What WPS Stands For
WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup. It’s a feature built into most routers that lets you connect devices to your WiFi network without typing a password. Instead of entering a long WiFi password, you press a button on the router and the device connects automatically.
The WiFi Alliance created WPS in 2006 to make connecting devices easier, especially for people who struggle with long passwords or setting up wireless connections. It’s been included in nearly every consumer router since then.
How to Use the WPS Button
- Find the WPS button on your router. It’s usually on the back or side, labeled “WPS” or marked with the WPS icon (two curved arrows forming a circle).
- On the device you want to connect (printer, smart TV, range extender), start the WPS connection process. This is usually in the device’s WiFi or network settings under “WPS” or “Connect via WPS.”
- Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the router.
- The router and device exchange credentials automatically. The device connects without you entering a password.
The 2-minute window is a security measure. After pressing WPS, the router only accepts new connections for a short time. If the window expires before the device connects, press the button again.
Need admin access? See our WiFi router login guide.
Two Ways WPS Works
| Method | How It Works | Security |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button (PBC) | Press button on router, then connect device within 2 minutes | Reasonably safe – requires physical access to the router |
| PIN Method | Enter an 8-digit PIN from the router into the device (or vice versa) | Known vulnerability – can be brute-forced |
The push-button method is the one most people use and is relatively safe since someone needs physical access to your router to press it. The PIN method has a serious security flaw (more on that below) and is the main reason security experts recommend disabling WPS.
Devices That Support WPS
WPS works with many common devices:
Printers are the most common use case. Many HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers have a WPS button or WPS setup option in their menus. It’s often the easiest way to connect a printer to WiFi.
WiFi range extenders from Netgear, TP-Link, and others use WPS for quick pairing with the main router. Press WPS on the router, then WPS on the extender, and they link up automatically.
We also wrote a hands-on guide on WiFi router for gaming that you might find useful.
Smart TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles sometimes support WPS, though it’s less common on newer models. Check the device’s network settings for a WPS option.
Phones and laptops generally don’t use WPS anymore. Android removed WPS support in Android 9 (2018). iPhones never supported it. Windows still has WPS support built in, but few people use it since typing the WiFi password is just as easy on a computer.
The WPS Security Problem
The PIN method of WPS has a well-known vulnerability discovered in 2011. The 8-digit PIN is checked in two halves (4 digits each), and the last digit is a checksum. This means an attacker only needs to guess about 11,000 combinations instead of 100 million – a process that takes a few hours with freely available software.
Once the PIN is cracked, the attacker gets your WiFi password regardless of how strong it is. The push-button method doesn’t have this same flaw (since it requires physical access), but some routers leave the PIN method active even when you only use the button.
Should You Disable WPS?
Security experts generally recommend disabling WPS, especially the PIN method. Here’s how to think about it:
Disable WPS if: you don’t use any devices that require it, you live in an apartment or dense area where neighbors could potentially attack the PIN, or you want the strongest possible network security.
Keep WPS enabled if: you regularly connect new devices (especially printers) that rely on WPS for setup. Just make sure the PIN method is disabled separately if your router allows it, and only use the push-button method.
Readers who found this helpful also liked our guide on WiFi router for large home.
How to Disable WPS
- Log in to your router’s admin page (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser).
- Navigate to “Wireless Settings,” “WiFi Settings,” or “WPS” (the location varies by brand).
- Find the WPS toggle and turn it off.
- Save settings.
| Router Brand | Where to Find WPS Setting |
|---|---|
| Netgear | Advanced, then Advanced Setup, then WPS |
| TP-Link | Advanced, then Wireless, then WPS |
| ASUS | Advanced Settings, then Wireless, then WPS tab |
| Linksys | WiFi Settings, then WPS |
| Xfinity Gateway | Gateway, then Connection, then WiFi, then WPS |
Some ISP-provided routers don’t let you disable WPS through the admin page. In that case, check the ISP’s app or contact them to request it be turned off.
WPS and WPA3
WPA3, the newest WiFi security standard, does not support WPS at all. If your router uses WPA3-only mode, WPS is automatically disabled. Routers running in WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode may still allow WPS for WPA2 connections. As more devices adopt WPA3, WPS will phase out naturally.
Troubleshooting
WPS button doesn’t do anything. WPS may be disabled in your router settings. Log in to the admin page and check. Some routers require you to enable WPS before the physical button works. Also make sure you’re pressing the correct button – some routers have WPS and reset buttons that look similar.
Device can’t find the router via WPS. Start the WPS process on the device first, then press the router’s WPS button within 2 minutes. If the timing is off, it fails. Try again with better timing. Move the device closer to the router for the initial connection. After connecting, you can move it to its permanent location.
WPS connects but device has no internet. The WPS connection may have succeeded on the wrong band or with incorrect settings. Disconnect the device, forget the network, and try the WPS process again. Alternatively, connect manually using the WiFi password instead of WPS.
Is WPS the same as the WiFi password?
No. WPS is a connection method that bypasses the need to type a password. Your WiFi password still exists and protects the network. WPS just provides a shortcut for connecting devices. If you disable WPS, your WiFi password continues working normally – devices just need to enter it manually.
Can someone use WPS to hack my WiFi?
The PIN method is vulnerable. With freely available tools, an attacker within WiFi range can brute-force the WPS PIN in a few hours and obtain your WiFi password. The push-button method requires physical access to the router, which most attackers won’t have. For best security, disable WPS entirely and use a strong WPA2 or WPA3 password.
Does every router have WPS?
Most consumer routers made after 2007 include WPS. Some newer routers, especially those designed for security (like some mesh systems), have dropped WPS support. Enterprise and business-grade access points typically don’t include it. Check your router’s specifications or look for a physical WPS button on the device.
Sources
Want to kick devices? Check our remove devices from router guide.
Still confused about the difference? Our modem vs router explainer breaks it down in plain language.
Wi-Fi Alliance – WiFi Protected Setup | CISA – Securing Wireless Networks
