How to find and enable WPS on Xiaomi phone: a step-by-step guide with pictures

You try to connect a Xiaomi phone to Wi-Fi via WPS, but you can't find it in the settings? Don't be surprised — since 2020, manufacturers are gradually removing support for the outdated protocol due to security vulnerabilities. However, on some Redmi, POCO and older Mi flagships, the feature may still be preserved — or hidden under other names.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 Where to look. WPS firmware MIUI 12–14 (including global and Chinese versions)
• 📱 On which models Xiaomi function is exactly there and on which it was removed forever
• 🔄 Alternative ways to connect to Wi-Fi if WPS absent
• ⚠️ Why? WPS Why is it dangerous and why it is removed from modern smartphones?

Spolier: If you have a Xiaomi smartphone that is newer than 2021, the chances of finding a WPS are minimal.

What is WPS and why is it needed for Xiaomi?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a technology for fast connection of devices to the router without entering a password. Instead of dialing a long security key, just press the WPS button on the router and confirm the connection on the phone.

• 🛡️ Vulnerability to brute force attacks: hackers can pick up PIN-code WPS few hours
• 🔄 Outdated Protocol: Modern Standards (WPA3) Provide safer alternatives
• ❌ No new devices: Google and Xiaomi have removed support WPS Android 10+

However, on older smartphones (Redmi Note 7, Mi 9, POCO F1) or firmware below MIUI 12, the feature can still work, and WPS is sometimes found in Chinese versions of MIUI, where network settings differ from global ones.

Where to look for WPS in Xiaomi settings: step-by-step instructions

If your Xiaomi phone is released before 2020, try the following ways (relevant to MIUI 11 and older):

1. Open "Settings» → Wi-Fi.
2. Slip on the extra (or ⋮ top-right).
3. Select WPS or WPS Connection.
4. Press the WPS button on the router for 2 minutes.

The new MIUI 13/14 version may look different.

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi → ⚙️ (cog icon next to network name) → Additional settings → WPS

Make sure the router supports WPS (button on the case)

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Update the firmware to the latest version

Try alternative ways of connecting (QR-code, password)

-->

Important: On Xiaomi smartphones with Android 11+ (MIUI 12.5+), WPS is removed at the system level. It can not be returned even through the engineering menu or root.

Xiaomi models that WPS works on (or worked on)

We tested a few popular devices, and here's a table of results.

If your model is not listed, check manually:

1. Press the WPS button on the router.
2. Open a list of Wi-Fi networks on your phone.
3. If the notification “New Network Found” appears after 30 seconds, the WPS will work.

💡

On some routers (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Router), WPS is disabled by default. To activate it, go to the router’s web interface at 192.168.31.1 and turn on the option in the Wi-Fi → WPS section.

What to do if WPS is not available on Xiaomi

If you haven't found the WPS option, don't despair. Here are 4 alternative ways to connect to Wi-Fi without a password:

• 📱 QR-Code: Many routers (TP-Link, Xiaomi, ASUS) generate QR Find it on the device sticker or in the web interface.
• 🔗 Wi-Fi Direct: Enable Settings in the settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct and connect devices directly.
• 🔄 WPS via the app: Some router manufacturers (such as Huawei) offer their utilities to connect via the app WPS.
• 🔑 Guest Network: Set up a guest Wi-Fi router with a simple password (e.g. 12345678).

The most reliable method is to use QR-That's the code:

1. Open the settings → Wi-Fi on Xiaomi.
2. Tap it on. QR-code (in the upper right corner icon).
3. Scan the code from the router or screen of another device.

Why Xiaomi is removing WPS and what it threatens

The main reason is security vulnerabilities. In 2018, researchers from the United States US-CERT proved that WPS You can hack in 4-10 hours overkill PIN-Even if your router supports WPS, its use is equivalent:

⚠️ Attention: Connection through WPS It allows attackers to access your local network, intercept traffic, and even change your router settings. If security is critical to you (for example, to work with banking applications), never use it. WPS.

In addition, the Wi-Fi Alliance (the organization that develops Wi-Fi standards) officially refused to certify devices with WPS from 2020.

• ❌ New smartphones (including Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) supportive WPS.
• ❌ The routers with the latest firmware are shutting down WPS default.
• ✅ Alternatives (WPA3, QR-codes) become standard.

If you still want to use WPS, consider buying an old router (like the TP-Link TL-WR841N) or flashing your phone to custom firmware (like LineageOS).

💡

WPS — outdated and insecure protocol. Modern alternatives (QR-code, WPA3) It is more reliable and easier to use if your Xiaomi does not support it. WPS, You should not try to return it, it can disrupt the stability of the system.

How to connect to Wi-Fi without WPS: step-by-step alternatives

If WPS is not available, here are 3 proven ways to connect Xiaomi to the network:

1. Through QR-code (the fastest method)

Most modern routers (Xiaomi, Keenetic, ASUS) generate QR-- the code for the connection:

1. Find it. QR-code on the router's sticker or its web interface (192.168.0.1).
2. On the phone, open Settings. → Wi-Fi → QR-code.
3. Scan the code – the connection will happen automatically.

2. Through the router manufacturer's application

Some brands offer branded utilities for simplified connection:

• 📲 Mi WiFi (for Xiaomi routers)
• 📲 TP-Link Tether (for TP-Link)
• 📲 ASUS Router (for) ASUS)

Download the app from Google Play,following instructions on the screen.

3. Through the guest network

If the main network is protected by a complex password, configure guest Wi-Fi on the router:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Find the Guest Network (or Guest Network) section.
3. Set a simple password (such as qwerty123) and connect to this network.

⚠️ Note: Guest networks usually have speed limits and access to local devices (printers, NAS). Do not use it to transfer large files or online games.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

If you tried to connect via WPS but failed, check out these points:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Restart router (turn off power for 30 seconds).
• 📱 Reset network settings on your phone (Settings) → System system → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
• 🔧 Update the router firmware (instructions are usually on the manufacturer's website).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions