Knowing how to check if WPS is enabled helps you spot a convenience feature that can also affect Wi‑Fi security.
The exact location varies by router brand and interface, but the checks are straightforward once you know where to look.
What WPS is and why it matters
Wi‑Fi Protected Setup, or WPS, is a router feature designed to connect devices without typing the full Wi‑Fi password.
It was created to simplify pairing for printers, smart TVs, extenders, and older devices that may be awkward to configure manually.
WPS usually works in one of two ways: a button on the router or a PIN-based connection.
The push-button method is common on home routers, while the PIN method is less secure and has been discouraged by many security experts and vendors.
If WPS is enabled, nearby devices may be able to use it to join your network more easily.
That convenience can be useful, but many users prefer to disable it if they do not need it.
How to check if WPS is enabled on your router
The most reliable way to check is through your router’s admin interface, since the physical button alone does not always tell you whether the feature is active in software.
1. Look at the router’s physical labels and buttons
Many routers have a button labeled WPS, Wi‑Fi Protected Setup, or a paired icon made of two curved arrows.
Some devices also show a status light or pairing indicator.
- If the router has a dedicated WPS button, the feature is likely supported.
- A lit or blinking WPS indicator may mean pairing mode is active, but it does not always confirm that WPS is enabled globally.
- Some routers use the same button for WPS and reset functions, so check the label carefully.
This physical check is quick, but it is only a starting point.
Router hardware can support WPS even when the feature is turned off in settings.
2. Log in to the router admin page
Open a browser and enter the router’s management address, often something like 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or a vendor-specific local address.
If you are unsure, check the label on the router or the documentation from your internet service provider.
After signing in with the administrator credentials, look for a wireless or security section.
Depending on the router brand, WPS may appear under names such as:
- Wireless Settings
- Wi‑Fi Settings
- Security
- Advanced Wireless
- WPS Setup
Common router brands such as ASUS, TP-Link, NETGEAR, Linksys, D-Link, and Arris often place WPS in slightly different menus, but the setting usually includes a clear on/off toggle.
3. Find the WPS status field
Once in the wireless settings, look for a field that says WPS enabled, WPS status, or Enable WPS.
If the toggle is switched on, WPS is enabled; if it is off or disabled, the feature is not active.
Some routers also show whether WPS is available for both bands or only one:
- 2.4 GHz WPS support
- 5 GHz WPS support
- Guest network WPS support
Many modern routers limit WPS to specific bands or disable it on guest networks entirely.
If you manage a dual-band or tri-band router, check each wireless band separately.
4. Use the router mobile app, if available
Many mesh systems and newer routers use a mobile app instead of a traditional web console.
Apps from systems such as Google/Nest WiFi, eero, ASUS Router, TP-Link Tether, and NETGEAR Nighthawk often include advanced settings or device management tools.
In the app, search for wireless security, Wi‑Fi settings, or advanced setup.
Some apps hide WPS because the vendor disables it by default or does not expose it in consumer-facing menus.
5. Check your device pairing behavior
If you press the router’s WPS button and a device can connect without a password prompt, WPS is active at least in that moment.
This does not replace the admin-page check, but it confirms that the feature is functioning.
For example, a printer or extender may show a WPS connection option during setup.
If the device pairs successfully after button activation, the router is accepting WPS requests.
What to do if you cannot find WPS settings
Some routers, especially newer models, hide WPS from the main interface or disable it entirely.
If you cannot find the setting, try these steps:
- Search the router interface for the term WPS.
- Check the user manual or support page for your exact model number.
- Look for a firmware update that may have changed the menu structure.
- Contact your ISP if the router is leased and managed remotely.
On some ISP-provided gateways, WPS settings are locked behind limited admin access.
In that case, the provider may need to confirm whether the feature is enabled or change it for you.
Why many users disable WPS?
WPS reduces friction when connecting devices, but it has a mixed security reputation.
The PIN-based version in particular has been associated with brute-force risks, which is why many security guides recommend turning it off unless you specifically need it.
Reasons to disable WPS include:
- Reducing attack surface on the wireless network
- Preventing accidental pairing attempts
- Following security best practices for home and small-office Wi‑Fi
- Encouraging use of strong WPA2 or WPA3 passwords instead
If your router supports WPA3, that is generally preferable for securing the network itself.
WPS is a convenience feature, not a substitute for strong encryption and a strong passphrase.
How to safely disable WPS
If you confirm that WPS is enabled and you do not need it, disable it from the router’s wireless or security settings.
The process usually involves opening the WPS menu, switching the feature off, and saving or applying changes.
After disabling it, verify that:
- The WPS toggle now shows Off or Disabled
- The router no longer enters pairing mode when the WPS button is pressed
- Devices can still connect manually using the Wi‑Fi password
Disabling WPS should not interrupt normal Wi‑Fi access for phones, laptops, tablets, or smart home devices that already know the network password.
Common signs WPS is enabled
While the admin page is the best source of truth, these signs often indicate WPS support or activation:
- A dedicated WPS button on the router body
- A WPS icon on the front panel
- A WPS option in the web or app interface
- A device setup screen offering “push button” or “PIN” pairing
- A temporary WPS status light during setup
Remember that support and activation are not identical.
A router can support WPS but still have it disabled in settings.
How to check if WPS is enabled on different router types
Different network setups present WPS in different ways.
Traditional standalone routers usually expose the setting in a web dashboard, while mesh systems may omit it entirely.
Cable modem/router combos often hide it under advanced wireless controls.
If you use a business access point or managed network, WPS may be disabled by policy.
In that case, the administrator console rather than the local router page may determine the setting.
For brand-specific instructions, the key is to identify the exact model number, then search the manufacturer’s support documentation for that model and the term WPS.
Quick checklist for confirming WPS status
- Check the router body for a WPS button or icon
- Log in to the admin page or mobile app
- Open wireless, security, or advanced settings
- Find the WPS toggle or status field
- Verify each wireless band if the router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings
- Disable WPS if you do not need it
With these steps, you can quickly determine whether WPS is enabled and decide whether to keep it for convenience or turn it off for a tighter security posture.