How to connect to Wi-Fi via WPS on an Android device

The modern world cannot be imagined without wireless networks, and smartphones based Android are the main beneficiaries of this technology. Often users are faced with a situation where they need to quickly connect to a new network, but entering a long and complex password seems tedious or the password is simply forgotten. It is in such cases that technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)comes onto the scene, designed to simplify the authorization procedure on the network in just a couple of clicks.

Historically, manufacturers of routers and mobile devices introduced this function as a de facto standard for the convenience of users. However, with the passage of time and the growth of cybersecurity threats, the approach to implementing WPS in the Android operating system has undergone significant changes. If previously the button was available in the notification shade, now finding it can turn into a real quest, depending on the OS version and model of your gadget.

In this article we will look in detail at how to find and use the WPS function on various devices, why it disappeared from new versions of the system and what safe alternatives exist for a quick connection. We will consider not only software methods, but also physical methods of interacting with the router, which guarantee a connection even in the absence of an explicit button in the smartphone interface.

What is WPS technology and how it works

Abbreviation WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. It is a networking standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance with the sole purpose of simplifying the process of connecting devices to a wireless network without the need to manually enter a security key. The main idea is the automatic exchange of encrypted data between the router and a client device, such as your phone or tablet.

The principle of the protocol is based on the use of a special pin (PIN code) or physical pressing of a button. When you activate search mode on your phone and press the corresponding key on your router, the devices exchange cryptographic keys. This process takes just seconds and is completely hidden from the user's eyes, creating the illusion of an instant connection.

There are several methods for implementing this technology, but in the context of mobile devices, two of them are the most relevant. The first method is to use a physical button on the router's case, often indicated by a double arrow icon or the word WPS. The second method involves the use of a virtual PIN code that is generated on the device or entered from it.

⚠️ Attention: The WPS protocol has known vulnerabilities in the PIN code authorization method, which allows attackers to guess the access key using brute force. Using a physical button is considered a safer option, as it requires physical access to the equipment.

Despite the convenience, many information security experts recommend disabling this feature in the router settings if you do not use it regularly. This prevents potential attacks on your home network from the outside, since the vulnerable port remains open for scanning.

Finding the WPS function in the Android interface

Finding the treasured button in the settings of your smartphone may not be as simple a task as it seems at first glance. Starting with version Android 9 Pie, Google has officially removed native support for the push-button WPS method from the operating system. This decision was dictated by security considerations and the desire to migrate users to more modern pairing methods.

However, on devices with older OS versions or on smartphones with heavily modified shells from manufacturers (for example, old models Samsung, Xiaomi or LG), this option may still be present. It is usually hidden in the advanced Wi-Fi settings menu. To find it, you need to go to the section Settings, then select Wi-Fi or Connections.

Next you should pay attention to the menu of additional options, which is often indicated by three dots in the corner of the screen or the "More" button. It is there, in the drop-down list, that the item "Advanced" or "WPS Settings"can be hidden. In some shells, this item is placed directly in the main menu of wireless network settings.

If you are the owner of a modern flagship with Android 10 and above, the likelihood of finding a classic WPS button there tends to zero. Smartphone manufacturers follow Google's guidelines and remove outdated functions, replacing them with QR codes function Wi-Fi Easy Connect. However, in some custom firmware, enthusiasts return this feature through third-party utilities.

Instructions for connecting via the physical button of the router

Even if there is no explicit “Connect via WPS” button in the menu of your smartphone, the mechanism for working with a physical button on the router often remains available at the wireless module driver level. This is the most reliable way to establish a connection if you have forgotten your network password, but have physical access to the router.

First, make sure that your router has the corresponding button. It can be highlighted in a separate color or have an icon in the form of two curved arrows forming a circle. On some models, especially compact ones, this function is combined with a button to reset settings or turn on Wi-Fi, which requires special attention when pressed.

The algorithm for connecting is as follows:

• 📱 Unlock your smartphone and open the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
• 🔘 Press and hold WPS button on the router body for 1-3 seconds until the indicator starts blinking.
• 🔄 On your phone, select the desired network (sometimes you just need to be in range, and the connection will happen automatically, sometimes you need to click "Advanced" and select the button method).
• ✅ Wait until the "Connected" status appears without entering password.

It is important to respect the time interval. After pressing the button on the router, you have about two minutes to initiate the connection from your phone. If the connection is not established during this time, the WPS mode on the router will be disabled for security reasons, and the procedure will have to be repeated.

It is worth noting that on some devices with a shell MIUI or OneUI the process can be fully automated. As soon as you press a button on the router, the phone itself detects the signal and prompts you to connect, displaying a pop-up notification. In such cases, user intervention is minimal.

Connection using a PIN code

The PIN code connection method is the second implementation option for the WPS standard, which is theoretically available on Android, but is becoming increasingly rare in practice. The essence of the method is that one device generates an eight-digit code, and another device (router) must accept and verify this code.

