What Does the WPS Button on a Router Do? How to Use It (and When to Turn It Off)
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WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a shortcut for joining a Wi-Fi network without typing the password. Press the WPS button on the router, then the WPS button (or option) on the device within about two minutes, and the router sends the device the network details automatically. It's handy for printers, range extenders and smart-home devices with no keyboard. The PIN version of WPS, however, has a well-known security flaw, so it's best switched off.
WPS at a glance
| Push-button (PBC) | PIN method | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Press the button on the router, then on the device | Enter an 8-digit PIN from the device or router label |
| Security | Reasonable: only works for ~2 minutes after you press the button | Weak: the PIN can be guessed by attackers in hours |
| Recommendation | Fine to use when needed | Turn off in router settings |
Where is the WPS button on my router?
Look on the back or side for a button labelled WPS or with the WPS symbol (two curved arrows). On some routers it shares a button with Wi-Fi on/off or reset: a short press is WPS, but holding it for 10 seconds or more can factory-reset the router, so press briefly. Many newer routers, especially mesh systems, have no WPS button at all, or only offer WPS in their app.
How to connect with the WPS button
- Put the device into WPS mode first or right after (printer menu: Wireless → WPS; extender: press its WPS button).
- Briefly press the router's WPS button. Its WPS light usually blinks.
- Within about 2 minutes, the device connects and the light goes solid, then off.
Windows 10/11: click the Wi-Fi icon, choose your network, click Connect, and when asked for the password press the router's WPS button; Windows can pick up the settings automatically on supported adapters.
Which devices support WPS in 2026?
| Device | WPS support |
|---|---|
| Printers, range extenders, some smart TVs and streaming boxes | Common: often the easiest way to connect them |
| Windows PCs | Push-button supported on many Wi-Fi adapters |
| Android phones | Removed in Android 9 (2018); modern phones use QR codes instead |
| iPhone and iPad | Never supported |
| WPA3-only networks | WPS usually unavailable; routers often disable WPS with WPA3 |
For phones, the modern equivalent is sharing Wi-Fi with a QR code (Android: Wi-Fi settings → network → Share) or iPhone's password sharing between nearby Apple devices.
Is WPS safe?
- WPS PIN is not safe. A 2011 flaw lets attackers check the PIN in two halves, cutting the number of guesses from 100 million to about 11,000. Tools exploit this to recover the PIN and the Wi-Fi password, sometimes even after you change the password. Routers that limit retries reduce the risk, but the safest choice is to disable the PIN method.
- Push-button WPS is safer because it only accepts new devices for a short time after someone presses the button, which needs physical access.
- Anyone in your home can use the button, so treat it like sharing your password.
How to turn off WPS
- Log in to your router's app or admin page (often
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Find WPS under Wireless, Wi-Fi or Security settings.
- Disable the PIN method, or WPS entirely if you don't use it, and save.
Some ISP routers don't let you disable it; then make sure the firmware is up to date.
WPS not working? Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| WPS light blinks then times out | Start WPS on the device first, then press the router button; stay within the 2-minute window |
| Nothing happens when you press the button | WPS may be disabled in settings, or the button is "Wi-Fi on/off" only; check the manual |
| WPS light blinks fast or red/amber | An error or overlap (two devices at once); wait 2 minutes and try again with one device |
| Connects to 2.4 GHz only | Normal for many printers and smart devices |
| WPS option missing | The router uses WPA3-only or has no WPS; type the network security key instead |
FAQ
What does WPS stand for?
Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
Should I turn off WPS on my router?
Turn off the PIN method. Push-button WPS is fine to leave on if you use it; otherwise disable WPS completely.
Does WPS change my Wi-Fi password?
No. It just sends the existing password to the new device.
Can I connect my phone using WPS?
Not on modern phones. Android dropped WPS in Android 9 and iPhone never had it. Use a QR code or type the password.