How to find out your Wi-Fi WPS PIN: official and alternative methods

Connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS PIN It remains one of the most controversial, yet sometimes necessary, authentication methods. This 8-digit code, tightly bound to the router, allows you to connect your device to the network without entering a complex password—just press a button on the router or enter the PIN in the device's menu. However, many users face a problem: where to find this PIN if it's not listed on the router's sticker, and the WPS button is missing or broken?

In this article we will look at all official and legal methods obtaining a WPS PIN—from checking the sticker on the router to extracting the code through the web interface. We'll also discuss why this connection method is considered vulnerable from a security point of view And when is it best to use alternative options (QR code, WPA2 password). The instructions are adapted for popular router models: TP-Link Archer, ASUS RT, Keenetic, Zyxel And MikroTik.

1. What is a WPS PIN and why is it needed?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a standard for simplifying the connection of devices to a wireless network, developed in 2006. A PIN code in this standard serves as an alternative "key" to a password. Its main features are:

• 🔢 Consists of 8 digits, divided into two groups (for example, 1234-5670).
• 🔒 Tightly attached to Router MAC address and does not change when resetting the settings.
• ⚡ Supported by most devices on Android (up to version 9) and Windows (up to version 10).
• ⚠️ Vulnerable to brute-force attacks due to the limited number of combinations (10⁸ options).

The main advantage of WPS PIN is connection speed. For example, when connecting a printer Canon PIXMA or smart speakers Amazon Echo To access Wi-Fi, you simply need to enter a PIN in the device's menu instead of searching for a complex password. However, since 2011, security experts (including US-CERT) warn about the risks of using WPS due to vulnerabilities in the protocol.

2. Where to find the WPS PIN on a router: 3 standard locations

Router manufacturers typically place the WPS PIN in accessible locations. Check them in this order:

1. Sticker on the router body (bottom or back panel). Look for the following markings: WPS PIN, PIN Code or Default PINExample for . TP-Link TL-WR841N:

Model: TL-WR841N(v12)
SSID: TP-LINK_1234
Password: 12345678
WPS PIN: 12345670

⚠️ Attention: On some models (eg, ASUS RT-AC66U) The PIN may be hidden under a protective film. Carefully pry it away with your fingernail or a plastic card to avoid damaging the barcode.

2. Documentation in the boxThe PIN is sometimes duplicated in the instructions or warranty card. Look for the section Wi-Fi Protected Setup or Quick Setup Guide.
3. Router web interfaceLog in to your admin panel at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, then go to the section WPS or Wi-Fi → Protected SetupMore details on this in the next section.

What should I do if the sticker has worn off?

If the numbers on the sticker are illegible, try wiping it with alcohol or taking a photo at an angle with the flash turned on. If this doesn't help, retrieve the PIN via the web interface (see Section 3).

3. How to find out the WPS PIN via the router's web interface

If you don't have physical access to the sticker, you can find the PIN in your router's settings. The instructions are universal for most models, but the menu paths may vary. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Connect to your router via cable or Wi-Fi | Find out the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) | Prepare your login/password (default admin/admin or admin/blank)

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Step 1. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. For most models, this is:

• TP-Link/Mercusys: 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net
• ASUS/ROG: 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com
• Keenetic: 192.168.1.1 or my.keenetic.net
• Zyxel: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1

Step 2. Log in with administrator rights. Standard combinations:

Step 3. Find the WPS section. Paths for popular firmware versions:

• TP-Link: Advanced → System Tools → WPS
• ASUS: Wireless → WPS
• Keenetic: Home Network → Wi-Fi → WPS
• D-Link: Wi-Fi → WPS

In this section you will see a field Current PIN or WPS PINIf it is not there, check the tab. Status or Information.

4. Alternative methods for obtaining WPS PIN

If standard methods don't work, try one of these options. They're suitable for situations where:

• 🔧 The router returns an error when accessing the web interface.
• 📱 You need to connect a device without a screen (for example, Xiaomi smart light bulb).
• 🔄 The PIN was reset after the firmware update.

Method 1: Using the manufacturer's mobile app

Brands like TP-Link (Tether), ASUS (ASUS Router) And Keenetic (Keenetic) offer official router management apps. They often duplicate WPS PIN information. Algorithm:

1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect to the router's network.
3. Log in (the same details as for the web interface).
4. Find the section Wi-Fi or WPS.

Method 2. Extracting PIN via Telnet/SSH

For advanced users. Suitable if you have access to the router console. Example command for OpenWRT:

cat /var/run/hostapd-wlan0.conf | grep wps_pin

⚠️ Attention: This method requires command line knowledge and may cause the router to malfunction if commands are entered incorrectly. Use only if you are confident in your actions.