In a scenario where the smartphone acts as a client, you usually need to enter the router PIN code. This code is often printed on a sticker on the bottom of the device along with the admin panel login information. If the phone generates its own PIN code, then the user needs to go to the router’s web interface through a browser and enter these numbers in the corresponding WPS settings field.

The path to the settings in the web interface often looks like this:
Wireless -> WPS -> Add device -> Enter PIN

This method is extremely inconvenient for mobile use, since it requires another device with a browser to configure the router or knowledge of the factory pin. In addition, as mentioned earlier, this method is the most vulnerable to hacker attacks like Brute Force.

⚠️ Attention: Many modern routers by default block the ability to connect new devices via a PIN code for security reasons. If entering the code does not produce results, check the router settings through the admin panel.

Due to the complexity of the implementation and low level of security, support for generating a PIN code on the Android smartphone side has been removed in most system updates. Now this function has remained more of a rudiment for compatibility with old office equipment than a working tool for the home user.

Security issues and reasons for removing the function

Google's decision to remove the WPS button from pure Android was not an accidental whim, but a forced measure to protect users. The WPS protocol, especially its PIN code implementation, contains a fundamental architectural vulnerability. The eight-digit pin code is not checked in its entirety, but in two parts, which drastically reduces the number of possible combinations for selection.

An attacker within the range of your network can use specialized software to automatically search for PIN codes. This process can take from several hours to a couple of days, after which the hacker will gain full access to your network and will be able to intercept traffic or use your Internet for illegal activities.

Connection method	Security level	Convenience	Status in Android 10+
Manual password entry	High (depends on complexity)	Low	Supported
WPS (Physical button)	Medium (requires physical access)	High	Partial / Hidden
WPS (PIN code)	Low (easy to hack)	Medium	Deleted
QR code	High	Very high	Supported

It is because of these risks that smartphone manufacturers prefer not to risk their reputation and remove potentially dangerous functions. Instead, they promote the use of a protocol WPA3that provides a significantly higher level of encryption and protection against password brute force.

Why does WPS still work on older phones?

Older versions of Android (prior to 9.0) did not have strict restrictions from Google on the use of system APIs for WPS. Manufacturers were free to integrate this feature into their shells. However, with the release of new versions of the SDK, access to these APIs was closed to third-party and system applications in order to unify security standards.

Modern alternatives: QR codes and sharing

In the era Android 10, 11 and later, the industry has found a much more elegant and secure solution to the problem of fast connection - technology QR codes. This method allows you to transmit all the necessary data for connection (network SSID, encryption type and password) in encrypted graphic form.

To connect to the network using a QR code, you do not need to know the password. Just open the standard Camera application on your smartphone or use the built-in scanner in the Wi-Fi settings. Point the lens at the code located on the router case or on the screen of another already connected device, and the phone will offer to automatically join the network.

Another powerful feature is Wi-Fi Sharing. If your friend is already connected to the desired network on his Android smartphone, he can generate a QR code directly in his Wi-Fi network settings. All you have to do is scan this code with your device. This eliminates the need to dictate complex combinations of characters and make mistakes when entering.

It is also worth mentioning the standard Wi-Fi Easy Connect (Device Provisioning Protocol), which replaces WPS. It allows devices to connect to the network by scanning a QR code from an initiating device that supports this protocol. This is especially true for smart home devices that do not have a screen for entering a password.

⚠️ Attention: Interface functions and menu names may differ depending on the smartphone model and firmware version. If you do not find the options described, check the official documentation of your device manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why is there no WPS button on my new Samsung or Xiaomi?

Starting with Android 9, Google has removed support for the WPS button from the base operating system. Smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung and Xiaomi, following these standards, have also removed this feature from their shells in new models. It is recommended to use QR codes for quick connection.

Is it possible to install an application to return the WPS function?

On devices without root access, this is not possible, since access to the system Wi-Fi settings is closed. Applications from the Play Market that promise to “enable WPS” are most often fakes or simply shortcuts to settings. On rooted devices, it is theoretically possible to restore the function by modifying system files, but this is not safe.

Is it safe to use WPS if the button is in the menu?

Using the physical button method is relatively safe, since it requires access to the router. However, the PIN code method is strongly discouraged due to its high vulnerability to hacking. If you rarely connect new devices, it is better to disable WPS in the settings of the router itself.

What to do if the button on the router does not respond?

Make sure that you press it correctly (usually you need to hold it for 1-3 seconds until the indicator blinks). Check whether the WPS function is disabled in the router's web interface. Also make sure that your phone is in close proximity to the signal source.

How to connect to Wi-Fi without a password if WPS does not work?

The only legal way is to ask the network owner to generate a QR code for connection on your device (the "Share" function in Wi-Fi settings) or tell you the password to manually enter. Third-party applications for “hacking” Wi-Fi often violate the law and do not guarantee results.