WPS on Xiaomi phone: what is this feature and how to use it without risks

Have you ever noticed a mysterious "WPS" button in your Xiaomi Wi-Fi settings and wondered why you need it? It's been around for over 15 years, but it still raises questions for users. Unlike the usual password, WPS promises a one-click connection — but is it really?

In this article, we’ll break down what WPS is on Xiaomi phones, how it works in modern versions of MIUI 14/15, and why some cybersecurity experts recommend giving up the feature. You’ll learn not only how to connect via WPS, but also the hidden risks of this method – especially if your router is older than 2018.

Spoiler: WPS is still supported by many Xiaomi devices in 2026 (from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), but implementation has changed a lot. And some router manufacturers (like TP-Link and ASUS) have already abandoned this technology in new models. Let's see why.

What is WPS and why is it needed for Xiaomi?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a wireless networking simplified device connection standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 2006, with the goal of allowing users to connect to Wi-Fi without entering complex passwords using:

• 🔢 PIN-code (8 digits, usually shown on the router sticker)
• 🖱️ Button WPS on the router body (physical pressing)
• 📱 NFC (In rare cases, for compatible devices)
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization (via protocol) EAP)

On Xiaomi smartphones, WPS is integrated into the Wi-Fi connection menu, but visibility depends on the MIUI version and router model. For example, on Redmi 10 with MIUI 13, the option may not be available if the router does not support WPS, and on Xiaomi 13T Pro with MIUI 15 it will appear only when scanning the compatible network.

It’s important to understand that WPS is not a separate security protocol, but a method of authentication, which runs on top of standard protocols (WPA2 or WPA3), but has its own vulnerabilities, which we’ll talk about later.

How WPS works on Xiaomi phones: step-by-step analysis

The mechanism of connection via WPS on Xiaomi depends on the type of authentication.

1. Connect via the WPS button on the router

This is the most common method.

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi on your Xiaomi.
2. Tap the network you want to connect to and select Connect via WPS (if the option is active).
3. Press the physical button for 2 minutes. WPS on the router (usually marked with an icon) 🔄 or WPS).
4. The phone will automatically access the network without entering a password.

Critical detail: If the router does not support WPS or the feature is disabled in its settings, the option on the Xiaomi phone will be inactive.

2. Connection through PIN-code

This method is less common on mobile devices, but some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO F5) still support it:

⚠️ Attention: PIN-code WPS It's often the same as the router's factory password. PIN stop working.

What Xiaomi models support WPS in 2026

The list of supported devices depends not so much on the model of the smartphone, but on the version of MIUI and firmware. Here are the current data for 2026:

• ✅ Full support: All flagships Xiaomi 12/13/14 series, Redmi Note 11/12/13, POCO F4/F5.
• ⚠️ Partial support: Redmi 10 and older (requires manual activation in developer settings).
• ❌ Unsupported: Devices on MIUI 11 and below (e.g. Redmi 8) and models for the European market (due to restrictions) GDPR).

Interesting fact: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite), the WPS option appears only after 5 failed attempts to enter a password - this is protection from accidental use of a vulnerable method.

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If your Xiaomi doesn’t have a WPS button, try upgrading to the latest version of MIUI. In some cases, the option appears after upgrading to Android 13/14.

WPS Security: Why Experts Recommend It

Despite its convenience, WPS has critical vulnerabilities that make it less secure than manual password entry.

1. PIN brute force attack: Due to the protocol, selecting an 8-digit PIN takes only 4-5 hours on a regular PC.
2. Lack of brute force protection: Many routers do not block attempts after failed connections.
3. Data Leakage: When using WPS, the network password is transmitted in an open form (unlike WPA3).

⚠️ Note: If your router is released before 2018, the likelihood of vulnerability WPS It's 95 percent, and you can check it out through the service. GRC ShieldsUP.

Alternative ways to connect to Wi-Fi on Xiaomi, which are safer than WPS:

• 🔑 QR-code (generation through router settings)
• 📋 WPS2 (Wi-Fi Easy Connect – New Standard with Improved Protection
• 🔗 Mi Share (for devices in the Xiaomi ecosystem)

How to turn on WPS on Xiaomi if the option is not displayed

If your phone doesn’t have a WPS button in the Wi-Fi menu, try these methods:

1. Update MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 Times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Enable WPS
3. Reset network settings: Settings → Connections → Reset Wi-Fi settings.

If nothing helps, check out:

• 🔌 Router compatibility (not all support) WPS)
• 📡 Firmware region (on some global versions) MIUI opportunity)
• 🛡️ Security settings (antiviruses like Mi Security can block) WPS)

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On Xiaomi phones for the Chinese market (with CN firmware), the WPS option is often available by default, whereas on global versions (Global/EU) it has to be enabled manually.

Frequent WPS Errors on Xiaomi and How to Fix Them

Even if it’s set up correctly, users face typical problems:

⚠️ Note: If, after connecting through WPS The internet is working, but the Wi-Fi icon flashes gray, a sign of incomplete authentication.Reboot your phone and router.

To diagnose WPS problems on Xiaomi, you can use a hidden menu of engineering settings:

##4636## → Wi-Fi information → WPS Status

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about WPS on Xiaomi