WPS on a Wi-Fi router: How to use it without a password and avoid hacking your network

Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) WPS promises to connect to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router or enter a PIN. It sounds like a dream for those tired of remembering complex combinations of characters. But in practice, WPS raises more questions than it saves: where to find this button, why won't the device connect, and most importantly— How safe is it??

In this article we will analyze All ways to use WPS — from basic smartphone connections to diagnosing errors like "WPS blocked." We'll show you how the technology works on routers. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic and other popular brands, and we will also explain why some manufacturers (like Apple) have dropped WPS support on their devices. If you've never used this feature or tried it but it didn't work, read on.

What is WPS and why is it needed?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a standard for simplifying the connection of devices to a Wi-Fi network, developed Wi-Fi Alliance Introduced in 2006, its main goal is to eliminate the need for users to enter long passwords. Instead, it offers two main methods:

• 🔘 Push Button Configuration (PBC): press the physical WPS button on the router and on the device (if available).
• 🔢 PIN code: An 8-digit code that can be found on the router's sticker or in its web interface.

The technology is supported by most modern routers, but the situation with devices is more complicated. For example, iPhone And MacBook can't connect via WPS, and many new smartphones Android 12+ hide this option in the depths of the settings.

Advantages of WPS:

• ⚡ Quickly connect guest devices (such as a printer or smart speaker).
• 🛡️ Protection against password guessing (if WPS is disabled after use).
• 📱 Convenient for devices without screens (eg. Wi-Fi repeaters).

However, the technology also has serious flaws:

• 🔓 PIN code vulnerability: An 8-digit code can be cracked using brute force in a few hours.
• 🚫 Lack of encryption when transmitting a PIN code (in some implementations).
• ❌ Incompatibility with modern safety standards (for example, WPA3).

⚠️ Attention: If your router only supports WPA2-PSK and has WPS enabled, an attacker can access the network even without knowing the master password. We recommend disabling WPS after use or switching to routers with WPA3.

Where is the WPS button on the router?

The WPS button may be hidden under different names depending on your router model. Here's where to look:

If there is no button physically, check:

• 🖥️ Router web interface (section Wi-Fi → WPS or Security).
• 📱 Manufacturer's mobile app (e.g. TP-Link Tether or ASUS Router).

If you can't find the button, look in instructions for the router - sometimes it is hidden under a removable cover or combined with other functions. For example, on Huawei HG8245 The WPS button is activated by holding the "Wi-Fi" button for 5 seconds.

How to connect to Wi-Fi via WPS from your Android phone

On Android Connecting via WPS only works if the manufacturer hasn't removed this feature from the firmware. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Detailed instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi on the phone.
2. Tap the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Additionally or Advanced settings.
3. Click WPS (or Connection via WPS button).
4. On the router, press the WPS button (or activate the function via the web interface).
5. Wait for the connection to complete (usually takes 10-30 seconds).

If the "WPS" item is not in the menu, then:

• 📵 Your phone does not support WPS (relevant for Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S22+ and newer).
• 🔄 The manufacturer has disabled the function in the firmware (for example, on Xiaomi with MIUI 14).
• 🔧 The router is not compatible with your device (check the standards) 802.11n/ac/ax).

⚠️ Note: On some phones (eg. Honor or RealmeThe WPS option only appears if the router is already broadcasting a network with WPS enabled. First, enable the feature on the router, then look for it in your phone's settings.

If the connection fails, try:

• 🔄 Restart your router and phone.
• 📶 Move closer to the router (WPS may not work at a distance of more than 5 meters).
• 🔧 Reset network settings on your phone (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi).

Connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS from a laptop (Windows 10/11)

On Windows WPS connections are more stable than on mobile devices, but only if your Wi-Fi adapter's drivers support this feature. Check this:

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the branch Network adapters.
3. Find your Wi-Fi adapter (e.g. Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200), right-click and select Properties.
4. Go to the tab Additionally and look for parameters that mention WPS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

If there is support, connect like this:

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray and select WPS-enabled network (if it is displayed).
2. Click Connect using the button.
3. Activate WPS on your router within 2 minutes.

If the network with WPS is not listed:

• 🔧 Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver via device Manager.
• 🖥️ Install the proprietary utility from the adapter manufacturer (for example, Intel PROSet/Wireless).
• 🔄 Try connecting via PIN code (it can be found on the router sticker).

What to do if Windows doesn't detect WPS?

If your adapter doesn't support WPS, but your router is broadcasting the network, try connecting via a QR code (if the router generates one) or temporarily disable WPS and enter the password manually.

