Which button to press on your router to connect to Wi-Fi: A detailed guide with pictures

You just bought a new router, connected it to the internet, but now you don't know how to find your Wi-Fi network on your phone or laptop? Or maybe your Wi-Fi suddenly stopped working, and you're stuck with too many buttons on your device—you can't figure out which one to press? This situation is familiar to many. In fact, Connecting to Wi-Fi via a router doesn't require pressing physical buttons. — all you need to know is the network name (SSID) and password. However, there are some caveats: some models support fast synchronization via WPS, while older devices may require manual activation of the wireless module.

In this article we will look at all possible scenariosFrom standard connections via smartphone settings to emergency situations when you need to reset your router or enable Wi-Fi manually. You'll learn where to find your login information, how to distinguish the WPS button from the reset button, and what to do if your network isn't showing up in the list of available networks. And also— Why does the WPS button on some routers (for example, from Rostelecom) simultaneously enable and disable Wi-Fi?.

1. Basic method: connecting without pressing buttons on the router

In 90% of cases There is no need to press buttons on the router body. Simply find your network name (SSID) and password, which are listed:

  • 📋 On the sticker from below or behind router (usually in the section Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) And Password/Key).
  • 📄 In the device instructions (if the sticker has worn off).
  • 💻 In the router's web interface (address type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Next, on your device (phone, laptop, tablet):

  1. Open Wi-Fi settings.
  2. Find the network in the list with the name from the sticker (for example, TP-Link_1234).
  3. Enter the password and connect.
📊 How do you usually connect to a new Wi-Fi network?
I'm looking for a sticker on the router.
I go to the router settings
I use WPS
I ask a friend to help me

If the network is not visible, check, Is Wi-Fi enabled on the router?. On most modern models (TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX55, Keenetic Giga) The wireless module is activated by default. However, on older or corporate devices, this may be required:

  • 🔄 Reboot the router (remove/insert the power).
  • 🖥️ Go to the web interface and turn on Wi-Fi manually (section Wireless or Wireless network).

2. WPS button: quick connection without password

If there is a button on the router that says WPS or the 🔄 icon, it can be used for automatic connection without entering a password. It works like this:

  1. Click the button WPS on the router (usually you need to hold it for 1-2 seconds until the indicator starts blinking).
  2. On your device (phone/laptop), select the Wi-Fi network marked in the list WPS Available.
  3. Wait for the connection to complete (usually takes 10-30 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: WPS is vulnerable to hacking! If security is critical (for example, in an office), it's best to disable this feature in your router settings (Advanced → WPS).

Router brand Where is the WPS button? What does the indicator look like?
TP-Link On the side or back, next to the LAN ports Flashing green/blue
ASUS On the back panel, sometimes combined with the reset button Flashing orange
Keenetic On top, under the lid Flashing white
Rostelecom On the front, it can be signed as Wi-Fi Flashes blue (sometimes does double duty)
What to do if WPS doesn't work?

If the connection does not occur after pressing the WPS button, check:

- Does your device support WPS (older smartphones may not).

- Is the WPS function enabled in the router settings (Wireless → WPS).

- Is your antivirus blocking the connection (disable it temporarily).

- Is there any physical damage to the button (try pressing it gently with a pencil).

3. Wi-Fi power button: when the router has one

On some models (usually older ones or from providers) there is a separate button to turn Wi-Fi on/off. It can be signed as:

  • 📶 Wi-Fi On/Off
  • 🔄 Wireless
  • 🔘 No text, but with an antenna icon

Signs that Wi-Fi is turned off:

  • 🔴 The wireless network indicator is not lit (or is red).
  • 📵 The network is not displayed in the list of available devices.
  • 🖥️ In the router's web interface, in the section Wireless status is worth it Disabled.

If the button is there, but pressing it doesn’t help:

☑️ Testing the Wi-Fi button

Completed: 0 / 4

💡 Helpful tip: On routers from Rostelecom, Beeline or MTS The Wi-Fi button can be combined with WPS. Try holding it for 5-10 seconds—sometimes this switches the mode.

4. Reset button: when NOT to press it

All routers have a button Reset (or a small hole with an inscription RST). She resets all settings to factory defaults, including your Wi-Fi name and password. You should only press it if:

  • 🔄 You forgot your Wi-Fi password and can't access your router settings.
  • 🔧 The router is glitching, and other methods don't help.
  • 📦 You are selling or transferring the router to another person.

How to reset correctly:

  1. Take a paper clip or a toothpick.
  2. Press and hold the button Reset 10-15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing).
  3. Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: After resetting, you will have to configure the router again! If you have a PPPoE connection (like Rostelecom or Dom.ru), you will need to enter your provider login and password.

