Connecting a smartphone to a wireless network often becomes a routine task, especially if the Wi-Fi password is too complex or you simply don’t want to enter it manually. Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) was created to simplify this process, allowing you to pair devices with the press of a button or entering a PIN code. However, owners of modern phones based on Android often face a situation where the usual connection button has disappeared from the menu.
This is due to the fact that Google is gradually abandoning support for WPS in mobile operating systems for security reasons, considering the method vulnerable to brute force attacks. Despite this, many users continue to look for ways to activate the function, as it remains extremely convenient for guest connections or working with printers. In this article we will look at how to enable WPS on Android, what alternatives exist and how to configure your router for trouble-free operation.
It is worth noting right away that the availability of the function depends not only on the version of the operating system, but also on the specific model of your device. Manufacturers like Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei may implement network settings in their shells differently. Therefore, if you do not find the desired item in the standard menu, do not rush to draw conclusions - perhaps it is simply hidden deeper or requires the use of third-party utilities.
What is WPS and why is it not in new versions of Android
The technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup is a network security standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Its main goal is to simplify the process of connecting devices to a secure wireless network without having to enter long and complex passwords. The user just needs to press a physical button on the router or enter a short PIN code in the device settings to establish a connection. This is especially true for devices without a convenient keyboard, such as printers or set-top boxes.
However, there is a downside to the coin. The PIN code authentication method turned out to be cryptographically vulnerable. Attackers can brute-force the eight-digit code in a few hours, thereby gaining full access to your network and decrypting the main WPA2 password. It is because of this critical vulnerability that Google began to gradually remove support WPS from the operating system kernel Androidstarting with version 9.0 (Pie).
⚠️ Warning: Using WPS via a PIN code creates a serious security hole in your home network. If you decide to activate this feature, it is strongly recommended to disable it on the router immediately after connecting all the necessary devices.
On modern smartphones running Android 10, 11, 12 and newer, you most likely will not find a native “Connect via WPS” button in the Wi-Fi menu. The system blocks this protocol at the driver level to protect the user. However, the very concept of “enable WPS” in the context of Android now often implies setting up a router or using QR codes as a modern and secure replacement for an outdated standard.
Searching for the WPS function in the smartphone settings
If you have a device older than 2018 or are using custom firmware, the chance of finding built-in support is still high. First you need to go to the main system settings. Typically the path looks like this: go to the Settingssection, then select Wi-Fi or Connections. In some interfaces, for example Samsung With the One UI shell, you need to click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen to open an additional menu.
In the list that opens, look for an item with the name WPS Push Button or WPS PIN Entry. The first option means that the phone will look for a signal from the router on which you pressed the physical button. The second option will generate a code that you will need to enter in the router's web interface. If you only see a list of available networks and a button to add a new one, it means that your version Android programmatically disabled this feature.
Sometimes manufacturers disguise this function in advanced settings. Try following the path Settings → Advanced settings → Wi-Fi. On devices Xiaomi with the MIUI or HyperOS shell, the function could be moved to the quick access menu, which is called up by swiping down from the top edge of the screen. If the manual search did not produce results, you can use the search bar inside the settings menu by entering the query "WPS".
It is important to understand the difference between software implementation and hardware support. Even if there is no button in the menu, your smartphone's radio module may technically support the protocol, but access to it is blocked by the system. In such cases, enthusiasts sometimes resort to obtaining root access, which allows them to edit system files and return functionality, but this carries the risk of losing the warranty and unstable operation of the device.
WPS activation on the router side
Since The function may not be available on the smartphone itself; the wireless router becomes the main control element. Inclusion WPS on the router is a prerequisite for using the technology, regardless of whether there is a button on the phone. Most modern models from TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic and D-Link have this function enabled by default, but it is better to check its status.
To enter the router control panel, open any browser on your smartphone or computer and enter the IP address of the gateway in the address bar. Most often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The exact address, as well as the username and password for logging in, are usually indicated on a sticker on the bottom cover of the device. After authorization, you will need to find the section responsible for the wireless network.
The interfaces of different manufacturers differ, but the search logic is the same. Look for tabs with names Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless mode. Inside this section there should be a subsection WPS. Here you will see the function status switch (On/Off) and the current status. Make sure the feature is active. Some routers also allow you to disable the use of a PIN code, leaving only the push-button method, which is a safer option.
| Router manufacturer | Path to the settings menu | Interface features |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless mode → WPS | There is a separate button to turn the function on/off |
| ASUS | Additional settings → Wireless network → WPS | Allows you to generate a PIN code directly in the web interface |
| Keenetic | My networks and Wi-Fi → Guest access / WPS | The function may be hidden in the advanced settings of the access point |
| D-Link | Wi-Fi → WPS | Often requires saving the settings with the "Change" button |
⚠️ Attention: The router firmware interface may differ in depending on the software version. If you do not find the specified items, check the official instructions for your specific model on the manufacturer’s website.
After activating the function on the router, the WPS indicator on the device body (if it has one) should start flashing or turn on a constant light. This is a signal that the router is in connection standby mode. Now you can try to connect your device using the available methods, which we will talk about later.
If the WPS button on the router is physical, hold it pressed for 2-3 seconds until the indicator starts blinking. This will put the router into device search mode for 2 minutes.
Alternative connection methods without entering a password
Due to the removal of WPS from modern versions Android, the industry has switched to more secure and convenient connection methods. The most popular of them is scanning QR code. This method works on all current versions of Android, starting from 10, and does not require the installation of additional software. It completely replaces the need to enter a password manually.
