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What is The WPS button on My Router & How to Use it?

WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup and acts as a shortcut to connect your devices to your Wi-Fi network without entering a password. The connection is secure and is designed with convenience in mind for quickly getting internet access.

person switching their WPS button

How Do I Connect Devices Using WPS?

To connect a device using WPs, press and hold the WPS button on your Wi-Fi router for a few seconds until the light blinks. On the device that you wish to connect, press the WPS button if it has one. This needs to be done within 2 minutes since the router light started blinking.

If your device doesn't have a WPS button, go to your Wi-Fi settings, select your router's network, and choose the "WPS" option. This should then allow you to pair up to your Wi-Fi router and have internet access.

Why Doesn't WPS Work on My Router?

WPS may not work due to compatibility issues between devices, security settings, or router firmware. To ensure you find the reason why your WPS isn't working, use our list of possible problems to check for.

Is WPS enabled?
Check your router's settings. Sometimes, WPS is disabled by default or turned off accidentally.

Are you timing it right?
You usually need to press both the router's WPS button and your device's WPS button within a certain timeframe, often around 2 minutes.

Are your devices WPS-compatible? 
Not all devices support WPS, so make sure both your router and the device you're trying to connect are compatible.

Reboot your router: 
Sometimes a simple restart can fix weird glitches.

Check for firmware updates:
Updating your router's firmware can resolve bugs and improve performance.

Try a different device: 
If you're having trouble with one device, try connecting another to see if the issue is specific to that device.

Consult your router's manual:
Your router's manual will have specific instructions for using WPS and troubleshooting common issues.

man using his laptop to check WPS settings

Is WPS Secure to Use?

WPS isn't as secure as using a Wi-Fi password, so it isn't recommended to use it while accessing sensitive and private information. The primary issue with WPS is a vulnerability known as PIN cracking. This involves attempting to guess the PIN code used for WPS connections. While the PIN is supposed to be random, some routers have weaknesses that make it easier for attackers to crack.

What Do the Different WPS button Light Colours Mean?

The specific light colours on a WPS button can vary depending on the router model, but here are some common interpretations:

  • Flashing Blue:
  • Solid Blue:
  • Flashing Red:
This typically indicates that the WPS function is active and waiting for you to press the WPS button on your device.
This might mean that WPS is enabled and ready to use.
This usually signifies an error or failed connection attempt. It could mean that the WPS connection timed out or was unsuccessful.

Some routers might use other colours, like green or amber, to indicate different states, so It's best to consult your router's specific manual for accurate interpretations.

person finding their router login details

Can I Disable WPS On My Router?

Yes, you can disable your WPS by accessing your router's settings.

This is usually done by entering your specific IP address into your web browser and logging in with a username and password. The login details are typically found on a sticker on your router.

Once you're logged in, look for a section related to wireless settings or security. Within this section, you should find an option to disable WPS. It might be labelled as "WPS," "Wi-Fi Protected Setup," or something similar.

Here are the instructions in step-by-step format:

1. Access your router's settings: Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address.

2. Log in: Use the provided username and password.

3. Find the wireless settings: Look for a section labelled "Wireless Settings," "Wireless Network," or something similar.

4. Disable WPS: Locate the WPS settings and toggle the option to "Disable" or "Off."

5. Save the settings: Click "Apply" or "Save" to confirm the changes.

Note: The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your router's manufacturer and model. Consult your router's manual or contact your internet service provider for more specific instructions.

How Do I Troubleshoot WPS Connection Issues?

Here are some common issues and solutions for WPS connection problems:

1. Check WPS Status:

• Router Settings: Ensure WPS is enabled in your router's settings.

• WPS Button: Make sure the WPS button on your router is working correctly.

2. Timing:

• Quick Press: Press the WPS button on your router and your device within a short time frame, usually within 2 minutes.

3. Device Compatibility:

• WPS Support: Check that both your router and device support WPS.

• Firmware Updates: Ensure both devices have the latest firmware.

4. Network Interference:

• Physical Obstacles: Remove any physical barriers between your router and device.

• Other Devices: Temporarily turn off other wireless devices to minimise interference.

5. Router Reboot:

• Power Cycle: Turn off your router, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.

6. Security Settings:

• Firewall and MAC Filtering: Temporarily disable these settings to see if they're interfering.

7. Manual Connection:

• Wi-Fi Password: If WPS continues to fail, try connecting your device manually using the Wi-Fi password.
If you're still experiencing issues, consult your router's manual or contact your internet service provider for further assistance.

Do all Routers Support WPS?

Not all routers support WPS as many newer models have removed this feature due to potential security concerns. WPS, while convenient, has known vulnerabilities that can make your network susceptible to attacks.

How Do I Connect Wi-Fi Extenders Using WPS?

Here's how to connect a Wi-Fi extender using WPS:

1. Plug in the Extender: Place the extender in a location where it can receive a strong Wi-Fi signal from your main router, this is typically between the router and the area of your home where Wi-Fi is weak.

2. Power On: Turn on the extender and wait for its lights to become solid.

3. Press WPS on the Router: Locate the WPS button on your router and press it.

4. Press WPS on the Extender: Within 2 minutes of pressing the router's WPS button, press the WPS button on the extender.

5. Wait for Connection: The extender's lights will indicate the connection status. Once the lights stabilise, the connection is complete.