Connecting to Xiaomi router via WPS: A complete guide with tips and warnings

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup allows you to connect to the router without entering a complex password - just press a button on the device body or enter PIN-In Xiaomi routers, this feature is implemented with MiWiFi firmware in mind, which sometimes raises questions among users. WPS activated by a physical button in Xiaomi Mi Router models 3/4/4A/4C/AX1800/AX3000 The process may be different, especially if it comes to firmware with a localized interface or global versions.

In this article, we'll not only break down the basic WPS connection algorithm, but also the nuances that are often overlooked: why a function can be disabled by default, how to turn it on manually via a web interface, and what to do if a device doesn't see the network after pressing a button. We'll focus on security -- despite the convenience, WPS has vulnerabilities that can compromise your network. You'll learn how to minimize risks and when to use alternative connectivity methods.

What is WPS and how does it work in Xiaomi routers

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a standard designed to make it easier to connect devices to a wireless network, and instead of manually entering a password, a user can:

• 🔘 Press the physical button WPS router case (method) PBC — Push Button Configuration).
• 🔢 Enter the 8-digit PIN-code generated by the router (method) PIN).
• 📱 Use it. NFC or QR-code (less common, mostly in modern models).

In Xiaomi routers, the implementation of WPS has features:

• 🔹 Most of the models (Mi Router) 3/4/4A/4C) button WPS It is not used by the Reset button (retention) 1–3 seconds).
• 🔹 In firmware based on MiWiFi ROM (Chinese version) WPS It can be disabled by default due to vulnerabilities.
• 🔹 The global version (Xiaomi Mi Router) 4A Gigabit Edition, AX1800/AX3000) support WPS standard mode, but require prior activation in settings.

It is important to understand that WPS It's not a substitute for encryption, it's a simpler authentication process. WPA2/WPA3, but vulnerability PIN-method 8-The code of the code of the code of the code of the code of the code of the code of the code makes it less secure than manually entering the password. 2023 Xiaomi has started to abandon the WPS In the new models in favor of Mi Wi-Fi Easy Connect (connection through the Internet) QR-code in the Mi Home app).

Preparing the Xiaomi router for connection via WPS

Before using WPS, you need to make sure that the function is activated in the router settings. Depending on the model and firmware, the steps may differ:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (if the network is already set up).
2. Open the web interface by going to 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com in the browser. The default login and password is admin/password from the sticker on the router.
3. Go to Settings → Wireless Mode → WPS (or Advanced → WPS in global firmware).
4. Activate the option to Enable WPS and select the connection method (PBC or PIN).

If your router does not have a WPS partition, this could mean:

• 🔴 The firmware doesn't support WPS (It is also important for Chinese versions with MiWiFi. ROM).
• 🔴 The function is hidden in the engineering menu (activation is required through the SSH).
• 🔴 The router is too new and uses Mi Wi-Fi Easy Connect instead of the new router. WPS.

Check if Wi-Fi is on on the router|Make sure there is a section WPS customized|Update the firmware to the latest version|Connect the device to the router network (if required)-->

Attention! If you're using a router with Padavan or OpenWRT firmware, WPS can be disabled at the kernel level, which requires manual firmware compilation with hostapd-wps support.

Step-by-step: Connecting via WPS (PBC method)

PBC (Push Button Configuration) is the easiest way to connect, and works on most devices (smartphones, printers, smart speakers) that support WPS.

1. On the router, look for the Reset/WPS button (usually located on the back next to the LAN ports). The AX1800/AX3000 models may have a separate WPS button.
2. Press and hold the button 1-3 seconds (until the WPS or Wi-Fi indicator flashes). On the Mi Router 4A, the indicator flashes orange, on the AX3000 - blue.
3. On a connected device (such as a smartphone), open your Wi-Fi settings, select the router network, and click Connect via WPS (or similar option).
4. Wait for synchronization (usually takes 10–30 seconds) and after successful connection, the indicator on the router will light up in green or blue (depending on the model).

In Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM activity WPS-If the connection fails, repeat the process by holding the button longer (up to 5 seconds).

Connection through WPS using PIN-code

Method PIN less common, but useful if the physical button is missing or not working. PIN-code can be found:

• 📋 On the sticker behind the router (near the SSID password).
• 🖥️ In the web interface in the section WPS → PIN-code.
• 🔄 Generate a new one PIN in the settings (relevant to the AX1800/AX3000).

Instructions for connection:

1. On a device (such as a printer or smartphone), select the connection option via WPS PIN.
2. Enter the 8-digit code from the sticker or from the web interface.
3. On the router, confirm the connection (if required) - in some firmwares a pop-up window with a request appears.

Warning! PIN-code WPS If your router only supports this method, we recommend:

• ⚠️ Shut down. WPS after-connection.
• ⚠️ Use a complex Wi-Fi password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
• ⚠️ Update firmware – in new versions Xiaomi has implemented protection against brute force PIN.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, a WPS connection can fail, and let’s look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Regional settings – in some countries WPS It is disabled by law (for example, in Germany).
• 🔄 Device compatibility – older printers or cameras may not support WPA3, which is enabled by default in the new Xiaomi routers.
• 🛠️ Hardware limitations in budget models (Mi Router) 4C) WPS It may be unstable due to a weak processor.

💡

If the connected device (such as a printer) does not support WPS but requires a Wi-Fi connection, use a temporary guest network with a simple password.

WPS Security: Risks and How to Minimize

Despite its convenience, WPS has critical vulnerabilities:

• 🔓 Pin code vulnerable to brute force – 8-digit code can be picked up in a few hours.
• 🕳️ Lack of protection from man-in-the-middle attacks – an attacker can intercept a session.
• 🔄 Lack of blocking after unsuccessful attempts (in old firmware).

Safety recommendations:

1. Turn off WPS after connecting all devices (in router settings).
2. Use WPA3 instead of WPA2, which will make it harder to intercept traffic.
3. Set up the filtering by MAC-addresses for critical devices.
4. Regularly update the firmware – new versions of Xiaomi have closed WPS vulnerabilities.

⚠️ If your router is connected to a smart home (Mi Home, Home Assistant), use WPS This increases the risk of the entire ecosystem being hacked, and in this case, it's best to use the connection through QR-code in the Mi Wi-Fi app.

Alternatives to WPS for Xiaomi routers

If the WPS is not working or you are concerned about security, consider alternative methods of connecting:

• 📱 Mi Wi-Fi Easy Connect - Connect via Wi-Fi QR-code in the Mi Home app (available for AX1800/AX3000 new models).
• 🔑 WPA3-Personal — Manually enter a complex password (the most secure option).
• 🌐 Guest network – a temporary network with limited access to connect devices without WPS.
• 🔌 WPS through SSH — Advanced users (requires access to the router console).

For devices without screen (printers, IP-cameras may be used:

• 🖨️ WPS through USB — Some Xiaomi models support cable connection followed by Wi-Fi settings transfer.
• 📡 Access Point Mode – temporarily make the router a client of another network and connect the device bypassing WPS.

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If your Xiaomi router does not support WPS, but you need to connect a device without a screen (such as a printer), use a temporary network with a simple password or WISP mode (repeater).

FAQ: Frequent questions about WPS on Xiaomi routers