To connect to the network via a QR code, you will need a second smartphone that is already connected to the desired Wi-Fi network, or access to the router’s admin panel, where the code can be generated. On an already connected device, go to Wi-Fi settings, click on the name of the active network. A QR code will appear on the screen. Unlock your target smartphone, open the standard Camera application and point the lens at the code.
The system will automatically recognize encrypted network data and offer to connect. All you have to do is confirm the action by clicking the pop-up notification. This is much faster than searching for WPS, and safer, since the code is dynamic and cannot be brute-forced. In addition, many routers now print an individual QR code for connection directly on the device body.
- 📱 Open the Wi-Fi settings on the already connected phone.
- 🔳 Click on the gear icon or network name to view details.
- 📸 Point the new phone's camera at the one that appears QR code.
- ✅ Confirm the connection in the pop-up window.
Another option is technology Wi-Fi Easy Connect (also known as DPP - Device Provisioning Protocol). It replaces WPS and is supported by the latest devices. This protocol uses asymmetric encryption and allows you to connect devices even without a screen, for example, smart light bulbs or sensors, simply by bringing a phone with a configured profile to them.
How to generate a QR code if you do not have a second phone?
If you do not have a second connected device, you can generate a QR code yourself through online services. You need to enter the encryption type (usually WPA/WPA2), network name (SSID) and password. The site will generate an image that you can save and scan. However, be careful: do not use dubious services, as you are giving them your network password. It is better to use offline generators or applications from trusted sources.
Using third-party applications for WPS emulation
For users for whom it is critical to use the WPS protocol on modern smartphones, there are workarounds in the form of third-party applications from the store Google Play. These utilities attempt to bypass system restrictions by using their own drivers or by requesting special permissions. However, their effectiveness greatly depends on the processor model and Android kernel version.
One of the popular solutions is an application WPS Connect or similar tools. After installation, you will need to provide the application root access. Without superuser rights, most such apps will not be able to interact with the network interface at a low level. If your phone is not rooted, the functionality will be limited only to scanning networks and checking them for vulnerabilities, but not connecting.
The process of use usually looks like this: you launch the application, it scans the air and finds networks with active WPS. You select the desired network, and the application tries to find a PIN code from the built-in database of known vulnerabilities or uses a brute force method. If the router is vulnerable, the connection is successful and the phone gains access to the Internet, saving the password in the system.
⚠️ Attention: Installing applications that require root access and work with network protocols may lead to blocking of banking applications and services with a high level of security (Google Pay, banking clients). Use such methods only at your own peril and risk.
It is worth noting that Google Play regularly removes such applications for violating security policies. Therefore, you may encounter that the required utility is not available for download in the official store. In such cases, users turn to third-party repositories, which increases the risk of the device becoming infected with malware. Always check digital signatures and reviews before installation.
☑️ Preparing to use third-party software
Connection problems and ways to solve them
Even if you follow all the instructions, the connection process via WPS may fail. Most often, users encounter an “Authentication Error” message or an endless loop in obtaining an IP address. This may be caused by the fact that a filter is installed on the router MAC addresses. In this case, even if WPS is active, the router will reject the connection of a device whose physical address is not whitelisted.
To solve this problem, go to the router settings, find the "MAC Address Filtering" or "Access Control" section and disable it for the duration of the connection. After a successful connection, protection can be restored by adding the MAC address of your smartphone to the list of allowed devices. It is also worth checking whether the frequency range is overloaded. If you are trying to connect to a 5 GHz network, and the WPS module on the router only works in the 2.4 GHz band, the connection will not work.
Sometimes a simple restart of the network equipment helps. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait until it boots up completely. On your smartphone, go to Wi-Fi settings, select the problematic network and press Forget network or Delete. After this, try to initiate the connection again. Resetting a saved profile often resolves configuration conflicts.
If you use the PIN code method, make sure you enter it correctly and in the correct field. Some routers require the client's PIN to be entered into their panel, rather than the other way around. Read the on-screen prompts carefully. In case of constant failures, it is recommended to temporarily create a guest network on the router with a simple password, connect to it, and then transfer the settings to the main network.
The most common reason for a failed WPS connection is incompatibility of protocol versions or active filtering of MAC addresses on the router. Disabling filters often solves the problem instantly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return the WPS button to Android 12 or 13 without root access?
Unfortunately, no. Starting with Android 9, WPS support was completely removed from the operating system framework. It is impossible to return the native button to the settings menu without obtaining superuser rights (root) and modifying system files. The only legal way is to use QR codes.
Is it safe to use WPS to connect a smart home?
Using WPS, especially the PIN code method, is considered unsafe for permanent devices. An attacker can intercept the handshake and pick up the key. For smart home devices, it is better to use the initial setup method via Bluetooth or a temporary access point, and then disable the WPS function on the router.
Why does the router not see the WPS button on the phone?
Most likely, this function is software disabled on your smartphone by the manufacturer or version of Android. The router is in standby mode, but the phone does not send a pairing request because it does not have the appropriate interface. Try using the QR code method or connect by entering a password.
Does enabled WPS affect Internet speed?
The mere presence of the WPS function enabled in the router settings does not affect the data transfer speed or connection stability. It only opens a port for authentication procedures. However, if someone tries to guess the password through this channel, the load on the router's processor may increase, which could theoretically cause micro-lags.
How do I know if my router supports WPS?
Look at the router case: if there is a button with the word WPS or an icon of two arrows forming a circle, then there is hardware support. This information can also be found in the technical specifications of the model on the manufacturer’s website or in the settings web interface.