How to connect Xiaomi phone to the router via WPS: 3 working ways

Connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is one of the fastest ways to connect a Xiaomi smartphone to a router without entering a complex password. The technology allows you to log in in in a few seconds by pressing just one button on the router or entering PIN- code. However, the method has nuances: not all Xiaomi models support WPS, and some routers turn off this feature by default due to security vulnerabilities.

In this guide, we will discuss:

• 🔹 How it works. WPS And why is it often turned off in new routers?
• 📱 3 connection method via WPS on Xiaomi phones (including models on MIUI 14/15)
• ⚠️ The dangers of using WPS and how to protect your network
• ❓ What to do if the WPS button doesn't work or the phone doesn't see the function

If your router supports WPS, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or other smartphone has the appropriate option in the Wi-Fi settings, you will save time by manually entering your password.

What is WPS and why is it removed from new routers?

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

• 🔘 Press the physical button WPS on the router (Push Button Configuration mode PBC)
• 🔢 Enter the 8-digit PIN- code that is listed on the router sticker or its web interface.

However, the technology has critical security vulnerabilities:

1. PPIN-code WPS It's 8 digits, but it's checked in parts, and an attacker can pick it up in a few hours.
2. Many routers use a fixed PIN that doesn’t change even after resetting.
3. The feature is often enabled by default, making the network vulnerable to Reaver or Wash attacks.

That’s why manufacturers like ASUS, TP-Link, and Keenetic have begun to abandon WPS in newer routers (like the TP-Link Archer AX73 or Keenetic Ultra), but on older devices or budget routers (like the Tenda N300 or D-Link DIR-300), the feature is still available.

Preparation: Check WPS support on router and phone

Before you try to connect via WPS, make sure that:

1. Your router supports WPS (check the case sticker or instructions).
2. The function is enabled in the router settings (usually in the Wi-Fi → WPS section).
3. Your Xiaomi smartphone is no older than 2018 (on new models, WPS is often removed from the firmware).

To check for WPS support on your phone:

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additional or Advanced Settings.
3. Look for WPS or WPS Connection.

If you don't have WPS, your phone doesn't support the technology, alternatively, connect via QR- code (if the router generates it) or enter your password manually.

Method 1: Connect via WPS button on router (PBC)

This is the easiest method if your router is equipped with a physical WPS button (usually signed or combined with a reset button).

1. On the router, find the WPS button (can be signed as Wi-Fi Protected Setup or depicted as two arrows ⤵). Press and hold it for 2-3 seconds until the WPS indicator flashes.
2. On the Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Wi-Fi.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right → Additional → Connect via WPS (or WPS Push Button).
4. Wait for the phone to find the router. The connection will take up to 2 minutes (if it doesn't, repeat the steps).

⚠️ Warning: If the router does not respond to pressing the WPS button, check: 🔌 Is it powered by the network (indicators should burn). 🔄 Has the settings gone wrong after updating the firmware. 📡 Is WPS enabled in the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

On some routers (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Router 4A), the WPS button is combined with a reset button. To activate WPS, press it once (don’t hold it longer than 5 seconds, otherwise the settings will reset!).

Method 2 Connection via PIN- code WPS

If the router does not have a physical button or it does not work, you can use the PIN- code. It is usually indicated on the device sticker (8 digits) or in the web interface.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → WPS connection.
2. Select PIN- code input (or WPS PIN).
3. Enter the 8-digit code from the router sticker.
4. Confirm the connection.

If the PIN- code is not suitable:

• 🔄 Try resetting your router to factory settings (reset button for 10 seconds).
• 📋 Check the code in the router’s web interface (wi-fi section → WPS).
• 🔐 Make sure you don't confuse PIN WPS with a Wi-Fi password.

💡

If you lost a sticker with a PIN- code, it can be found in the router's web interface. Usually the login address is on the device itself (for example, 192.168.0.1), and the default login/password is admin/admin or admin/ password from the sticker.

Method 3: Alternative methods if WPS is not working

If the WPS is disabled or your phone doesn’t support it, use one of these methods:

• 📱 QR- code: Some routers (such as Xiaomi Mi Router or Keenetic) generate QR- code to connect to. Scan it with the phone's camera and you automatically connect to the network.
• 🔑 Manual Password Entering: Find the Wi-Fi password on the router sticker or in the web interface (192.168.0.1).
• 📲 Manufacturer's App: Install official software (e.g. TP-Link Tether or Mi WiFi) - it can connect a phone without WPS.

For Xiaomi models with MIUI 14/15, there is another life hack:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the network you want to connect to.
3. Instead of entering a password, select Share a password (if your phone has already been connected to this network before).

💡

If your router does not support WPS and your Wi-Fi password is lost, reset it to factory settings (reset button for 10 seconds).

Errors in connection with WPS and their solution

If your Xiaomi phone doesn’t connect to your router via WPS, check out these points:

A common mistake is that users confuse the WPS button with the reset button. If you hold the button for longer than 10 seconds, the router will reset to the factory settings, and all connected devices will shut down!

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi routers (e.g. Mi Router 4A), the WPS button is combined with a reset button. To activate WPS, press it once (don't hold it!).

Why WPS is Dangerous and How to Protect Your Network

Despite its convenience, WPS is considered an unsafe method of connection.

• 🔓 Vulnerability PIN-Code: An attacker can pick it up in a few hours.
• 🔄 No lock: Many routers do not block retrieval attempts.
• 📡 Attacks via PBC: If the WPS button is physically accessible (e.g., in the entrance), anyone can connect to your network.

How to defend yourself:

1. Turn off WPS in your router settings if you are not using it.
2. Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
3. A complex Wi-Fi password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters)
4. Regularly update the router firmware.

If you need to use WPS temporarily (for example, to connect guest devices), turn it on only for the duration of the connection, and then turn it off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about WPS on Xiaomi