Do you try to connect a printer, smart speaker or other device to a Wi-Fi network via WPS, but canβt find this feature on your smartphone, router or Xiaomi TV? Donβt be surprised β the manufacturer often hides or even removes this option from the interface, considering it outdated from a security point of view. However, in some scenarios (for example, when setting up IoT gadgets or guest access), WPS remains the fastest way to connect.
In this article, weβll look at all the possible places where WPS might be hiding on Xiaomi devices, from MIUI 14/15 smartphones to Mi Router 4A/5G routers and Mi TVs. Youβll learn how to turn on the feature through hidden menus, what to do if the WPS button is inactive, and what alternatives to use if the manufacturer has removed support for the protocol completely, and also why WPS can be dangerous and in what cases it is better not to use.
What is WPS and why is it hard to find it on Xiaomi?
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a standard for easy Wi-Fi connection, without password. Instead of a complex combination of characters, just press a button on the router or enter the 8-character PIN- code. Sounds convenient, but the protocol has critical vulnerabilities:
- π Brutforce PIN- code: Because of its short length (8 digits), attackers can pick it up in hours.
- π³οΈ Lack of encryption in some implementations (especially older devices).
- π« Disclaimer: From 2020, the Wi-Fi Alliance recommends manufacturers remove WPS from new devices.
Thatβs why Xiaomi is gradually removing WPS from MIUI, router firmware and TVs, but on some models, the feature is still available β itβs simply hidden in deep settings or left only for compatibility with smart devices of the Mi Home ecosystem.
β οΈ Warning: If your Xiaomi device is released after 2022, the probability of having WPS tends to zero. In this case, use alternative methods of connection: QR-code, WPA3 or manual password entry.
Where to look for WPS on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI 12-15)
On most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11), WPS is not available in the standard interface, but can be activated via hidden settings or third-party apps.
Method 1: Via Wi-Fi Menu (only for older versions of MIUI)
If you have a MIUI 11 or older, try:
- Open the Settings. β Wi-Fi.
- Slip on three points in the upper right corner β
- Check for a WPS Push Button or Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
On MIUI 12+, this path does not work β the menu has been simplified, removing the βextraβ options.
Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced)
If you are willing to take a chance, you can try activating WPS through hidden settings:
##5376##Once you enter this code, you will open the Wi-Fi Test Mode menu, and look for the WPS Push Button or PBC Mode option. Be careful, changing other settings can disrupt Wi-Fi!
β οΈ Warning: The engineering menu is designed to test equipment. Sloppy actions can cause a Wi-Fi module to crash. Back up your data before you experiment.
Method 3: Using third-party applications
If you donβt have built-in options, install one of these apps from Google Play:
- π± WPS Connect (requires root rights to work properly)
- π§ WiFi WPS WPA Tester (checks for router vulnerabilities).
- π Mi Home (sometimes allows you to connect Xiaomi devices via a simplified protocol).
Note: Most of these apps donβt guarantee running on newer versions of Android 13/14 due to security limitations.
WPS on Xiaomi routers: where the button and how to use it
On Xiaomi routers (Mi Router 4A, Mi Router 5G, AX3600, etc.), WPS is usually the default function, but its location depends on the model and firmware version.
Models with a physical WPS button
On the router case, look for:
- π A button labeled WPS or Wi-Fi (on Mi Router 3G/4A).
- π Button Reset/WPS (on Mi Router 4C β hold 1β2 seconds to activate WPS).
- πΆ The "wave" or "lock" icon (on AX1800/AX3000).
After pressing the button, you have 2 minutes to plug the device in. The Wi-Fi indicator should start flashing blue or green.
Models without a button (configure via web interface)
If there is no button (like on the Mi Router 5G or AIoT Router AX3600), go to the control panel:
- Open your browser and type 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
- Log in (the default login and password is often admin).
