How to Enter a WPS PIN on a Wi-Fi Router: A Step-by-Step Guide with Photos

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) It was created to simplify connecting devices to a wireless network—instead of entering a complex password, simply press a button on the router or enter an 8-digit PIN. However, many users encounter difficulties precisely at the entry stage: where to get it, where to insert it, and why the connection isn't working. In this article, we'll cover all the nuances of working with it. WPS PIN on routers from different manufacturers, including TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic And D-Link.

It is important to understand that A WPS PIN is not the same as a Wi-Fi password.This is a temporary key generated by the router for each connection. It can be found on the device's sticker (if it's a factory code) or generated manually through the web interface. We'll show you how to do this and also explain why it's sometimes better to forgo WPS in favor of a classic password-based connection.

If you're trying to connect a printer, smartphone, or smart speaker via WPS but the system requires a PIN, this guide is for you. We'll cover not only common scenarios but also rare cases where the code isn't accepted or the router doesn't display it. At the end of the article, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips.

What is a WPS PIN and why is it needed?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected SetupWPS is a protocol designed to quickly connect devices to Wi-Fi without entering a long password. There are two main methods of authentication via WPS:

• 🔘 PBC (Push Button Configuration) — connection by pressing a physical button on the router (or a virtual one in the web interface).
• 🔢 PIN method - entering an 8-digit code, which is either indicated on the router sticker or generated dynamically.

WPS PIN code can be:

• 📋 Static — embedded in the router firmware (usually indicated on the back panel next to the SSID and default password).
• 🔄 Dynamic — generated by the router for each new connection (a more secure option).

The main advantage of the PIN method is the ability to connect devices that don't have a physical WPS button (for example, some printers or IoT gadgets). However, the technology also has serious vulnerabilities:

⚠️ Attention: In 2011, a critical vulnerability was discovered in the WPS protocol, allowing a PIN code to be brute-forced within a few hours. Many modern routers disable WPS by default or use secure versions of the protocol. If network security is critical to you, it's better to use a classic connection via WPA3.

Where to find the WPS PIN code on a router

Before entering the code, you need to get it from somewhere. Let's look at all the possible sources:

1. Sticker on the router body

On most routers (especially budget models) TP-Link, D-Link, Tenda) The PIN code is located on the back or bottom sticker next to:

• 📡 Network name (SSID) by default.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi password (Password/Key).
• 🌐 The address to log into the web interface (for example, 192.168.0.1).

Look for inscriptions like:

• WPS PIN
• PIN Code
• Default PIN

Example of location on a router TP-Link Archer C6:

| SSID: TP-LINK_1234     |
| Password: 12345678      |
| WPS PIN: 12345670 | ← This is the code you need!
| IP: 192.168.0.1        |

2. Router web interface

If the PIN code is not on the sticker or does not work, you can:

• 🔍 Look in the settings.
• 🔄 Generate a new one (if the router supports dynamic codes).

Instructions for popular brands:

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, MikroTik or UbiquitiWPS is disabled by default and doesn't support the PIN method. In this case, use a password-based connection or set up a guest network.

How to enter a WPS PIN on different devices

The code entry process depends on the type of device you're connecting. Let's look at the most common scenarios.

1. Connecting the printer via WPS PIN

Most modern printers (eg HP, Canon, Epson) support connection via WPS. Here's how to proceed:

1. On the printer, go to the menu Settings → Wireless → WPS (PIN method).
2. The system will generate an 8-digit code (for example, 12345678).
3. Enter this code in the router's web interface in the WPS section (see the table above).
4. Confirm the connection on the printer.

If the printer does not find the network, check:

• 📶 Distance to the router (should be no more than 5 meters).
• 🔋 Battery charge level (for portable printers).
• 🔄 Wi-Fi operating mode (the printer and router must support the same standard): 802.11n, 802.11ac etc.).

2. Connecting a smartphone or tablet

On Android And iOS WPS PIN entry is usually not required - the method is used PBC (button). However, some apps (such as smart home apps) may require a code. In this case:

1. Open Wi-Fi settings on your phone.
2. Select the network you want to connect to.
3. In the connection menu, find the option WPS or Additional options.
4. Select PIN method and enter the code from the router.

If the option is missing, update your phone's firmware or use alternative connection methods (QR code, password).

Why might Android not support WPS PIN?

Starting with Android 9 (Pie), Google began limiting WPS support due to vulnerabilities. On newer smartphones (2020 and newer), the feature may be hidden or disabled. In this case, use a password-protected connection or configure the router in access point (AP) mode.

3. Connecting smart devices (IoT)

Smart light bulbs (Xiaomi Yeelight), sockets (TP-Link Tapo) or columns (Amazon Echo) often require WPS for initial setup. Instructions:

1. Start the connection process in the device's mobile application.
2. When the system asks for a PIN, go to the router's web interface.
3. Generate a new PIN code (if the router supports dynamic codes).
4. Enter it into the app within 2 minutes (otherwise the code will expire).

