Connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS: Instructions for all devices

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) was created to simplify connecting devices to a wireless network without entering complex passwords. Today, it's supported by most modern routers and gadgets—from smartphones to smart TVs. However, not all users know how to use it correctly, and some aren't even aware of its existence.

In this article, we'll cover all WPS connection methods: from the standard push-button method on your router to software activation on Android and Windows. You'll learn which devices support this technology, how to avoid common errors, and why it's sometimes better to forgo WPS in favor of traditional password entry. We'll be paying special attention to security - in 2026, new vulnerabilities were discovered in the WPS protocol that could put your network at risk.

If you've never used WPS or have encountered connection issues, this guide will help you understand all the nuances. We've tested the methods on routers. TP-Link Archer C6, Asus RT-AX88U, Keenetic Giga And Xiaomi Mi Router 4A, as well as on devices running Android 13, iOS 16, and Windows 11. All steps apply to hardware manufactured after 2018.

What is WPS and how does it work?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a wireless standard that allows devices to connect to a Wi-Fi network without having to enter a long password. The technology was developed by a consortium Wi-Fi Alliance in 2006 and was initially positioned as a universal solution for simplifying the setup of home networks.

There are three main methods of connecting via WPS:

1. PBC (Push Button Configuration) - physically pressing a button on the router and device.
2. PIN code — entering the 8-digit code generated by the router.
3. NFC — connection by touching devices (less commonly used in household routers).

The first method is the most common - PBCSimply press the WPS button on the router (usually labeled or combined with the reset button), and then activate the network search on the device. The entire process takes no more than 2 minutes. However, this method has a limitation: after pressing the button, the router remains in connection mode for the entire 120 secondsIf the device does not connect within this time, the procedure will have to be repeated.

The second method, using a PIN code, is less popular due to security vulnerabilities. Many manufacturers (for example, Asus And Netgear) have disabled this feature in new router models. If your router still supports the PIN method, you can find it in the web interface under Wi-Fi → WPS or on a sticker on the back of the device.

Which devices support WPS connections?

Not all gadgets can connect to Wi-Fi via WPS. Here is a list of devices that usually support this technology:

• 📱 Android smartphones and tablets (versions 4.0 and higher, but on some models the function is hidden in the settings).
• 🖥️ Laptops and PCs with Windows (starting with Windows 7, but in Windows 11 the interface has changed).
• 📺 Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia with Wi-Fi support).
• 🖨️ Printers and MFPs (Canon, HP, Epson with Wi-Fi module).
• 🎮 Game consoles (For example, Sony PlayStation 4/5, but not Nintendo Switch).

And here are the devices that usually do NOT support WPS:

• 🍎 iPhone and iPad (Apple has completely removed WPS from iOS, citing security concerns.)
• 💻 MacBook and macOS computers (no built-in support).
• 📱 Devices with older versions of Android (below 4.0).
• 🖥️ PC with Linux (manual configuration via terminal required).

If you are unsure if your device supports WPS, check:

1. Wi-Fi settings (section "Additional" or "Advanced settings").
2. Instructions for the device (search by keywords "WPS" or "Wi-Fi Protected Setup").
3. Official website of the manufacturer (in the model specifications).

Why did Apple abandon WPS?

Apple removed WPS support from iOS and macOS in 2012 after a series of studies demonstrated the protocol's vulnerability to brute-force attacks. Even an 8-digit PIN can be cracked in a few hours, and the physical WPS button on a router can be activated by an attacker with physical access to the device. Instead, Apple is promoting a technology called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (formerly known as Device Provisioning Protocol), which is considered safer.

Step-by-step instructions: connecting via WPS on Android

On most Android devices, connecting via WPS takes less than a minute. However, the interface may vary depending on the operating system version and the manufacturer's user interface (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS, etc.).

General algorithm of actions:

1. Make sure your router supports WPS and that the function is activated in its settings.
2. Press the physical WPS button on the router (or activate it via the web interface).
3. On your Android device, go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additionally or Advanced Features.
5. Select Connecting via WPS or WPS button.
6. Wait for the process to complete (usually takes 10-30 seconds).

If the "WPS" item is not available in the menu, try the following methods:

• 🔍 In some firmware (for example, on Xiaomi) you need to first select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to and then click Connect via WPS in the context menu.
• 📱 On devices with pure Android (for example, Google Pixel) you may need to install a third-party application, such as Wi-Fi WPS WPA Tester (but be careful - many such utilities contain malicious code).
• 🔄 If the connection fails, reboot the router and try again.

