.0.1.

2. The phone does not see the WPS option

Possible reasons:

• 📱 Outdated firmware: update Android to the latest version.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware: if you use LineageOS or Pixel Experience, WPS may be disabled in the kernel.
• 🔍 Regional restrictions: On some China or EU models, WPS is hidden due to local security standards.

How to check if your router supports WPS

Open your router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Go to the section Wireless network or WPS.

If the option is missing, the router does not support the technology or it is disabled.

3. Error "Unable to connect via WPS"

This is the most common problem. Try:

• 🔄 Change method: If the button doesn't work, try connecting using a PIN code (and vice versa).
• 📵 Disable VPN: Some VPN services block local connections.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable antivirus (For example, Kaspersky or Avast), as they can block network protocols.

If nothing helps, reset the network settings on your phone:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
2. Confirm the action and reboot the device.
3. Try connecting via WPS again.

Alternative ways to connect to Wi-Fi without a password

If WPS isn't available or doesn't work, try one of these methods. They're just as convenient and often more secure.

1. Connection via QR code

Many modern routers (for example, Keenetic, ASUS RT-AX88U) generate a QR code for connection. How it works:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1).
2. Find the section QR code for connection (usually in Wireless Network → Guest Network).
3. Scan the code with your phone's camera - the device will automatically connect to the network.

2. Applications from the router manufacturer

Most brands offer mobile apps for network management:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether — for routers TP-Link.
• 📱 ASUS Router — for devices ASUS.
• 📱 Mi Wi-Fi — for routers Xiaomi.

These apps often have a feature quick connection without entering a password (similar to WPS, but with improved security).

3. Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast

If you need to connect your smartphone to another device (for example, a printer or TV), use:

• 🖨️ Wi-Fi Direct — for direct connection without a router.
• 📺 Miracast — to broadcast the screen on TV.

Activated in Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct.

4. Using NFC (for supported devices)

Some routers (eg. Huawei WS5200) and smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S21+) support connection via NFC:

1. Place your phone near the NFC tag on the router.
2. Confirm the connection on the screen.
3. Done - the device will automatically gain access to the network.

WPS Security: Risks and How to Minimize Them

Despite its convenience, WPS is considered one of the most vulnerable Wi-Fi protocols. In 2011, a bug was discovered that allowed a PIN code to be brute-forced in just a few hours. Although manufacturers have released patches, many routers remain vulnerable.

Main risks:

• 🔓 PIN attacks: An attacker can try 11,000 possible combinations in 4–10 hours.
• 🕳️ Data leak: You can access your router's settings via WPS.
• 🚪 Connecting external devices: If the WPS button is pressed accidentally, anyone within range can connect to the network.

How to protect yourself:

1. 🔒 Disable WPS after connecting the devices (in the router settings).
2. 🔄 Update the firmware router to the latest version.
3. 🛡️ Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
4. ⏱️ Set a timeout for WPS (for example, 30 seconds instead of the standard 2 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If your router is older than 5 years, the probability of WPS vulnerability is close to 90%. In this case, it is better to use alternative connection methods (QR code or manufacturer apps).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting via WPS on Android

My phone doesn't see the WPS button in the Wi-Fi settings. What should I do?

If you have a smartphone on Android 10+, try:

1. Activate Developer mode and look for the option Enable WPS.
2. Install a third-party application, for example WPS Connect (but be careful - it requires root rights).
3. Use alternative methods (QR code or app from the router manufacturer).

On some firmware (for example, FlymeOS on Meizu) WPS has been completely removed - in this case, update the software or change the connection method.

Is it possible to connect via WPS if the button on the router is broken?

Yes, there are two options:

• Use PIN code (usually indicated on the router sticker or in the web interface).
• Activate WPS via web interface router: go to 192.168.0.1, find the section WPS and turn on the mode PBC (Push Button Configuration) programmatically.

If the router does not respond, check if WPS is disabled in the security settings.

Why does WPS only work with some devices?

This is related to:

• WPS version: the router can only support WPS 1.0, and the phone is WPS 2.0.
• Wi-Fi chipset: devices on Broadcom sometimes not compatible with routers on Mediatek.
• Regional settings: The EU and the US have different security standards for WPS.

Solution: update your router firmware or use universal methods (QR code, PIN).

How do I disable WPS on a router after connecting?

Instructions:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to the section Wireless network or WPS.
3. Find the option Enable WPS And turn it off her.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

On some models (TP-Link Archer C6) WPS turns off automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity.

Is it possible to hack Wi-Fi via WPS?

Theoretically, yes. Practical risks:

• 🕒 Time to attack: On modern routers, it takes 2–10 hours to crack a PIN code.
• 🛡️ Protection: if the router supports WPA3 and has the latest firmware, the risk is minimal.
• 📡 Range: The attacker must be within your network coverage area.

Recommendation: Disable WPS after use and enable it only when needed.