WPS connects some devices to Wi-Fi without typing the password. On Netgear routers, it is most useful for printers, smart devices, and equipment with a WPS button or WPS menu.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Netgear routers with a physical WPS button, including many Nighthawk models. Orbi systems may handle WPS differently in the app or admin page.
Connect with the WPS push button
This is the safest and easiest WPS method when both devices support it.
- Find the WPS button on the Netgear router. It may be on the front, side, or near the Wi-Fi button.
- Press and hold WPS for about 2 seconds until the WPS light blinks.
- Within two minutes, press WPS on the device you want to connect, or choose WPS from its on-screen setup menu.
- Wait 30 to 60 seconds.
- Confirm the router WPS light turns solid or stops blinking and the device shows connected.
- If it fails, start again because the WPS window closes automatically.
Connect with a WPS PIN
Use this only when a device provides an 8-digit PIN and you choose to accept the risk.
- Write down the 8-digit PIN shown on the device.
- Log into routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1.
- Open Advanced > WPS Settings or the closest matching menu.
- Choose PIN as the connection method.
- Enter the PIN and click Apply or Connect.
- Check Attached Devices to confirm it joined.
More control
Avoid the PIN method when possible
WPS PIN has a known brute-force weakness. If the device allows normal password entry or push-button WPS, use that instead.
Disable WPS if you do not use it
In Advanced > WPS Settings, disable the router PIN or WPS entirely. This removes convenience but closes that attack path.
Blinking forever usually means timing or support trouble
Restart the process and confirm the device really supports WPS. Similar-looking buttons are not always WPS buttons.
WPS may be 2.4 GHz only
Many Netgear routers use WPS on 2.4 GHz. If a device needs 5 GHz specifically, connect manually with the Wi-Fi password.
Sources
- Netgear Support – Use WPS to Connect to Your Wi-Fi Network (2025)
- Netgear Support – Wi-Fi Protected Setup Overview (2025)
- FCC Consumer Guide – Wireless Network Troubleshooting (2024)