If the device does not connect:

• 🔄 Restart your router and smart gadget.
• 📡 Check that the network is working in mode 2.4 GHz (many IoT devices do not support 5 GHz).
• 🔒 Make sure the MAC address filter is not enabled in your router settings.

Common WPS PIN Entry Errors and Solutions

Even if you enter the code correctly, the connection may not work. Let's look at common issues and how to fix them.

1. The code is not accepted ("Incorrect PIN")

Reasons and solutions:

• ⏳ The code has expired — Dynamic PINs are valid for 1–2 minutes. Generate a new one.
• 🔢 Typo — Enter the code without spaces or dashes. An example of the correct format: 12345678 (Not 12-34-56-78).
• 🔄 Protocol conflict - if the router is operating in mode 802.11r (Fast Roaming), disable it in Wi-Fi settings.

2. The router does not respond to PIN entry

Please check the following parameters:

• 🔌 Nutrition — Make sure that the router is connected to the network and the indicators are on.
• 📡 WPS mode - must be selected in the web interface PIN method, and not PBC.
• 🔒 Firewall - temporarily disable it in the router settings (section Security → Firewall).

3. The device does not see the network after entering the PIN

Possible reasons:

• 📶 Weak signal — bring the device closer to the router (within 1–2 meters).
• 🔄 Incompatible Wi-Fi standards - set the mode in the router settings 802.11n (universal for most devices).
• 🔑 Double authentication — Some routers require connection confirmation in the web interface. Check the section Connected Devices.

If the problem persists, reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the rear panel) and repeat the setup.

WPS Security: Should You Use the PIN Method?

Despite the convenience, WPS is considered an outdated and insecure protocol.Here's why:

• 🔓 Vulnerability to brute force — due to the peculiarities of the PIN verification algorithm, it can be cracked in 4–10 hours (even with an 8-digit code).
• 🔄 Lack of protection against replay attacks - many routers do not block the device after several unsuccessful attempts.
• 📡 Risk of connecting third-party devices - If an attacker knows the PIN, they can connect to your network without a password.

Safety recommendations:

• 🔒 Disable WPS, if you don't use it constantly. This can be done in the router settings (section Wireless → WPS → Disable).
• 🔄 Update the firmware - modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer AX6000) use secure versions of WPS.
• 🛡️ Use WPA3 — if your router supports this protocol, it is more secure than WPS.

⚠️ Attention: If you are connecting the device in an office or public place, Never use WPS PIN — the risk of traffic interception is too high. Consider connecting with a password or certificate (on corporate networks).

WPS Alternatives: What to Replace the PIN Method with

If WPS doesn't work or you have security concerns, try alternative connection methods:

Instructions for setting up a guest network (using an example) TP-Link):

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Advanced → Guest Network.
3. Enable the guest network and set a simple password (eg. 12345678).
4. Connect your device to this network.

To connect via QR code (on Android):

1. Open Wi-Fi settings.
2. Click on the QR icon next to the network name.
3. Scan the code from the router sticker or the screen of another device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I use one WPS PIN for multiple devices?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🔄 Static PIN (from the sticker) can be used repeatedly, but it is not safe.
• 🔢 Dynamic PIN (generated by the router) is valid for one connection only. After successful device authentication, the code becomes invalid.

For each new device, it is better to generate a new code or use alternative methods (for example, WPA3).

❓ What should I do if I forgot my WPS PIN and the sticker has worn off?

There are three options:

1. Generate a new PIN in the router's web interface (section WPS).
2. Restore the router to factory settings (button Reset) - this will return the standard PIN (specified in the documentation).
3. Please use another connection method (password, QR code, PBC).

If the router does not generate a new PIN, check if the WPS function is enabled in the settings (Enable WPS).

❓ Why does the router ask for a PIN from the device and not the other way around?

It depends on the protocol implementation:

• 📱 The device generates a PIN (for example, printers HP or columns Amazon Echo) - it must be entered in the router's web interface.
• 📡 The router generates a PIN — it is entered on the connected device (for example, in a mobile application).

Check your device documentation to see who should provide the code. If you're unsure, try both options.

❓ Is it possible to connect to WPS without a PIN code?

Yes, if the router supports it PBC (Push Button Configuration):

1. Press the WPS button on the router (usually it is labeled or combined with the reset button).
2. Within 2 minutes, activate WPS on the connecting device (in Wi-Fi settings).

If there is no button, check the web interface - there may be a virtual button there. Connect via PBC.

❓ How do I completely disable WPS on my router?

Instructions for popular brands:

Manufacturer	The path to shutdown
TP-Link	Advanced → System Tools → WPS → Disable WPS
ASUS	Wireless → WPS → Enable WPS: No
Keenetic	Home Network → Wi-Fi → WPS → Disable

After disconnecting, use the Wi-Fi password or guest network to connect devices.