WPS PIN on a Printer: What It Is and Where to Find It (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother)
Last Updated:Quick answer: a printer's WPS PIN is a temporary 8-digit code the printer generates so it can join your Wi-Fi network without you typing the network password. You find it on the printer's own screen (usually under Wireless > Wi-Fi Protected Setup > PIN) or on a printed network configuration page, then enter it in your router's settings — or in Windows when it asks "Enter the WPS PIN for the printer." It is not printed on a sticker and it is not your Wi-Fi password.
What Is a WPS PIN?
WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a feature built into many routers and printers to make wireless setup easier. It works in two ways:
- Push button (PBC): you press the WPS button on the router, then start WPS on the printer within about two minutes. No code needed.
- PIN method: the printer displays or prints an 8-digit PIN, and you enter that PIN into the router's admin page (or into Windows during setup). This is what people mean by "WPS PIN."
The PIN changes each time you start the process and expires after a short window, so a PIN from yesterday won't work today.
Where Do I Find the WPS PIN on My Printer?
Start the PIN method on the printer and the code appears on screen. Menu names vary by model, but these are the usual paths.
| Brand | Printers with a display | Printers without a display |
|---|---|---|
| HP | Tap the Wireless icon or Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Protected Setup > PIN | Print a network configuration / wireless test report — on many DeskJet and ENVY models, press the Wireless and Information (i) buttons together — and look for the WPS PIN |
| Canon | Setup or Settings > LAN settings > Wireless LAN > Wireless LAN setup > WPS (PIN code method) | Use the push-button method or Canon's setup app instead |
| Epson | Settings > Network Settings > Wi-Fi Setup > PIN Code Setup (WPS) | Print a network status sheet from the button combination in your manual, or use push-button WPS |
| Brother | Settings or Menu > Network > WLAN > WPS w/PIN Code | Use push-button WPS or Brother's setup software |
If you can't find a PIN option, your printer may only support push-button WPS — which is actually easier.
How Do I Connect My Printer Using the WPS PIN?
- Put the printer near the router and turn both on.
- On the printer, start WPS PIN setup. Write down the 8-digit code.
- On a computer connected to your network, open the router's admin page (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, or your router's app).
- Find the WPS section (sometimes under Wireless or Advanced), choose PIN, enter the printer's code and click Connect or Start.
- Wait for the printer's wireless light to go solid, then print a network configuration page to confirm the connection.
- Add the printer on your computer and print a test page.
Why Is Windows Asking for a WPS PIN When I Add My Printer?
When you choose Add device, Windows sometimes finds the printer through Wi-Fi Direct or WPS and asks you to "Enter the WPS PIN for the printer." Look at the printer's display at that moment — the PIN is shown there. If the printer has no screen or nothing appears:
- Cancel, and make sure the printer is already on your Wi-Fi network (use the push-button method or the manufacturer's app).
- Choose Add manually and add the printer by its IP address — see how to find your printer's IP address.
- For HP printers, install the HP Smart app and add the printer from there.
What If My Router Doesn't Have WPS?
Many newer routers ship with WPS turned off, and several mesh systems don't offer it at all. You have three easy alternatives:
- Manufacturer app setup: HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson Smart Panel and Brother Mobile Connect walk you through Wi-Fi setup from a phone.
- Wireless setup wizard on the printer: choose your network name and type the Wi-Fi password on the printer's screen.
- USB or Ethernet: a cable avoids Wi-Fi setup entirely — see our printer USB cable guide.
Our step-by-step guide to connecting a printer to Wi-Fi covers each brand in detail.
Is WPS Safe to Use?
The PIN method has a known security weakness: on some older routers an attacker nearby can guess the PIN by trial and error. The push-button method is safer because it only works for a couple of minutes after you press a physical button. Good practice:
- Prefer push-button WPS, or the app-based setup, when you have a choice.
- Turn WPS off in the router settings after the printer is connected.
- Keep your router's firmware updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WPS PIN on a sticker on my printer?
No. Printers generate the WPS PIN on demand. The code on a router's label is the router's own PIN, which is a different thing.
How many digits is a WPS PIN?
Eight digits on most printers.
Is the WPS PIN the same as my Wi-Fi password?
No. The Wi-Fi password (network key) is set on your router. The WPS PIN is a one-time code that lets the printer join without it.
How long is a WPS PIN valid?
Only for a short window — typically about two minutes. If setup fails, start WPS again on the printer to generate a new PIN.
Where is the WPS button on an HP printer?
Most HP printers don't have a separate WPS button. On button-only models you usually press and hold the Wireless button for a few seconds to start push-button WPS; on touchscreen models, WPS is in the Wireless settings menu.
My printer connected but keeps dropping off Wi-Fi. What now?
See why printers keep going offline and, for HP models, 11 fixes for HP printers not connecting to Wi-Fi.
Can I print from my phone after WPS setup?
Yes — once the printer is on your network, phones can print through AirPrint or Mopria. See printing from a phone.
Keep Printing
Wireless setup done? Make sure you're stocked up. Find the right cartridges for your model on the Find Ink by Printer page, or shop HP, Canon, Epson and Brother ink. Shopping for a new wireless printer instead? Try the PrinterIQ Finder, see our best wireless printers, or browse wireless printers on Amazon.
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