On laptops with adapters Qualcomm Atheros (for example, in some models Lenovo And HP) WPS may become unstable due to driver errors. The solution is to install the driver from the official website, not through Windows Update.

How to enable or disable WPS in your router settings

Managing WPS via the router's web interface offers more options than a physical button. For example, you can:

• 🔄 Enable/disable WPS.
• 🔢 Change PIN code.
• 📋 View the list of devices connected via WPS.

Instructions for most routers:

1. Connect to the router's network (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin).
4. Go to the section Wi-Fi → WPS or Security.

Examples for popular models:

• TP-Link: Advanced Settings → WPS.
• ASUS: Wireless Network → WPS.
• Keenetic: Home Network → Access Point → WPS.
• Zyxel: Wi-Fi Network → Security → WPS.

To disable WPS (recommended for safety):

1. Find the switch Enable WPS and set it to position Off.
2. Save the settings and reboot the router.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, D-Link DIR-300Disabling WPS via the web interface doesn't work—the feature remains active until a factory reset. In this case, update your router's firmware.

If you want change WPS PIN code:

1. In the WPS settings, find the field PIN code.
2. Enter a new 8-digit code (do not use simple combinations like 12345678).
3. Save the changes.

WPS Errors and How to Fix Them

WPS often performs poorly, especially on older routers. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

If the router does not respond to the WPS button:

• 🔌 Check if the router is connected to power.
• 🔧 Update your router's firmware (instructions are usually available on the manufacturer's website).
• 🔄 Reset the router to factory settings (using the button) Reset).

If the device It connects, but the internet doesn't work.:

• 📡 Check if DHCP is enabled on your router (Settings → LAN → DHCP Server).
• 🔗 Make sure the cable from your ISP is connected to the port WAN (and not LAN).
• 🔄 Reboot your router and device.

WPS Security: Why It's Best to Disable It

Despite its convenience, WPS is considered one of the most vulnerable Wi-Fi functionsHere's why:

• 🔓 PIN code is vulnerable to brute force: An 8-digit code can be cracked in 4-10 hours (even if the router blocks attempts after 3 errors, the last digit is a checksum, which simplifies the task).
• 🕳️ Lack of encryption when transmitting a PIN code (in the standard WPS 1.0).
• 🚪 Bypassing the main password: If WPS is enabled, an attacker can connect to the network without knowing WPA2/WPA3- password.

How to protect yourself:

• 🔧 Disable WPS in the router settings (if you don’t use it constantly).
• 🔒 Use a strong Wi-Fi password (minimum 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
• 🛡️ Update your router firmware (manufacturers sometimes patch WPS vulnerabilities).
• 🔄 Enable guest network for temporary devices (instead of WPS).

If you need a quick way to connect devices, but without the risks of WPS, consider alternatives:

• 📱 QR code: many routers (ASUS, TP-Link) generate QR for connection.
• 🔗 WPS over USB: some routers (Keenetic) allow you to connect devices via a USB cable.
• 🔑 One-Touch connection: proprietary technologies like Samsung SmartThings or Apple HomeKit.

⚠️ Note: If your router supports WPA3, but WPS is enabled, the network automatically switches to a less secure one WPA2 for compatibility. Disable WPS to return WPA3.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about WPS

❓ Can I use WPS to connect smart devices (lamps, speakers)?

Yes, many smart devices (Xiaomi, Tuya, Amazon Echo) support WPS for initial setup. However, after connecting, we recommend disabling WPS on the router and switching the device to the primary network with a password.

❓ Why isn't WPS working on my iPhone?

Apple removed WPS support from iOS Starting with version 11 due to vulnerabilities. Alternatives: connecting via password, QR code (if supported by the router), or using the router manufacturer's proprietary app (e.g. TP-Link Tether).

❓ How do I reset the WPS PIN?

There are two ways to reset your PIN:

1. Via the router's web interface (section WPS → Reset PIN).
2. By resetting the router to factory settings (button Reset). The new PIN will be on the sticker.

❓ Is it harmful to keep WPS enabled all the time?

Yes, this reduces network security. If WPS isn't needed for regular use (for example, for an office printer), disable it. Attackers can exploit WPS vulnerabilities even without directly connecting to your network.

❓ Is it possible to connect via WPS if I forgot my Wi-Fi password?

Technically yes, but only if:

• You have physical access to the router (to press the WPS button).
• The device supports WPS (many new smartphones and laptops do not).

If WPS is disabled in the router settings, you can only restore network access by resetting the router or logging into its web interface (if you remember the admin login/password).