The router is turned on and within range|The WPS button on the router is pressed (the indicator light is blinking)|Wi-Fi is turned on on the Android device|The device is no more than 5 meters from the router-->

On some devices (eg. Samsung Galaxy (with the One UI shell) the interface may look different:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Advanced Features.
3. Tap on WPS button.
4. Click Begin and wait for the connection.

⚠️ Attention: If the Android device doesn't connect within 2 minutes after pressing the WPS button on the router, the process will automatically reset. Some routers (e.g., Keenetic) allow you to increase the timeout to 5 minutes via the web interface in the section System → WPS Settings.

Connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS on Windows 10 and 11

In Windows operating systems, WPS support is implemented at the Wi-Fi adapter driver level. If your laptop or PC is equipped with a wireless module from Intel, Qualcomm Atheros or Broadcom, most likely the function is available.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on on your computer.
2. Press the WPS button on the router (the indicator should start blinking).
3. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray (lower right corner of the screen) and select WPS-enabled network (if such a network is displayed).
4. If the network is not listed, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
5. Click Manage known networks → Add new network.
6. Enter the network name (SSID) manually, then check the box Connect automatically and press Next.
7. In the password entry window, select Connect using the WPS button (if this option is available).

If the WPS option is missing from the Windows interface, check the following:

• 🖥️ Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver via device Manager (chapter Network adapters).
• 🔧 Make sure that WPS mode is enabled in the router settings (in the web interface, usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• 🔄 Try disabling and re-enabling your Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.

On some laptops (eg. Lenovo or HP) Manufacturers add their own utilities for Wi-Fi management, which may have a separate section for WPS. For example, in Lenovo Vantage or HP Support Assistant sometimes there is an option Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11, Microsoft began phasing out support for WPS in favor of more secure protocols such as Wi-Fi Easy Connect And WPA3If your computer has been updated to the latest OS version, check for the WPS feature manually—it may be hidden or disabled by default.

Connecting printers and smart devices via WPS

Many modern printers (Canon, HP, Epson) and smart home devices (Xiaomi, TP-Link Tapo) support WPS connection. This is especially convenient if the device doesn't have a screen or keyboard for entering a password.

General algorithm for printers:

1. Turn on your printer and make sure it is in Wi-Fi setup mode (the Wi-Fi light should be blinking).
2. Press and hold the WPS button on the router (or activate it via the web interface).
3. On the printer, find the WPS button (usually it is combined with the Wi-Fi button or has a separate icon).
4. Hold it for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
5. Wait for the connection to complete (may take up to 2 minutes).

For smart home devices (e.g. cameras Xiaomi Mi Home or sockets TP-Link Tapo):

• 📱 Open the manufacturer's app (e.g. Mi Home or Tapo).
• 🔍 Select the device to add and follow the instructions until you reach the Wi-Fi connection step.
• 🔄 When the app prompts you to enter your network password, select the option Connecting via WPS (if available).
• 🖱️ Press the WPS button on your router and wait for confirmation in the app.

If the device does not connect:

• 🔌 Reboot your router and device.
• 📶 Make sure the distance between them does not exceed 3-5 meters.
• 🔧 Check if client isolation mode is enabled on your router (AP Isolation), which can block the connection of new devices.

Common mistakes and their solutions

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

Error 1: The router does not respond to the WPS button.

• 🔌 Check if the router is turned on and the power indicator is on.
• 🔧 Make sure that the WPS function is activated in the web interface (section Wi-Fi → WPS or Wireless Mode → WPS).
• 🔄 Restart your router by unplugging it from the network for 30 seconds.
• 📄 Check the documentation - on some models (Zyxel Keenetic) The WPS button only works when held for more than 5 seconds.

Error 2: The device does not find the network after activating WPS

• 📶 Make sure the device is within the network coverage area (no more than 5 meters from the router).
• 🔄 Restart the Wi-Fi module on your device (turn Wi-Fi off and on).
• 🛠️ Check if the router is in the "Secure Mode" mode. Hide SSID - Some devices cannot connect via WPS to hidden networks.
• 🔧 Update your router's firmware (outdated versions may contain bugs in WPS implementation).

Error 3: Connection terminated during authentication

• 🔒 Check if the Wi-Fi password has been changed since the last successful connection via WPS.
• 🔧 In your router settings, change the security type from WPA3 on WPA2-PSK (some devices do not support the new standard).
• 📡 Try changing the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (for example, from automatic to fixed) 6 or 11).
• 🔄Turn off the function temporarily Band Steering (if any), as it may interfere with WPS connection.

