If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably got a Wi-Fi router at home. And if you’ve given yours a close look, you might have noticed a button on the back of it labelled ‘WPS’. But what is WPS?
In this article, we’ll explain the meaning of WPS and how this useful feature can get your devices hooked up to the internet fast.
What does WPS mean?
WPS is an acronym that stands for ‘Wi-Fi Protected Setup’. If you enable WPS on your router, it’ll make it look for compatible devices within its range and allow them to connect to its Wi-Fi network. All without having to type in the router’s long password.
So, it’s basically just a quick way of getting your smartphone, tablet, laptop or other Wi-Fi enabled tech linked up to the web. Which makes setting up Wi-Fi in your home or office faster and easier.
What does the WPS button on a router do?
Connecting your devices to your Wi-Fi router can be a pain. They usually have complicated passwords made up of random letters and numbers that are almost impossible to remember. So, every time you want to get something new online, you have to reach down and look under your router to find that pesky password to type in.
But this is where your router’s WPS button can help. When you press the WPS button on your router, it’ll allow any nearby devices to connect to it with no password required. This typically lasts a few minutes before your router deactivates WPS automatically. Just make sure you know what’s connecting to your Wi-Fi network though, as you won’t want any freeloaders using your internet!
What devices can connect to WPS?
The WPS function on your router can take the hassle out of connecting new or multiple devices to your Wi-Fi network. So, it’s great if you have friends or family over who want quick internet access on their phones without relying on their data. WPS can also make it a lot easier to hook up things like wireless printers, Wi-Fi enabled cameras, gaming consoles, and Wi-Fi range extenders.
But it’s worth saying that not all devices support WPS, especially older tech that was designed before WPS caught on. And even some newer gadgets may have it disabled for security reasons (more on that soon). If you do have a compatible device, you’ll probably see an option that says something like “connect via WPS” when setting it up.
How to connect to a Wi-Fi network with WPS
The following method should work for most routers and devices:
Press the WPS button on your router. It should be labelled ‘WPS’ or represented by two arrows pointing at each other.
On the device you want to connect to your router, go to Wi-Fi settings and select your network’s name. You might be prompted to enter a PIN code.
Within a few seconds, your device will automatically connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Should I disable WPS on my router?
It’s best practice to turn off WPS on your router after you’ve connected the devices you want. Once you're done, there's no reason to keep the button active. And this also stops strangers from using your network, who can be a threat to your cybersecurity. You really don’t want to let data-stealing hackers in!
But if you want to disable WPS completely, you can usually do this by entering your router's IP address into an internet browser to access its advanced settings.
Here are some common steps for disabling WPS on your router:
Once you’ve opened your router's admin console in your web browser, navigate to ‘Wi-Fi Settings’ (or similar).
Look for a button or a checkbox to turn off WPS.
Save your changes and restart your router.
Tech tip: Disabling WPS may prevent some devices from connecting to your network. So, be sure to check your devices' manuals for instructions on connecting without WPS.
FAQs
How do I check if my router has WPS?
It’s super easy to check if you have a WPS router. Just have a look around the back and you’ll probably find a small button labelled ‘WPS’ that you can press. Some routers will have it placed on the front instead for easier access.
Not all routers have WPS, and it’s not the end of the world if yours doesn’t. It’s just a handy little feature to have that’ll get your devices connected to the internet quickly.
Is WPS the same as Wi-Fi?
WPS is just a built-in feature on your router. It simply makes it easier to get your Wi-Fi enabled gadgets hooked up to a secure wireless network. So, it’s not the same as Wi-Fi since that’s what your wireless network is.
Is WPS the same as WPA?
As we’ve explained, WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a feature that’s designed to simplify the process of connecting your devices to your wireless network. It can be activated either by pressing a physical button on your router, or by entering a PIN code on your device.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), on the other hand, is a security protocol that comes in two flavours: WPA and WPA2. These are designed to secure wireless networks by encrypting data that’s transmitted over the network. Which helps to prevent unauthorised access and protect your data. WPA2 is the more modern and secure of the two, which is recommended for use on all wireless networks.
Is WPS safe to use?
WPS has several known security issues, and it can leave you vulnerable to attackers as they can gain access to your network without needing a password. If you do enable WPS on your router, be sure that no one’s nearby who can connect to your router and Wi-Fi.
Any more questions?
We hope that’s cleared up all your questions about WPS’ meaning and how it can help you hook up your tech to Wi-Fi. But if you want to learn more about networking solutions for your home, check out our networking buying guide.