How to find out your Wi-Fi password via WPS: safe methods and risks

I forgot my home Wi-Fi password, but the protocol is enabled on my router. WPSDon't rush to reset your router to factory settings—there are several ways to restore network access without losing your configuration. In this article, we'll look at how to legally obtain a password through WPS, what tools you'll need to do this, and why some methods can be dangerous to your network's security.

Protocol Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) It was created to simplify connecting devices to a wireless network without entering complex passwords. However, due to vulnerabilities in earlier versions of the protocol, it is often disabled or hidden in router settings. If your router WPS If enabled, your chances of regaining network access without a factory reset are significantly higher. However, it's important to remember that attempts to brute-force the WPS PIN may be considered hacking if you're not the network owner.

We will only consider legal methods, applicable to your own router. If you try to connect to someone else's network, it's illegal and may result in liability. All described steps are intended solely for restoring access to own Wi-Fi networks.

What is WPS and how does it work with Wi-Fi passwords?

Protocol WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) — is a standard developed to simplify connecting devices to a wireless network. Instead of entering a long password, users can:

• 🔢 Enter the 8-digit PIN code (indicated on the router sticker or in the web interface)
• 🖱️ Press the physical button WPS on the router body
• 📱 Use NFC or QR code (on modern models)

Main feature WPS — it doesn't replace the main Wi-Fi password, but only provides an alternative authentication method. After successfully connecting via WPS the device gains access to the network in the same way as if a regular password had been entered. However, Many routers generate a WPS PIN based on the serial number by default, making it vulnerable to brute force attacks..

Critical vulnerabilities in the protocol have been discovered since 2011. WPS, allowing you to guess a PIN code in a few hours. Therefore, modern manufacturers (for example, ASUS, Netgear) often disable this feature by default or require manual activation. Before attempting to recover your password, check whether your router supports it. WPS and whether it is disabled in the settings.

Method 1: Using the WPS PIN code from the router sticker

The easiest and most legal method is to find WPS PIN code On the router body. Most manufacturers place it on the bottom or rear panel next to the serial number and web interface login information.

What to do if you have a PIN code:

1. Turn the router over and find the sticker that says WPS PIN or PIN Code.
2. On your device (smartphone, laptop), select a Wi-Fi network and click “Connect via WPS”.
3. Enter the 8-digit code from the sticker.

If the sticker has worn off or the PIN code does not work, try the standard combinations for your model:

• 🔹 TP-Link: frequently used 12345670 or the serial number of the device.
• 🔹 ASUS: may match the last 8 digits of the MAC address.
• 🔹 Xiaomi: The PIN code sometimes duplicates the password from the web interface (admin).

⚠️ Note: Some routers (eg. MikroTik) do not use the standard 8-digit PIN. In this case, this method will not work, and you will have to use alternative methods.

Method 2: Connecting via the WPS button on the router

If there is a physical button with the inscription on the router body WPS or the 🔄 icon. Clicking it will allow you to connect to the network without entering a password. This method only works if the feature isn't disabled in the settings.

Connection instructions:

1. On your device (phone, laptop), open the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
2. Select your network and click “Connect via WPS” (on Android This option may be called "WPS Push Button").
3. Press the button within 2 minutes WPS on the router (usually you need to hold it for 3-5 seconds).
4. Wait for automatic connection.

After successful authentication, the device will have access to the network, and you will be able to see the password in its settings (for example, on Android on the way Settings → Wi-Fi → [your network] → Share).

The WPS button is not damaged and can be pressed.

The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi.

The WPS function is activated in the web interface

The device is within range of the network-->

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Keenetic) button WPS combined with ResetHolding it for more than 10 seconds will reset the settings! Press briefly.

Method 3: Recover your password via the router's web interface

If you have access to the router's web interface (for example, if you know the login and password for the admin panel), you can view or change the Wi-Fi password in the settings. This method is not directly related to WPS, but it often helps when other methods have failed.

Steps to view password:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (if the device was previously connected).
2. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1).
3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or indicated on the sticker).
4. Go to the section Wireless network (or Wireless) → Wireless security (or Security).
5. The password will be displayed in the field PSK Password, Wi-Fi Password or Pre-Shared Key.

If you don't remember your web interface login details, try the standard combinations for your model:

What should I do if I can't log in to the web interface?

If the default login/password doesn't work and you don't want to reset the settings, try:

1. Connect to the router via the manufacturer's application (for example, Tether for TP-Link or Mi Wi-Fi for Xiaomi).

2. Use a recovery utility (for example, RouterPassview for Windows).

3. Check if the default settings have been changed by the provider (for example, Rostelecom often uses 192.168.1.1 with login user and the password from the contract).