Error 4: The WPS button on the router does not work

• 🛠️ Check the physical condition of the button - it may be stuck or damaged.
• 🔧 Activate WPS via the router's web interface (section WPS → Add Device).
• 🔄 Reset your router to factory settings (button Reset) and configure it again.
• 📄 Check the documentation to see if the WPS button is disabled in your model (for example, in some routers MikroTik it is software blocked).

⚠️ Attention: If, after several unsuccessful WPS connection attempts, your router begins to behave erratically (for example, rebooting or losing connection), this may indicate a hardware problem. In this case, it is recommended to disable WPS in the settings and use the classic password connection method.

WPS Security: Risks and Alternatives

Despite its convenience, WPS technology has serious vulnerabilities that make it potentially dangerous for a home network. The main risks are:

• 🔓 PIN code vulnerability: An 8-digit code can be cracked in a few hours using brute-force attacks, since the last digit is a checksum.
• 🚪 Physical access: If an attacker has access to the router, they can press the WPS button and connect to the network without a password.
• 🕳️ No encryption: Some WPS implementations transmit data in an unprotected form, which allows traffic to be intercepted.
• 🔄 No timeout: On older routers, the WPS function may remain active indefinitely after you press the button.

To minimize risks:

• 🔧 Disable WPS in the router settings if you do not use this function.
• 🔒 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if your devices support the new standard).
• 📡 Hide your SSID (Although this is not a panacea, it will make things more difficult for attackers).
• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly Router manufacturers patch vulnerabilities in new versions.

Alternatives to WPS:

• 📱 Wi-Fi Easy Connect (WPA3): A more secure standard supported by modern devices.
• 🔐 QR codes: Some routers (Asus, TP-Link) allow you to connect devices by scanning a QR code.
• 🔑 Guest network: Create a separate network for temporary devices with a simple password.
• 📧 Email/SMS: Some providers (eg Rostelecom) allow you to send connection data to email or phone.

If you decide to use WPS, follow these rules:

• Activate the function only while connecting a new device.
• Do not use the PIN method - only the physical button.
• Periodically check the list of connected devices in the router's web interface.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting via WPS

My router isn't responding to the WPS button. What should I do?

First, check if the WPS function is enabled in the router's web interface (usually in the Wi-Fi or Wireless mode). If the function is activated, but the button does not work:

• Reboot your router.
• Check if the button is physically stuck.
• Update your router firmware to the latest version.
• If nothing helps, try activating WPS via the web interface.

On some models (eg, Zyxel Keenetic) The WPS button only works when held for more than 5 seconds.

Is it possible to connect via WPS if the router is in another room?

In theory, yes, but in practice, this may not work. The fact is that after pressing the WPS button, the router waits for the device to connect for 120 seconds, and if the signal is weak, the process may be interrupted. We recommend:

• Bring the device closer to the router (within 3-5 meters).
• Make sure there is no interference from other networks (check the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings).
• If your router is dual-band, try connecting to a 2.4 GHz network—it has a wider coverage area.

Why doesn't the internet work after connecting via WPS?

This can happen for several reasons:

• 🔌 The router is not connected to the internet (check the cable from the provider or PPPoE settings).
• 🔒 The device has not received an IP address (check the DHCP settings in the router).
• 📡 The device connected to a guest network where there is no internet access.
• 🔧 Parental controls or MAC address filtering are enabled on the router.

Solution: Restart the router and device, check the network settings in the web interface.

How to disable WPS on a router?

To disable WPS, follow these steps:

1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Log in (login and password are often used admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).
3. Go to the section Wi-Fi, Wireless mode or WPS.
4. Find the option Enable WPS and uncheck the box or move the switch to the position Off.
5. Save the settings and reboot the router.

On some routers (Asus, Netgear) WPS is disabled separately for each frequency (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

Is it possible to use WPS to connect to a public network (in a cafe, hotel)?

No, WPS is almost never used in public networks for the following reasons:

• 🔒 This is unsafe - any visitor could connect to the network without a password.
• 🖥️ Public routers are usually configured for captive portal authorization, which requires entering a login/password or confirming via SMS.
• 📡 In most cases, WPS is disabled at the router firmware level.

If you need to connect to a public network, use the standard password method or follow the instructions on the login page.