How to turn on WPS on Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer many ways to quickly sync with the home network, and one of the most convenient is WPS technology. Many users wonder how to activate this option to avoid manually entering a long and complex password from the router. This is especially true when you need to connect a guest or configure the work of a smart appliance that does not have a full screen for data entry.

It is worth noting that in the latest versions of the shell MIUI Xiaomi and HyperOS have changed the way it displays this feature, and it used to be visible right away, but now it's often hidden in the optional menus or replaced with generation. QR-A code that is a modern analogue of the classical WPS. Understanding these nuances will help you save time and nerves when setting up your home internet.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of connection, from standard system settings to the use of special applications. You will learn where to look for the cherished button on different versions of firmware and what to do if your router requires a physical press of the button to begin pairing.

What is WPS Technology and Why is it Needed?

WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a security standard designed to simplify the process of connecting wireless devices to the network. The main idea of the technology is that a user can connect a smartphone or laptop to a router without having to manually enter a complex password consisting of many characters.

The principle is quite simple: the device and router exchange encrypted data automatically. In the classic scenario, the user presses a button on the router's body, and then selects the appropriate item in the phone's menu. However, in modern realities, Xiaomi often uses a visual method – scanning. QR-code that contains all the necessary information for authorization.

⚠️ Attention: Use WPS through PIN-The code is considered less secure because there are vulnerabilities that allow attackers to pick up the code. QR-code where possible.

Despite some security risks, the feature remains extremely useful for the home network, allowing guests to access instantly or quickly connect new gadgets such as smart lamps, sockets and security cameras, which are part of the smart home ecosystem.

Where to find WPS in Xiaomi settings (MIUI and HyperOS)

Finding the connection function may vary depending on the version of the operating system installed. Owners of devices with a MIUI 12, 13 or 14 shell, as well as the new HyperOS, must follow a certain algorithm of actions, since a direct "WPS" button in the notification curtain is usually absent.

You have to go to the basic settings of your smartphone, find the wireless partition, and that's where all the network management tools are hidden, and if you don't see the right item right away, you might need to click on the extra settings or the gear icon.

In most current models, such as Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13, the system offers to use the new model. QR-This is done to unify the process, because modern phones' cameras are great at reading codes, and router screens are often too small to enter data.

πŸ“Š What type of connection method do you use more often?
Password entry manually
Scanning. QR-code
WPS button on the router
Voice control

If you use an older firmware version, such as Android 9 or 10, the button can be directly in the Wi-Fi network selection menu, click on your network name and the system will suggest alternative login methods, including WPS.

Step-by-step connection instruction through QR-code

The modern and most reliable way to connect a Xiaomi phone to the network without entering a password is to use the device. QR-This method has actually replaced the classical one. WPS It's faster and requires less user action.

You first need to get the code itself, which you can find on the sticker on the back of the router (if the model supports this feature), or generate in the router settings via a computer, and the code can also be on the screen of another phone already connected.

Follow this algorithm further:

  • πŸ“± Open your Wi-Fi settings on your Xiaomi smartphone.
  • πŸ” Click on the scanner icon or the "Connect through" button QR-"code.
  • πŸ“· Hover the camera over the code image and wait for the automatic connection.
  • βœ… Confirm action if the system requests permission to connect to the network.

Once the scan is successful, the phone will automatically save the network profile, so you never have to manually enter the password for that particular router again, and the system will remember the SSID and the security key.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before connection

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It is important to ensure that the camera has the necessary permissions. If the scanner does not open, check the privacy settings in the Apps β†’ Settings β†’ Permissions. Sometimes antivirus or third-party launchers can block access to the camera for system functions.

Using the WPS button on the router

The classic method, which still works on many devices, involves physical interaction with the router. Most routers have a separate button on their body, marked as WPS It's a two-arrow icon, and it's a handy method if you don't have a computer or other phone on hand to generate it. QR-code.

The activation process is as follows: first, on a Xiaomi phone, you need to start searching for networks or select a specific network if the device already knows it. Some interfaces have a separate item called "Connect via WPS."

Then you press a button on the router for two minutes, the indicator on the device will flash, signaling the search mode, the phone will detect the signal and automatically log in.