Method 4: Using specialized utilities (only for your own networks!)

If standard methods do not work, and WPS If the PIN code is activated on the router, you can use utilities to recover the PIN code. This method is only suitable for your own router. — attempts to use it on other people's networks are considered hacking and are punishable by law.

Popular programs for working with WPS:

• 🖥️ Reaver (Linux/Kali) - a utility for brute-forcing a PIN code through protocol vulnerabilities.
• 📱 WPS Connect (Android) - an application for testing the security of your own network.
• 💻 Wash (included in the package) Reaver) - scans networks for active WPS.

Example command for Reaver (required) Kali Linux):

reaver -i wlan0 -b [router MAC address] -vv -K 1

Where:

• wlan0 — the name of your Wi-Fi adapter;
• [MAC address of the router] — a unique network identifier (can be found through airodump-ng);
• -K 1 - exploitation of a vulnerability with 1 attempt to guess the PIN code (speeds up the process).

⚠️ Please note: Modern routers (manufactured after 2018) often block multiple attempts to guess the PIN code, making this method ineffective. Additionally, some providers (e.g., Beeline or MTS) turn off WPS on rented devices.

Method 5: Resetting the router to factory settings (last resort)

If none of the methods worked, there is one last option - resetting the router to factory settingsThis will delete all current settings, including the Wi-Fi password, but will allow you to set up the network again.

How to reset settings:

1. Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or toothpick and hold the button for 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait until the router reboots (all indicators will light up).
4. Connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the sticker) and password (usually admin or empty).

After reset:

• 🔧 Reconfigure the router via the web interface.
• 🔒 Set a new, complex Wi-Fi password (it is recommended to use WPA3).
• ⚙️ Turn it off WPS, if you don't plan to use it (this will increase security).

⚠️ Note: Factory reset will delete all custom settings, including PPPoE- connection to the ISP, port forwarding, and guest networks. Prepare your ISP contract information (login, password, VLAN ID) in advance.

Risks and security measures when working with WPS

Despite the convenience, the protocol WPS has several critical vulnerabilities:

• 🔓 Selecting a PIN code: Due to the peculiarities of the PIN verification algorithm, it can take 4–10 hours to crack a PIN.
• 🚪 No blocking: Many routers do not limit the number of PIN entry attempts.
• 🕵️ Data leak: Some models transmit a hash of the Wi-Fi password upon activation WPS.

How to protect your network:

• 🔒 Disable WPS in the router settings if you do not use this function.
• 🔄 Update the firmware — Manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities.
• 🛡️ Use WPA3 instead of the outdated one WPA2 (if the router supports it).
• 📝 Store your passwords in managers (for example, KeePass or Bitwarden).

If you find that other devices are connecting to your network through WPS, immediately:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password.
2. Turn it off WPS in the router settings.
3. Check the list of connected devices (in the web interface or through the provider's application).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about WPS and Wi-Fi Passwords

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password via WPS if I am not the network owner?

No, this qualifies as unauthorized access to computer information (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code). Even if the network is unsecured, connecting without the owner's permission is a violation of the law. Use WPS only to restore access to own networks.

Why doesn't the WPS button on my router work?

Possible reasons:

• The function is disabled in the router settings.
• The button is mechanically damaged.
• The router is in the mode Bridge or Repeater.
• The router firmware is out of date (update required).

Check the status WPS in the web interface along the path Advanced → Wireless → WPS Settings.

How do I disable WPS on my router if it's a security issue?

Instructions for popular models:

• TP-Link: Wireless → WPS → Disable WPS.
• ASUS: Advanced Settings → Wireless → WPS → Disable.
• Xiaomi: Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Disable WPS.

After disabling, do not forget to save the settings (Save or Apply).

What should I do if the internet doesn't work after resetting my router?

Most likely, your connection to your ISP isn't configured. You'll need:

1. Check with your provider for the connection type (PPPoE, Dynamic IP, L2TP).
2. Enter the login/password from the contract in the router web interface (Internet → PPPoE).
3. Check if MAC address binding is required.

If you're unsure about your settings, contact your provider's support team—they'll provide you with the latest settings.

Is it possible to recover a Wi-Fi password without accessing the router?

If you have a device that has previously connected to this network (laptop, smartphone, tablet), you can view the password in its settings:

• Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks → [network] → Properties (check the box "Show entered characters").
• Android: you will need root access or an app like WiFi Password Viewer.
• MacOS: Programs → Utilities → Terminal → enter security find-generic-password -wa [network name].

Without physical access to the router or a previously connected device, it is impossible to legally recover the password.