Connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is one of the fastest ways to connect Xiaomi to your home network without entering a password.The method is especially convenient if you are setting up a new router or temporarily connecting guest devices. However, not everyone knows how to properly activate this feature on Redmi smartphones, POCO or flagships of the Mi series.
In this article, weโll break down the WPS-based connectivity algorithm, explain what settings to check on your router, and warn against common errors. Youโll also learn why some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G) may not support WPS in the latest versions of MIUI 14+ due to tightening security policies. If your phone doesnโt find the WPS option, donโt be quick to blame the technique: the problem may lie in the router settings or outdated firmware.
What is WPS and why is it removed from new smartphones?
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup was designed to make it easier for devices to connect to a wireless network, so instead of manually entering a complex password, a user could press a button on a router or type in a button on a router. PIN-However, over time, cybersecurity experts have identified vulnerabilities in the protocol:
- ๐ Vulnerability PIN-Code: Intruders could pick up an 8-digit code in a few hours by gaining access to the network.
- ๐ก๏ธ Lack of encryption in some implementations WPS (especially on old routers).
- โ ๏ธ Brute force attacks: automated scripts exploit protocol weaknesses.
Because of these risks, many manufacturers, including Xiaomi, have begun to abandon WPS in new models, such as MIUI 14 and later, the option may be hidden or removed. However, on devices with MIUI 12-13 or custom firmware (such as the Pixel Experience), the feature is often retained.
โ ๏ธ Note: If your router supports only WPS s PIN-It's better to drop the code, not the button, and the attackers can intercept it. PIN airborne.
Router Preparation: Turn on WPS correctly
Before you connect Xiaomi via WPS, make sure the router supports this feature and it is activated. Most modern routers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router 4A, TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX55) have WPS, but it can be disabled by default.
Instructions for popular router models:
| Mark the router | How to turn on WPS | Type of authentication |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Router | Press the WPS button for 3 seconds or turn it on in the web interface (miwifi.com โ Wi-Fi settings โ WPS) | Button or PIN |
| TP-Link | WPS button on the back or 192.168.0.1 โ Wireless mode โ WPS | Button |
| ASUS | router.asus.com โ Wireless network โ WPS (Push Button mode) | Button/PIN |
| Keenetic | WPS button on the case or my.keenetic.net โ Wi-Fi โ WPS | Just the button |
If your router doesn't have a physical WPS button, check the web interface. Usually the option is in the Wi-Fi or Security section. Importantly, some providers (such as Rostelecom or Beeline) block WPS in branded routers, in which case you will have to use a password.
Step-by-step: Xiaomi connects to Wi-Fi via WPS
If the router is configured, we move to the smartphone. The algorithm may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall scheme is the same:
- Open your Wi-Fi settings: Go to Settings โ Wi-Fi (or swipe down and hold the Wi-Fi icon).
- Press three points (โฎ) in the upper right corner and select Additional or Advanced settings.
- Select WPS: In some versions, the option is called Connecting via WPS or WPS Push Button.
- Activate WPS on the router: press the physical button or turn on the mode in the web interface.
- Confirm your connection on your smartphone: wait for a message about a successful connection (usually takes 10โ30 seconds).
On the Xiaomi Redmi 10C or POCO X4 Pro with MIUI 13, the path can look like this:
โ Connections and Sharing โ Wi-Fi โ โฎ โ Additional โ Connection via WPSThe router is turned on and gives out Wi-Fi
WPS activated on the router (light indicator)
The smartphone is within the range of the network (no more than 5 meters)
Wi-Fi on your phone (but not connected to another network)-->
โ ๏ธ Note: If after pressing WPS On the router, the smartphone does not connect for 2 minutes, the mode automatically turns off. Repeat the attempt, before restarting the router.
What to do if WPS does not work on Xiaomi
If the WPS option is missing from the menu or the connection is broken, check the following points:
- ๐ฑ Update. MIUI: in older versions (below) MIUI 12) there may have been bugs with WPS. Check for updates in Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
- ๐ Reset your network settings: go to Settings โ Connections โ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
- ๐ ๏ธ Check the router: some models (for example, ZTE H298A MTS) require manual indication MAC-address WPS.
- ๐ Turn it off. VPN: Applications like 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN can block local connections.
If the WPS has disappeared after the MIUI update, try alternative methods:
How to return WPS via ADB (for advanced users)
On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) WPS This may be hidden because of Google's policy of abandoning outdated security protocols, in which case only a password connection or a password connection remains. QR-code (if the router supports the).
Security: WPS risks and how to minimize them
Despite its convenience, WPS remains a vulnerable method of connectivity, and here are the key risks and ways to mitigate them:
| Vulnerability | Danger. | How to protect yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Selection PIN-code | An attacker can gain access to your network. | Disable WPS from PIN in router settings, leave only the button |
| Brute force attack | Traffic interception, data theft | Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 in your Wi-Fi settings |
| Data Leakage through Vulnerable Devices | If an infected device is connected to the network, the virus can spread. | Enable customer isolation in the router (AP Isolation option) |
If you need to temporarily connect a guest via WPS, follow the following steps to minimize the risks:
- Create a guest network on a router with a separate SSID and turn on WPS only for it.
- Limit WPS time: Some routers (such as ASUS RT-AX88U) can set an activation timer.
- Once connected, turn off the WPS manually.
๐ก
If your router supports WPA3, but your Xiaomi smartphone does not connect to such a network, upgrade your routerโs firmware or try mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode.
Alternatives to WPS: How to connect without a password
If WPS is not available or you donโt want to risk security, use alternative methods:
- ๐ฑ QR-code: many modern routers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router) AX6000) generate QR For a quick connection, scan it through Settings. โ Wi-Fi โ Add a network โ QR-code.
- ๐ WPS through NFC: Some Xiaomi models (such as Mi 11 Ultra) support connection to routers. NFC-chip-touch.
- ๐ One-Tap Connect: Function in MIUI 14+, allowing you to connect to the network through a notification (requires pre-configuring on the router).
For corporate users or owners of smart homes based on Xiaomi (for example, with Mi Home Hub), it is recommended to use Enterprise-mode Wi-Fi with security certificates. This is more difficult to set up, but completely eliminates the risks associated with WPS.
FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions
My Xiaomi doesn't see the WPS option. Why?
Can I turn on WPS on Xiaomi through the Engineering Menu?
How to connect via WPS if there is no button on the router?
Is it safe to use WPS on public networks?
Can other Xiaomi devices (such as a smart lamp) be connected to WPS?
๐ก
If your Xiaomi smartphone is released after 2022, it is likely that the WPS is disabled at the software level. Use alternative methods of connection (QR, NFC or manual password entry) to avoid risking network security.