What WPS Is and Why People Disable It
WPS, or Wi-Fi Protected Setup, is a router feature designed to make device pairing easier without manually entering a Wi-Fi password.
The convenience is real, but many home network security guides recommend turning it off because it can create an unnecessary attack surface.
If you are trying to figure out how to turn off WPS on router hardware, the exact menu path varies by brand, but the process is usually simple once you know where to look.
The tricky part is that some routers label the feature differently or separate it from the main wireless settings.
Why Turning Off WPS Improves Security
WPS was created for convenience, especially for printers, smart TVs, and older devices that struggle with password entry.
However, the WPS PIN method has a long history of security weaknesses, and many security professionals prefer to disable WPS entirely unless it is absolutely needed.
Disabling WPS can reduce the chance of unauthorized access attempts against your wireless network.
It also encourages stronger Wi-Fi habits, such as using WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal with a strong passphrase instead of relying on one-button pairing.
- Reduces exposure to WPS PIN-based attacks
- Encourages stronger Wi-Fi authentication methods
- Helps keep guest or home networks more predictable
- May prevent accidental pairing of nearby devices
Before You Start
Before changing router settings, make sure you have the router admin login credentials and a device connected to the network.
A laptop or phone connected over Wi-Fi usually works, but a wired Ethernet connection is more reliable if you are worried about losing access during the change.
It also helps to know your router brand and model.
TP-Link, Netgear, ASUS, D-Link, Linksys, Arris, and Motorola gateways often use different admin interfaces, but the WPS setting is typically under Wireless, Wi-Fi, Advanced, or Security.
How to Turn Off WPS on a Router
The standard method is to log into the router’s admin panel and disable WPS in the wireless settings.
Most routers expose this through a web browser interface, though some newer models also support a companion app.
Step 1: Connect to the router
Connect your computer or phone to the router’s network.
If possible, use a wired connection so you can keep accessing the admin page even if the wireless settings change.
Step 2: Open the router admin page
Enter the router’s local IP address in a browser, such as 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or a branded address printed on the router label.
If you do not know the address, check the gateway sticker, your ISP documentation, or your device’s network details.
Step 3: Sign in
Use the admin username and password.
If you never changed them, they may still be the default credentials listed on the router label or in the manual.
If you already changed them, use your custom admin login.
Step 4: Find the WPS setting
Look under sections such as Wireless, Wi-Fi, Advanced Wireless, Security, or Setup.
WPS may appear as “Wi-Fi Protected Setup,” “Push Button Connect,” “PIN,” or simply “WPS.”
Step 5: Disable WPS
Turn off the WPS toggle or uncheck the enable box.
On some routers, you may need to disable both Push Button and PIN-based WPS separately.
If the router offers both, turn both off for the strongest reduction in exposure.
Step 6: Save and apply changes
Click Save, Apply, or Finish.
Some routers reboot automatically, while others require a manual restart before the change takes effect.
Reconnect devices if needed and confirm that the WPS option no longer appears as active.
Where the WPS Setting Is Usually Hidden
Router interfaces are not standardized, so the WPS toggle may be buried in different menus depending on firmware and ISP customization.
If you cannot find it immediately, search for labels related to wireless pairing, device setup, or security.
- TP-Link: Wireless or Advanced > WPS
- Netgear: Advanced > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings
- ASUS: Wireless > WPS
- Linksys: Wi-Fi Settings or Connectivity
- ISP gateways: Wireless, Security, or Home Network
Some providers lock down certain settings.
If WPS is missing or greyed out, your ISP firmware may manage the option through a separate app or may not allow full control from the local admin page.
How to Turn Off WPS Using a Router App
Many modern routers from brands such as ASUS, TP-Link, Eero, and Netgear can be managed through mobile apps.
The wording may differ, but you will usually find WPS inside Wi-Fi settings, advanced wireless options, or device pairing controls.
Open the app, sign in with the router account, and navigate to your main network settings.
If the app offers a WPS toggle, disable it and save the update.
If no WPS option appears, the router may not support it, or the feature may only be accessible through the browser interface.
What If Your Router Has a Physical WPS Button?
Many routers include a physical WPS button on the back or side panel.
Pressing it briefly may trigger pairing, but that button does not always control whether WPS is enabled in software.
On some models, there is a separate admin setting that must be turned off to fully disable the feature.
If your router only has a WPS button and no visible software option, consult the manual or manufacturer support page.
In some cases, you can disable the button’s function in the admin panel even if the button still exists physically.
How to Verify WPS Is Off
After saving the change, return to the wireless settings and confirm that WPS is shown as disabled.
If there is a router status page, check that no active WPS session is listed.
You can also test by pressing the WPS button on a device such as a printer or extender.
If the router is configured correctly, it should not pair through WPS.
Avoid repeated testing if the router shows a temporary lockout or countdown timer after failed attempts.
Common Problems When Disabling WPS
Some routers revert settings after a firmware update or after a reset to factory defaults.
If WPS reappears later, check for updates in the admin interface and review the wireless settings again after each firmware change.
Another common issue is confusing WPS with Wi-Fi Easy Connect, especially on newer devices.
Easy Connect is different from classic WPS and may be used for onboarding devices through QR codes or modern enrollment methods.
Disabling WPS does not always affect those newer protocols.
- Setting not found: Check Advanced Wireless, Security, or Setup menus
- Option is locked: ISP-managed firmware may limit access
- Change did not stick: Save again and reboot the router
- Devices stopped pairing: Reconnect them with the Wi-Fi password instead
Best Practices After WPS Is Disabled
Once you disable WPS, make sure your Wi-Fi uses a modern security mode.
WPA3 is ideal if all your devices support it; otherwise WPA2-Personal with AES encryption remains a strong and widely compatible choice.
Use a long, unique Wi-Fi password and change the default admin password if you have not already done so.
It is also smart to update router firmware, since vendors like TP-Link, Netgear, ASUS, and Linksys regularly release fixes that improve stability and security.
- Use WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal
- Create a strong, unique Wi-Fi password
- Change default admin credentials
- Install firmware updates from the manufacturer
- Review connected devices periodically
When You Might Keep WPS Enabled
In a small number of cases, WPS can still be useful, such as in a temporary setup for a printer or an older smart device that cannot easily accept a password.
Even then, many users enable it only briefly, complete the pairing, and disable it again afterward.
If you manage a network for guests, children, or shared devices, minimizing optional access methods is usually the safer choice.
In most homes, manual password entry is the better tradeoff between convenience and security.