What Is the WPS Button on a Router? (2024)

If you’ve taken a close look at your router, you might have spotted a strange button labeled “WPS.” These initials stand for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. WPS is a convenient utility that enables you to connect devices to your router without entering a username and password. It’s a great way to avoid having to remember these annoying details.

Your router comes with a password that consists of random numbers and letters strung together. While this code may be challenging for hackers to crack, it can be frustrating to input this password when connecting your devices to wireless internet. Using the WPS button means that you can bypass this process and link your devices with the touch of a button.

Here, we will explore what the WPS button on your router does and how you can utilize it to connect your devices to the internet with ease.

What Does the WPS Button on a Router Do?

The WPS button is typically used to connect a device to a wireless router. It assumes that the equipment’s owner is allowed to use the router. This would most likely be the case for a home router.

After hitting WPS, the router will look for compatible devices in the area for pairing. It will conduct a two-minute search, after which it will stop if it doesn’t find a PC or accessory in the vicinity that it can pair with.

Note that not all devices can use WPS. Devices designed before the standards were officially introduced may not work with it. Some newer equipment may also not have WPS support as some manufacturers have dropped WPS altogether. A WPS-compatible device will have a “Connect to WPS” option when linking to a router for the first time.

Where Is the WPS Button Located?

The location of the WPS button can vary depending on the model.

Some models will have a button labeled WPS on the back of the router. Others will only use the WPS symbol, two arrows pointing towards each other, forming an oval shape. There are also router models with the phrase “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” spelled out next to the button.

You don’t have to worry about finding the WPS key. It may be labeled differently, but it should still be easy to spot.

How to Connect With WPS

Unfortunately, not all Wi-Fi devices are compatible with WPS. Some modern devices don’t recognize the concept of WPS, while older ones may not work correctly either. You will find out if your computer supports WPS if it gives you the option to set it up when first connecting to the internet. When you select the router to link to, you will get a message asking you to input a password or tap the router’s WPS button.

If you are asked to press the WPS button, your router will search for your device and should be able to pair with it automatically. This process will probably not require you to use a password.

It’s essential to remember that if you change the router password, all the devices linked to it will no longer be able to access the internet. You will have to tell your device to forget the router then link it to WPS again.

What Is the WPS Button on a Netgear Router?

The WPS button on the Netgear router is a simple and secure way to connect various devices to the internet. It works by pressing the button to prompt the router to allow devices to link to the network. Aside from this, you can also change the network’s security settings by using the WPS button.

Your router comes with a preset password that consists of random numbers and letters. This password is difficult to hack because you have to look at the router to find it. If a stranger gains access to your preset router code, you probably have more significant problems to worry about than having your Wi-Fi password stolen.

Because of how unlikely it is, many people don’t bother to change the passcode. However, if the need arises, your network security settings can be altered using Netgear’s WPS functionality.

Where Is the WPS Button Located on a Netgear Router?

The WPS button on a Netgear router is on the back of the device, next to the Ethernet port. The button may look different on different Netgear routers. In some cases, the icon for the WPS button appears instead of the label.

What Is the WPS Button on an Xfinity Router?

The WPS key on an Xfinity box simplifies the process of entering the network name and the wireless password when connecting your devices to the internet.

To link devices with a UI (User Interface), tap the WPS button to turn on discovery mode. Choose the network you want to connect to on your device, and it will automatically link to the router. If there is no UI, tap the WPS button on the device and then the one on the router. The internet password will be sent to your device.

Where Is the WPS Button Located on an Xfinity Router?

The Xfinity box has a sleek design that may make the WPS button hard to find. It also doesn’t help that the router has three separate gateways located in three different areas.

Xfinity Wireless Gateway

The WPS key of the Xfinity Wireless Gateway is located at the top of the device. Pushing the button activates the feature, and its light will keep blinking until your device is connected to the router.

Xfinity xFi Advanced Gateway

The WPS button for the Xfinity Advanced Gateway is located to the left of the “Xfinity” logo. When you push it, a blue light will appear that tells you to connect another device to activate it.

Xfinity xFi Gateway 3rd Generation

The xFi Gateway 3rd generation has a problematic button to locate, as it’s on the box’s back panel. When you push the button, the blue light goes white, and the devices will connect automatically.

WPS Button on Router Alternative

WPS is a bit old school, and concerns have been raised about its security. If your device doesn’t support WPS or you’re looking for a safer alternative, Wi-Fi Easy Connect might be the answer.

Devices that support W-Fi Easy Connect have an associated QR code on the box that you can scan to allow onboarding. Connecting through Wi-Fi Easy Connect is done by scanning a QR code through Bluetooth or using NFC tags.

With this method, data transmission occurs through encrypted channels. With W-Fi Easy Connect, you can use one device to manage the network. It will grant permission to other machines that want to share the internet connection.

Connection at the Press of a Button

WPS offers an easy and convenient way to connect your devices to the internet. It also allows you to share your network with others without credentials. Although it’s a great way to connect various devices to your Wi-Fi network, it can be vulnerable to security issues. It’s essential to turn off WPS once all your devices are connected to prevent possible security breaches.

Do you use WPS connect? Let us know how you use it to connect your devices to the internet.