WPS, or Wi-Fi Protected Setup, connects a printer to Wi-Fi by pressing a router button and starting the matching option on the printer. It avoids typing the Wi-Fi password on a tiny printer screen, but both the router and printer must support it.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide if your printer has a WPS option and your router has a WPS button or app setting. If your router does not offer WPS, use the normal wireless setup wizard instead.
Pair using the WPS button
Once started, the connection window usually lasts about two minutes.
- Find the WPS button on the router. Check the manual if it is combined with another Wi-Fi button.
- On the printer, open Wi-Fi or Network Settings and choose WPS, WPS Push Button, or Wireless Setup Wizard > WPS.
- Start WPS on the printer so it waits for the router.
- Press or hold the router WPS button for the required time.
- Wait for the printer success message or solid Wi-Fi status.
- If it times out, move the printer closer to the router and try again.
More control
No WPS button
Many newer mesh and ISP routers do not include WPS because of security concerns. Use the printer normal Wi-Fi setup wizard and enter the password manually.
Repeated timeouts
Timing and distance are the usual causes. Try starting the router and printer WPS steps within a few seconds of each other and keep the printer near the router during pairing.
Check 2.4GHz support
Most printers use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. If the router WPS is tied to a 5GHz-only network, pairing can fail.
Add the printer afterward
WPS only joins the printer to the router. You still need to add the printer on each computer or phone.
Sources
- Wi-Fi Alliance – Wi-Fi Protected Setup Overview (2025)
- HP Support – Connect an HP Printer Using the WPS Button (2025)
- Canon Support – Connecting via WPS Push Button Method (2025)