- Go to Settings β Wi-Fi β More
- Find the WPS partition and activate PBC (Push Button Configuration).
| Model router | Physical WPS button | WPS in the web interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Router 4A | β Yes (sideways) | β Yes. | The button is combined with Reset (hold 5 seconds β reset) |
| Mi Router 5G | β No. | β Yes. | Only through miwifi.com |
| AX3600 | β Yes (back panel) | β Yes. | Supports WPS 2.0 |
| Mi Router 4C | β Yes (combined with Reset) | β No. | Short press β WPS, long β reset |
Important: On routers running the MiWiFi ROM (Chinese version), WPS can be disabled by default. To activate it, upgrade to the global version of the firmware or use alternative methods of connection.
Make sure the router is on and Wi-Fi is active.|
Check for a physical WPS| button
Go to the web interface at 192.168.31.1|
Activate WPS in the section "Wi-Fi β Additional" |
Connect the device within 2 minutes of activation-->
WPS on Xiaomi TVs and smart devices
On Mi TVs (series 4A, 5, Q2, P1) and smart devices (columns Mi Smart Speaker, cameras Mi Home Security), WPS is almost not used, instead, the manufacturer implements its own connection protocols:
- πΊ Mi TV: Connecting to Wi-Fi only through password input or QR-code (MIUI TV does not support WPS).
- π Smart speakers: Use the Mi Home App to automatically connect to the network.
- πΉ Cameras and sensors: Support SoundWave (connection via audio signal).
If you still need to connect a Xiaomi TV via WPS (for example, for compatibility with an older printer), try:
- Connect the keyboard/mouse to the TV via USB.
- Go to Settings β Network β Wi-Fi β More.
- If you do not have a WPS option, use alternative methods (see the next section).
Why Xiaomi is removing WPS from smart devices
What to do if the WPS is not working or not working
If you donβt find WPS on your Xiaomi device or the feature isnβt activated, use these alternatives:
1 Connection via QR- Code
Modern Xiaomi routers (e.g. AX3600 or BE7000) support the generation of QR- code for connecting:
- Go to the routerβs web interface (miwifi.com).
- Go to Wi-Fi β Connect the device β QR- code.
- Scan the code from the screen of your smartphone or other device.
2.Use of Mi Home App
For smart devices Xiaomi (Yeelight, Aqara, Mi Robot Vacuum):
- Install the Mi Home app.
- Add a new device β select a model from the list.
- Follow the instructions (usually hold the button on the device until the indicator flashes).
Manual connection via WPA3
If your router supports WPA3 (such as AX6000 or BE6500), use it instead of WPS.
- π In the router's web interface, select WPA3-Personal in the security settings.
- π± On your smartphone, connect to the network by entering your password manually.
π‘
If you need to connect a printer or other device without a screen, but the WPS on the router is turned off, try temporarily lowering the security level of Wi-Fi to WPA2-PSK (instead of WPA3). Many older devices do not support the new encryption standards.
WPS Security: Why Itβs Better Not to Use It
Despite its convenience, WPS is considered one of the most insecure ways to connect to Wi-Fi. Here are the main risks:
- π’ Vulnerability PIN-code: even if the router supports 8-digit PINThe first 4 digits are checked separately from the last, which makes it easier to select.
- π³οΈ Lack of protection against attacks: Many routers do not block multiple connection attempts.
- π Reverse to Insecure Protocols: Some Devices When Activated WPS Automatically switch to outdated WPA-TKIP.
If you need to use WPS, follow these rules:
β οΈ Warning: Once you connect your device via WPS, immediately turn off the function in your router settings. Also change the standard PIN- code (if available) to a random combination of 12+ characters.
How to check if your router is vulnerable
Use one of these applications for security audits:
- π‘οΈ Fing (scans the network for open ports)
- π WiFi Analyzer (shows the encryption protocols used).
- π Router Checker (checks for WPS vulnerabilities)
π‘
If your Xiaomi router is older than 2019, the probability of a WPS vulnerability is ~70%. Update your firmware to the latest version or disable the feature completely.