What WPS is and why people disable it
WPS, or Wi-Fi Protected Setup, is a router feature designed to make it easier to connect devices without typing a Wi-Fi password.
It can be convenient, but many network administrators and home users disable it because it adds an extra attack surface to the wireless network.
If you are looking for how to turn off WPS on router settings, the process usually takes only a few minutes once you know where to look.
The exact menu names vary by brand, which is why some routers make this setting easy to find while others hide it under advanced wireless options.
Why disabling WPS improves security
WPS was created to simplify pairing devices such as printers, smart TVs, and older laptops.
The most common versions use either a push-button connection or an eight-digit PIN method.
The PIN method has been criticized for being vulnerable to brute-force attacks on some router models, which is why many security guides recommend turning it off.
Disabling WPS does not affect normal Wi-Fi access.
Your network will still work with a standard WPA2 or WPA3 password, and devices can connect manually using your SSID and Wi-Fi passphrase.
- Reduces risk from WPS PIN attacks
- Limits unauthorized pairing attempts
- Does not break standard Wi-Fi login
- Supports a cleaner security setup with WPA2 or WPA3
How to turn off WPS on router settings
The exact steps depend on your router brand, but the general process is similar across most models from ASUS, TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, D-Link, ARRIS, and many ISP-provided gateways.
1. Connect to your router
Use a phone, laptop, or desktop already connected to the network.
For the most reliable setup, connect with an Ethernet cable if you have one available.
2. Open the router admin page
In a web browser, enter the router’s local address, commonly 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 10.0.0.1.
Some routers use a custom address printed on the label or listed in the user manual.
3. Sign in with admin credentials
Enter the router username and password.
If you never changed them, they may still be the default login printed on the label.
If the credentials were changed and forgotten, you may need to reset the router to regain access.
4. Find the WPS section
Look under wireless settings, Wi-Fi settings, advanced settings, or security.
Common labels include WPS, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, push-button setup, PIN setup, or quick setup.
5. Disable WPS
Turn off the WPS toggle, uncheck the enable box, or set the WPS mode to disabled.
If the router separates push-button and PIN options, disable both if possible.
6. Save and apply the changes
Click Save, Apply, or OK.
Many routers reboot automatically after the change.
Once the router comes back online, WPS should remain disabled.
Brand-specific places to check
If the general settings page does not show WPS immediately, the option is often tucked into a sub-menu.
Router firmware changes over time, so names and locations can vary even within the same brand.
ASUS routers
Check the Wireless or Advanced Wireless section in the ASUSWRT interface.
WPS may appear as a separate tab or as a toggle under wireless settings.
TP-Link routers
Look under Wireless, Advanced, or WPS in the Archer or Deco management interface.
Some TP-Link apps also expose the setting inside the router tools menu.
Netgear routers
Netgear typically places WPS under Wireless Settings or Advanced Setup.
In newer interfaces, it may appear in the router’s web portal or Nighthawk app settings.
Linksys routers
Linksys often lists WPS in the Wi-Fi settings or Connectivity menus.
If you use a Velop mesh system, look in the app’s advanced wireless area.
ISP-provided routers
Internet service providers sometimes customize the interface and rename menus.
If you use a modem-router combo from Comcast Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon, or Cox, the WPS setting may be inside a wireless security or advanced setup page.
What to do if you cannot find the WPS option
Some newer routers ship with WPS disabled by default, especially models focused on security.
Others hide the setting when firmware updates remove support or when the device only allows WPS through the mobile app.
- Search the interface for the word WPS
- Check wireless, security, advanced, and administration menus
- Review the printed quick-start guide or PDF manual
- Update the router firmware if the interface is outdated
- Contact the manufacturer or ISP support if the setting is locked
If the router offers no WPS control at all, that may mean the feature is already disabled or unavailable on that model.
In that case, you may not need to take any further action.
How to confirm WPS is off
After saving your settings, return to the wireless menu and verify that the WPS status shows disabled.
On some routers, the WPS light on the hardware will turn off or stop blinking.
You can also test by pressing the WPS button on the router.
If the feature is disabled, the button may do nothing, or the interface may show that WPS pairing is unavailable.
Best practices after turning off WPS
Turning off WPS is only one part of a stronger home network setup.
A secure Wi-Fi configuration also depends on password quality, encryption type, and admin access control.
- Use WPA3 if available, or WPA2-AES on older devices
- Choose a long, unique Wi-Fi password
- Change the router admin password from the default value
- Keep firmware updated to patch security issues
- Disable remote administration unless you need it
- Review connected devices regularly
If you manage smart home devices, note that some older accessories may have been set up using WPS.
In most cases, they can still connect normally after WPS is disabled, but you may need to reconnect them manually through the device’s app or setup screen.
Common problems people run into
One frequent issue is confusing WPS with Wi-Fi Direct or another pairing feature.
They are not the same, and disabling WPS will usually not affect Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, or guest network access.
Another issue is saving changes without applying them.
Some routers require two steps, such as clicking Apply and then waiting for a reboot.
If the setting appears to revert, revisit the page and confirm the change actually saved.
On managed routers, especially those provided by an ISP, administrator privileges may be limited.
If the WPS option is grayed out or missing, the provider may have locked that feature from the customer interface.
When it makes sense to keep WPS disabled permanently
For most households and small offices, leaving WPS off is the safest choice.
If your network has modern devices, WPA2 or WPA3 support, and a good password policy, there is usually little reason to re-enable it.
Administrators who prioritize security compliance, such as in small business environments, often disable WPS across all access points to reduce the chance of weak pairing methods being used.
This approach is common in environments that also enforce updated router firmware, strong admin credentials, and segmented guest access.