Modern home network requires fast and convenient connection of new gadgets without entering long passwords. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) technology was developed for this purpose, allowing instantaneously to combine devices into a single ecosystem. Owners of Xiaomi equipment, whether smartphones, laptops or branded routers, often look for ways to simplify the authentication process on the network.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate and use WPS on routers and mobile devices of the Chinese brand, you will learn about the nuances of security, the features of the MIUI and Xiaomi Router interface, and also get answers to frequent questions that arise when setting up a wireless connection.
Many users are mistaken to believe that WPS is an outdated technology, but for IoT devices such as smart lamps or Mijia vacuum cleaners, it remains one of the fastest ways to initial configuration.
What is WPS Technology and How Does It Work?
abbreviation WPS It stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a wireless network security standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and the main purpose of the technology is to make it easier for clients to connect to a secure access point without having to enter a complex password manually. Instead, either a physical button on the router’s body is used, or PIN-code.
The principle of operation is based on the automatic exchange of encrypted data between the router and the connected gadget. When you run a WPS search on the device, it sends a special request to the air. The router, who is in standby mode, receives this signal and passes the encryption keys necessary for authorization. The entire process takes seconds.
However, it is important to note that the safety of the method WPS, particularly PIN-The protocol's vulnerability, which has been criticized in recent years by cybersecurity experts, allows attackers to theoretically select access code by brute force. That’s why many modern routers, including some Xiaomi models, have this feature disabled or hidden in deep settings by default.
Why is WPS considered unsafe?
Preparing the Xiaomi router for work through WPS
Before you try to connect, you need to make sure that your router supports this technology and it is activated. In the Xiaomi Mi Router (series 3G, 4A, AX3600 and others), this function is controlled through the web interface or the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application.
To activate through the browser, you will need to log into the control panel. Open any browser on the device connected to the router and enter in the address bar IP-The gateway address, usually 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com. Once you have the administrator password, go to the wireless settings section.
☑️ Checking the router's readiness
In MIWiFi, look for the Settings or Status tab. There should be a "WPS" option. If the slider is turned off, put it in the active position, and then the router will go into the standby mode for a short period of time, usually about 2 minutes.
| Model router | The presence of a physical button | Location on the menu | Waiting time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Router 4A | No (only in PO) | Settings -> WiFi | 120 seconds |
| Xiaomi Mi Router AX3600 | Aye (combined) | Mi Wi-Fi app | 180 seconds |
| Xiaomi Mi Router 3G | No. | Web interface | 120 seconds |
| Xiaomi Redmi Router AC2100 | No. | Application/Web | 120 seconds |
It is important to note that on some models, such as the Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition, there is no separate physical WPS button, in which case activation is possible exclusively by software. If there is a button (often it is combined with a reset or turn on button), a long press (more than 5 seconds) can start the pairing mode automatically.
Instructions: Connecting Xiaomi smartphone to WiFi via WPS
The process of connecting a mobile device to the network depends on the version of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell. In older versions of Android (up to 9.0), the WPS function was available directly in the standard WiFi settings menu. In modern versions, Google has restricted access to these features for security reasons, but manufacturers, including Xiaomi, sometimes return this feature.
To start, open your smartphone settings. Go to the Wi-Fi section. If your model supports native connectivity. WPS, You will see the corresponding button, often hidden in the optional menu (three dots in the corner of the screen) or located at the bottom of the network list. PIN-code" or "button WPS».
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If the standard Android menu doesn’t have a WPS button, try using the “Mi Wi-Fi” app (formerly Mi Router), which may have its own module to make it easier to connect devices to Xiaomi routers.
After you start your search on your phone, press the WPS button on your router (if any) for two minutes or activate the feature in the web interface. The smartphone will automatically detect the signal, exchange keys and connect to the network. You will see a notification of a successful connection.
If standard means of connecting the device fail, alternative methods may be used. Some users use third-party utilities from the Google Play store that emulate the WPS request. However, beware: such applications often require extended rights and may contain advertising.
Using the Mi Wi-Fi application to configure the network
Xiaomi ecosystem owners are strongly encouraged to use the official Mi Wi-Fi app, which provides deeper network control than the standard web interface, and is where security features and new gadgets are most convenient to manage.
After installing the application and linking the router, go to the Tools section. Find the "WPS" or "Fast Connection" option. The application interface is more friendly and translated into Russian, which eliminates errors when configuring complex parameters.
The app also allows you to create guest networks and restrict access for certain devices, and if you plan to connect guests’ gadgets frequently, it’s better to create a separate guest profile than to permanently activate WPS on the main network, which will increase the overall level of protection of your data.
⚠️ Note: After successfully connecting the device through WPS, Be sure to turn this off in your router settings. Constantly active standby mode makes your network vulnerable to attack by matching methods. PIN-code.
Alternative methods of fast connection Xiaomi
Since technology WPS As Xiaomi engineers have gradually become a thing of the past, they have introduced more modern and secure ways of connecting. QR-This method is available on most shell smartphones. MIUI and does not require password entry or activation of vulnerable protocols.
To connect through QR-If you open a standard Camera app or scanner in the WiFi control menu, point the lens at code generated by another device (for example, a friend who is already connected to the network), a notification about the connection to the network will appear on the screen.
Another convenient way is to share passwords between Xiaomi devices, where if you have a phone that is already logged in to your network, it can transfer the keys to the new device via Bluetooth and an encrypted channel, and you just have to hold the phones up to each other and confirm the action on the screen.
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QR-Code and exchange between Xiaomi devices are more secure and modern analogues WPS, Not vulnerable to old protocol vulnerabilities.
Typical problems and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often encounter errors when trying to connect. The most common problem is that the device does not see the router in WPS mode. This may be due to the fact that the function is not activated on the router or the timeout has expired.
Another common situation is that the Xiaomi router does not respond to requests, in which case, try rebooting the router by turning off power for 10-15 seconds, and it is also worth checking whether the list of connected customers is full. Some router models have a limit on the number of devices that are simultaneously connected via WPS.
If you use older devices (like printers or cameras from 2010-2015), they may require WPS for initial setup. Make sure the router is mixed (b/g/n) as some older modules don't support 802.11ac or ax in WPS mode.
⚠️ Note: If the WiFi indicator on the router flashes red or orange during a connection attempt, this may indicate a conflict. IP-Addresses or firmware error. Try resetting the network settings on the connected device.