Action.Router indicationPhone response
Waiting.It's a light.Networking
WPS button pressedBlinks (usually 2 minutes)Attempted connection
Success.Burning smooth/extinguishing"Connected" status
Mistake.Fast flashing/redNotification of refusal

If the connection does not occur after two minutes, the WPS mode on the router is automatically turned off for security reasons.

Connection problems and their solution

Despite the simplicity of the technology, Xiaomi users sometimes encounter errors: the phone can see the network but not connect via WPS, or the button on the menu simply does not respond, most often the problem lies in the incompatibility of security protocols.

Modern routers often use the standard. WPA3, It is more secure, but can conflict with older implementations. WPS. In this case, the phone will constantly give an error "I failed to get the phone". IP-Address or "Authentication Error".

Hidden causes of errors
Often the problem is not the phone, but the router settings, for example, if the router is filtering through the router. MAC-addresses, even the correct ones WPS It's not going to miss the device. WPS can be disabled in the settings of the router itself at the software level, even if there is a button on the case. Check the router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and make sure that the function is WPS activated in the wireless network section.

Another reason could be a crowded list of connected devices: If the router's client limit is exhausted, the new gadget will not be able to access it, try to turn off the extra devices or restart the router.

It is also worth checking whether the β€œrandom” mode is on the phone. MAC-For older routers, this can be an obstacle. Switch the settings. MAC-address"MAC-Device address in extended settings of your Wi-Fi network.

Alternative applications for Wi-Fi management

If you can’t use standard tools, third-party utilities come to the rescue. There are many applications that can work with WPS in the Google Play store or GetApps (for the China/Global region).

One popular solution is WiFi WPS Connect, which allows scanning networks and checking them for vulnerabilities, and connects via WPS if the router has security holes or uses standard pin codes.

  • πŸ“‘ WiFi WPS Connect – a classic tool for testing and connection.
  • πŸ”‘ WiFi Map – contains password databases and functions WPS (It requires root for full functionality).
  • πŸ›  Router Keygen – allows you to generate keys for some router models.

⚠️ Warning: Installing applications from unverified sources can lead to your data being stolen. Use only proven utilities with high ratings and a lot of reviews.

It’s worth remembering that on Android 9 and above, these apps are limited by security, and they can show you whether the network supports WPS, but for the connection itself, the system will still redirect you to the standard settings menu.

Guest access settings instead of WPS

Often users are looking for a way to turn on WPS only to give Internet to friends, not wanting to shine the main password. Xiaomi smartphones have a more elegant and secure solution - a guest network.

You can create a separate restricted Wi-Fi profile, and guests can connect to it, but they can't see your personal devices, like printers, NAS-Storage or smart speakers, which increases the overall cybersecurity of your home network.

To set up, go to the router’s web interface or use an application from the router manufacturer (such as Keenetic, TP-Link Tether or Mi Wi-Fi). You can create a Guest network, give it a simple password, or even open it with an action timer.

πŸ’‘

Use the Guest Network feature on the router for temporary access, which is safer than giving a password from the main network, and allows you to block all guests in one click at once.

On the Xiaomi phone itself, you can also share access quickly. Just click on the name of the connected network and the phone will generate QR-A code that you can show a friend, and they don't have to type anything, and you don't run the risk of making a mistake when you dictate characters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is my Xiaomi not using the WPS button on the menu?
In modern versions MIUI Xiaomi HyperOS removes the direct button WPS from the interface, replacing it with a scan QR-It's done to simplify the interface and make it more secure. QR-router.
Is it safe to use WPS for home internet?
Method WPS through PIN-The code has known vulnerabilities and can be hacked by a matching method (PBC) or QR-The code is considered safe enough for home use because it requires physical access to devices.
Can I turn on WPS without accessing the router?
No, to activate the pairing mode, you need a physical action with the router (pressing a button) or access to its web interface to generate QR-Remotely "on" WPS You can't go on someone else's router.
What if the phone says β€œSave, Protected” but doesn’t connect?
This is a common mistake. Try forgetting the network (delete the profile) and reconnecting, and also checking if the phone has a correct time and date set, as time dissynchronization can block security protocols.

πŸ’‘

The fastest and most modern way to connect Xiaomi to Wi-Fi is scanning QR-code that can be found on the router’s case or generated on an already connected device.