Security of a wireless connection in the modern digital world has ceased to be an optional feature and has become a critical aspect of using gadgets. Many users are not even aware that their smartphones and routers have a feature enabled that theoretically allows attackers to gain access to the network in a matter of minutes. We are talking about a technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)designed to simplify connecting devices, but carries serious risks.
In this article we will look in detail at why you should disable this option, what ways there are to do this on devices running the Android operating system, and also consider the nuances of working with routers from various manufacturers. You will understand that hidden settings can be an open door for uninvited guests into your personal network.
We will look not only at software methods through system settings, but also at deeper ways of managing network interfaces. It is important to understand that the menu interface may differ depending on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell, so we will cover the main scenarios of device behavior.
Why you need to disable WPS: risks and vulnerabilities
WPS technology was developed with good intentions: to allow users to connect to Wi-Fi without entering a long and complex password. However, the implementation of this idea through a PIN code turned out to be fatally flawed. The protocol allows bruteforce attacks, when the scanner app tries combinations of numbers until it finds the correct one.
The main problem lies in the architecture of the protocol itself. It does not block the device after many unsuccessful attempts to enter the PIN code, which makes automated selection possible. Intruder can use special scripts that find the correct code in a few hours or even minutes, after which it gains full access to your network.
⚠️ Attention: Even if you changed the Wi-Fi password to a complex, active WPS The factory PIN code (often written on the router sticker) allows you to bypass this protection.
In addition, some WPS implementations on Android smartphones may have their own vulnerabilities that allow traffic to be intercepted or a connection to be initiated without the owner’s knowledge. Disabling this feature is a basic cyber hygiene step that every responsible user should take.
Checking WPS status through Android settings
The first step to security should be diagnosing the current state of your device. In different versions of Android, the path to these settings may vary, but the logic remains similar. You need to find the section responsible for advanced wireless network settings.
Usually the path looks like this: go to Settings, then select Connections or Network and Internet. Next, look for the item Wi-Fi and click on the three dots in the corner of the screen or the button Advanced. This is where the WPS switch is often hidden.
- 📱 On older versions of Android (up to 9.0), the option is often located directly in the Wi-Fi menu called "Additional functions".
- 🔒 On modern shells (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS), the manufacturer can hide this function or remove it from the user interface completely.
- ⚙️ Search items with the names "WPS push button","WPS PIN entry" or simply "WPS".
If you find an active switch, immediately move it to the "Off" position. The absence of such an option in the phone settings menu does not guarantee that it is disabled at the system level, but at least prevents accidental activation through the interface.
If you do not find WPS settings in the phone menu, this is a good sign. Starting with Android 9 (Pie), Google has officially removed WPS support from the system for security reasons.
Using the engineering menu for deep diagnostics
For more advanced users who want to be 100% sure of the status of their device, there is access to the engineering menu. This is a hidden section of the system intended for testing equipment by developers and service centers. Here you can see the real state of the communication modules.
To get there, open the application Phone (dialer) and enter a special code. The most common combinations: ##4636## or *#0011#. Codes may vary depending on the processor (MediaTek, Qualcomm, Exynos) and smartphone manufacturer.
##4636##After entering the code, the menu Testingwill automatically open. Select item Wi-Fi information, and then Wi-Fi status. This section displays technical information about the current connection. While there may not be a direct WPS switch here, the presence of lines associated with WPS Configuration State can provide clues as to whether the protocol is active.
What if the code doesn't work?
Not all manufacturers allow access to the engineering menu through standard USSD codes. On Samsung smartphones, for example, you may need to install a special application "Samsung Test Mode" or use the code #0#. On Xiaomi, access is often denied without root access.
Be careful when changing settings in the engineering menu. Incorrect actions can lead to instability of the radio module or loss of signal. If you are not sure about the value of the parameter, it is better not to change anything, but simply analyze the information.
Managing WPS through the router's web interface
It is important to understand the fundamental point: even if you have disabled WPS on your phone, the function itself can remain active on the router. It is the router that is the “keeper” of the access keys. Therefore, the most effective way to protect yourself is to disable WPS directly in the router settings.
To do this, you will need access to the router’s admin panel. Open a browser on your smartphone (preferably connected to the Wi-Fi network of this router) and enter the gateway address. Most often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The default login and password are often indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device if you have not changed them.