Method 3: Resetting the router to factory settings

If your PIN has been changed and you don't remember it, and other methods haven't helped, reset it. To do this:

1. Press and hold the button Reset (usually located on the rear panel) for 10-15 seconds.
2. After rebooting the router, the WPS PIN will return to the factory value (indicated on the sticker).

5. WPS Security: Why This Method Is Risky

Despite its convenience, WPS PIN has critical vulnerabilities that make it insecure:

• 🔓 Brute-force attacksDue to the protocol's specifics, an attacker can brute-force a PIN in a few hours by trying combinations. The last digit of the PIN is a checksum, which reduces the number of possible combinations from 10.⁸ up to 10⁴ + 10³.
• 🕳️ No blocking: Many routers do not block connection attempts after several failures, making it easier to hack.
• 🔄 Static PIN: The code does not change when resetting the settings (except for a factory reset), which allows the network to be attacked again.

📌 Safety recommendations:

• 🛡️ Disable WPS in your router settings if you don't use one. Path: Wireless → WPS → Disable.
• 🔑 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
• 📱 To connect devices without a screen (for example, smart sockets) use QR code or a temporary guest network.

6. WPS PIN Alternatives: How to Connect Without Risks

If you need to connect a device to Wi-Fi but don't want to use WPS due to vulnerabilities, consider these options:

How to create a QR code for Wi-Fi:

1. On Android: Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → ShareA QR code will be generated.
2. On iPhone: Use the app Shortcuts (create automatic action "Generate Wi-Fi QR Code").
3. On routers ASUS And Keenetic: The QR code is available in the web interface in the section Wi-Fi.

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Users encounter common problems when working with WPS. Let's look at the most common ones:

• ❌ Error: "WPS PIN is incorrect"
  Solution: Make sure you enter the code without the hyphen (eg. 12345670, and not 1234-5670). Check the case (there should be only numbers).
• ❌ The router does not respond to the WPS button.
  Solution: Hold the button for 3-5 seconds. If it doesn't work, check if WPS is enabled in the settings (Enable WPS).
• ❌ The device does not find the network when connecting via WPS
  Solution: Restart your router and device. Make sure the distance between them is no more than 5 meters.
• ❌ After resetting the router, the WPS PIN was not reset.
  Solution: On some models (eg, MikroTik) The PIN is saved even after a reset. In this case, update the router firmware.

⚠️ Attention: If the router gives an error "WPS locked", this means the function is temporarily blocked after several unsuccessful attempts. Wait 5-10 minutes and try again. On some models (Zyxel) the blocking lasts until a reboot.

What to do if the router does not support WPS?

If your router settings don't have a WPS section, your firmware doesn't support this feature. Update your firmware through the manufacturer's official website or use alternative connection methods (QR code, password).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to change the WPS PIN on a router?

Yes, most routers allow you to change the PIN manually. To do this:

1. Log into your router's web interface.
2. Go to the section WPS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
3. Find the option Change PIN or Custom PIN.
4. Enter a new 8-digit code and save the settings.

⚠️ After changing the PIN, you may need to reboot the router.

Why doesn't WPS PIN work on iPhone?

Starting from iOS 11Apple removed WPS support due to vulnerabilities. To connect iPhone to Wi-Fi:

• Use the standard WPA2/WPA3 password.
• Generate a QR code for the network (via Shortcuts or router).
• Turn on the function Easy Connect (available on some routers) ASUS).

How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without WPS?

For printers Canon, HP or Epson use:

1. WPS button: Press the WPS button on the router, then select on the printer Wi-Fi → WPS → Push Button.
2. USB cable: Connect the printer to the PC via USB, then through the manufacturer's program (for example, HP Smart) set up a wireless connection.
3. WPS PIN from the printer screen: On some models (eg, Canon PIXMA MG3640) The PIN is displayed on the printer display.

Is it possible to find out the WPS PIN of someone else's router?

No, unless you're the network administrator. Attempts to guess a PIN are considered hacking and are punishable by law (in Russia, Article 272 of the Criminal Code, "Unauthorized access to computer information").

If you need to connect to someone else's network (for example, in a hotel), ask the administrator to provide:

• Wi-Fi password.
• QR code for connection.
• Temporary access via guest network.

What to do if the router does not support WPS?

If there's no WPS section in your router settings, it means your firmware doesn't enable this feature. Solutions:

• 🔄 Update the firmware through the manufacturer's official website.
• 📱 Use alternative methods: QR code, WPA2 password, button Wi-Fi Direct (on some printers).
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware (For example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT), if supported by your model.

⚠️ Before updating the firmware, make a backup copy of your router settings!