5. What to do if Wi-Fi doesn't turn on

If you've pressed all the buttons but Wi-Fi still isn't working, check:

Problem Solution
The Wi-Fi indicator is not lit Check if the wireless module is enabled in the settings (Wireless → Radio).
There is a network, but no internet Reboot your router and check the cable connection from your provider.
Wi-Fi turns on but immediately turns off Update your router firmware or reset it.
Devices won't connect (they say "Incorrect password") Check the case of the letters in the password or change the encryption type to WPA2-PSK.

If the router is from a provider (for example, Sagemcom from Rostelecom), Maybe, Wi-Fi is blocked at the firmware levelIn this case:

  1. Call your provider's support team and check whether the "Parental Control" or "Guest Network" feature is activated.
  2. Try accessing the web interface using the address on the sticker (for example, 192.168.100.1 For MTS).

6. Features of routers from providers

Routers provided by providers (Rostelecom, Beeline, MGTS), often have non-standard buttons and settings. Here's what you need to know:

  • 📡 Rostelecom (Sagemcom, Sercomm): Button Wi-Fi It can simultaneously turn on the network and initiate WPS. Holding it for 5 seconds switches the mode.
  • 📶 Beeline (Huawei, ZTE): Wi-Fi is disabled by default - you need to go to settings (192.168.1.1) and activate in the section WLAN.
  • 🔄 MTS (Keenetic): WPS button sometimes only works after firmware update.

⚠️ Attention: Providers may block changes to certain settings (such as the network name). If you can't change the SSID, please contact support.

7. Alternative connection methods

If standard methods don't work, try:

  • 📱 QR code: On some routers (ASUS Lyra, TP-Link Deco) There's a sticker with a QR code. Scan it with your smartphone's camera, and the device will automatically connect to the network.
  • 🖥️ WPS-PIN: In the router settings (Wireless → WPS) you can generate a PIN code and enter it on the device.
  • 🔌 Cable: Connect to the router via Ethernet and configure Wi-Fi through the web interface.

For advanced users: if the router supports Telnet/SSH, you can turn on Wi-Fi through the console with the command:

wifi up

But this method is only suitable for OpenWRT or custom firmware.

Frequently asked questions

🔍 Why doesn't Wi-Fi connect after pressing WPS?

Possible reasons:

  • The device does not support WPS (check in Wi-Fi settings).
  • The function is disabled in the router (go to Wireless → WPS and activate).
  • The distance between devices is too great (move the phone closer to the router).
📵 What should I do if the Wi-Fi button on my router isn't working?

Try:

  1. Press the button several times in a row (sometimes the contacts oxidize).
  2. Use a toothpick if the button is recessed.
  3. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset).

If all else fails, the button might be broken. In this case, enable Wi-Fi through the web interface.

🔐 Where can I find the Wi-Fi password if the sticker is worn off?

Recovery methods:

  • Log in to the router's web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and see the password in the section Wireless Security.
  • If you can't log in, reset the router using the button Reset (the password will return to the factory default).
  • Call your provider (if it's their router) - they can tell you the password using your contract number.
🔄 Is it possible to turn on Wi-Fi on a router using a phone?

Yes, if:

  • You already have access to the router's web interface via a browser on your phone.
  • The router supports control via an application (for example, TP-Link Tether or Keenetic NetFriend).

Apps usually have a separate switch for Wi-Fi.

⚡ Why doesn't Wi-Fi turn on automatically after rebooting my router?

This may be due to:

  • Firmware failure (update it in the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade).
  • Power saving settings (turn off the option) Green Mode or Power Saving).
  • Hardware failure (if the router is old, the Wi-Fi module may be faulty).

📖 Read also

Router Not Sharing Wi-Fi: 7 Reasons and How to Fix It Why is my router connected but there's no internet? Troubleshooting common errors, resetting settings, checking DNS and drivers Setting Up a Wi-Fi Router After a Reset: A Complete Guide Step-by-step instructions on how to set up a Wi-Fi router after a factory reset. Troubleshooting How to change your router's Wi-Fi password from a Samsung phone Step-by-step instructions: changing the Wi-Fi password on a router using a Samsung smartphone. Security settings Wi-Fi router: what it's for and how to choose the right one Find out why you need a Wi-Fi router at home, how it distributes internet, and how it differs from a modem. Expert How to Disable Wi-Fi on Your Phone: Complete Router Instructions Learn how to turn off Wi-Fi on your router using your phone. Step-by-step instructions for TP-Link, Keenetic, How to connect a laptop to a hidden WiFi network: step-by-step instructions Learn how to securely connect your laptop to a hidden WiFi network. Detailed instructions for Windows 10/1.