The interfaces of different manufacturers are very different, but the search logic is the same. Below is a table with approximate paths for popular brands:
| Router manufacturer | Path to the settings menu | Option name |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless -> WPS | Enable WPS (uncheck) |
| ASUS | Wireless network -> WPS | Enable WPS (Off) |
| D-Link | Wi-Fi -> WPS | Enable WPS |
| Keenetic | My networks and Wi-Fi -> Access point | WPS (switch) |
| Tenda | Wireless Settings -> WPS Settings | WPS Status |
Having found the appropriate switch, deactivate it and be sure to click the Save or Apply (Apply) button for the changes to take effect. The router may reboot, which is normal behavior.
☑️ Router security checklist
⚠️ Attention: After disabling WPS, devices that previously connected using a button or PIN code may require you to re-enter the Wi-Fi password the next time you connect. This is a normal reaction of the security system.
Third-party applications for managing Wi-Fi
There are many applications in the Google Play Market that can manage Wi-Fi settings, including WPS. However, there is an important nuance here: starting with Android 9, Google has closed the API for changing system Wi-Fi settings by third-party applications. This means that most of these apps will not work on new phones or will require root access.
Applications like WiFi WPS Connect or WiFi Analyzer can show a list of available networks and the WPS status of neighbors' routers (which is useful for auditing), but they often do not change the settings of your own devices can without deep access rights. The use of such applications is justified more for diagnosing the environment than for setting up your phone.
If you have root access (superuser rights), the situation changes. You can use terminal emulators or specialized utilities to directly write to system configuration files. However, obtaining root access in itself reduces the overall security of the device, since it removes many of Android's security mechanisms.
- 📉 The effectiveness of applications without root access on Android 10+ tends to zero in terms of changing system flags.
- ⚠️ Beware of applications that require suspicious permissions; they can steal data instead of protecting it.
- 🛠 To actually change settings without root, it is better to use the router's web interface rather than apps on your phone.
On modern versions of Android, WPS control is only possible through the settings of the router itself. Applications on the phone serve only for monitoring or connection, but not for global disabling of the protocol.
Alternative methods of secure connection
After disabling WPS, users often have a question: how can they now quickly connect guests or new devices? Fortunately, the industry has come up with more secure and modern alternatives that do not have the vulnerabilities of the old protocol.
The most popular method is using QR code. Android allows you to generate a QR code for your current Wi-Fi network right in the settings. The guest just needs to point the camera, and the phone will automatically connect to the network without entering a password. It's fast, visually clear and secure.
Another great option is the function Wi-Fi Easy Connect (also known as DPP - Device Provisioning Protocol). It allows you to connect devices by scanning a QR code or via an NFC tag, using protocol-level encryption that is much more secure than WPS. Also, for devices in the manufacturer’s ecosystem (for example, Samsung Galaxy and Samsung tablet), an automatic connection function works without entering a password.
Using a guest network is another level of protection. You can create a separate access point for visitors with limited access to local resources (printers, NAS storage). Even if the guest device is infected, your main network will remain safe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does disabling WPS affect Internet speed?
No, disabling WPS does not in any way affect data transfer speeds or connection stability. This protocol is used only when the device is initially connected to the network. After successful authorization, the communication channel works regardless of the WPS status.
Is it possible to hack Wi-Fi if WPS is turned off?
Disabled WPS eliminates one of the simplest attack vectors (PIN code guessing). However, this does not make the network invulnerable. A weak Wi-Fi password (for example, "12345678") can still be brute-forced. Therefore, be sure to use a complex password with letters and symbols.
Why is there no WPS button on my phone?
Starting with Android 9 (Pie), Google has removed native WPS support from the operating system. If you have a modern smartphone, you simply won’t find this function in the menu, which is already a security measure. You only need to worry about the router settings.
Do you need to reboot the router after disabling WPS?
In most cases, the changes take effect immediately after clicking the "Save" button. However, if you notice strange network behavior or devices cannot reconnect, a short reboot of the router will help apply the new security rules correctly.
Is the connection method via the WPS button (Push Button) safe?
The push button method (when you need to physically press the button on the router for 2 minutes) is safer than constant activation PIN code, as it requires physical access to the device. However, if the button on the router does not have a software lock, the theoretical risk remains. Completely disabling the function is the most reliable solution.