How to Find the WPS PIN on Your Printer

Setting up a wireless printer should be simple — and WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is designed to make it exactly that. But before you can use the WPS PIN method, you need to know where to find that PIN. The answer isn't always obvious, and it varies more than most people expect.

What Is a WPS PIN and Why Does It Matter?

WPS is a wireless networking standard that lets devices join a Wi-Fi network without manually entering a long password. There are two common WPS methods:

• Push Button Connect (PBC): Press a physical or virtual button on the router and device simultaneously.
• PIN method: Enter an 8-digit PIN to authenticate the connection between the printer and the router.

The PIN method is useful when your router doesn't have a physical WPS button, when push-button timing is awkward, or when connecting through a computer's wireless settings rather than directly through the router.

Each printer generates or stores a unique 8-digit WPS PIN that identifies it during the handshake with the router. Without this PIN, the PIN-based connection method won't work.

Where to Find the WPS PIN on Your Printer 🔍

There are several places the WPS PIN might appear, depending on your printer's make, model, and interface type.

1. The Printer's Control Panel or Touchscreen

On printers with an LCD screen or touchscreen display, the WPS PIN is usually accessible through the network or wireless settings menu. A typical navigation path looks something like:

Settings → Wireless Settings → WPS → PIN Method → Display PIN

The exact wording differs by manufacturer. HP printers often use "Wireless Setup Wizard" or "Wi-Fi Protected Setup." Epson models may list it under "Network Settings." Canon printers sometimes place it under "LAN Settings" or "Wireless LAN Setup."

If your printer has a small two-line display rather than a full touchscreen, the menu options will be more condensed, but the WPS PIN is usually still accessible through a network or setup submenu.

2. A Printed Network Configuration Page

Most printers can print a network configuration page (sometimes called a network status sheet or wireless settings report). This document prints a summary of the printer's current network configuration — and on many models, it includes the WPS PIN.

To print this page, look for an option in the printer's settings menu labeled:

• "Print Network Configuration"
• "Print Wireless Test Report"
• "Network Status Sheet"

On some HP and Epson models, you can trigger this report by holding down specific button combinations during startup — check your model's manual for the exact key sequence.

3. A Label on the Printer Itself

Some printers, particularly older or lower-cost models with minimal displays, have the default WPS PIN printed on a sticker attached to the device. Common locations include:

• The bottom of the printer
• Inside the paper tray compartment
• On the back panel near the port connections

This label may also include the printer's serial number, MAC address, and model number. Keep in mind that if the PIN has ever been reset or regenerated through the printer's software, the sticker may no longer reflect the current PIN.

4. The Printer Software or Companion App

Many modern printers come with companion software or mobile apps — such as HP Smart, Epson iPrint, or Canon PRINT — that provide access to device settings, including wireless configuration. Within these apps, there is often a network setup or Wi-Fi setup section where the WPS PIN is displayed or can be generated.

This method is particularly useful if the printer's physical interface is limited or difficult to navigate.

Variables That Affect Where You'll Find the PIN

Not every printer handles WPS the same way, and several factors determine which method applies to your situation:

When the PIN Doesn't Work or Can't Be Found

If you locate what appears to be the WPS PIN but the connection fails, a few things could be happening:

• The PIN was regenerated. Some printers generate a new PIN each time you enter the WPS setup screen. If you navigate away and re-enter, the PIN may have changed.
• Your router doesn't support WPS PIN. Some routers, especially those provided by ISPs or those with security restrictions, have WPS PIN disabled even if push-button WPS is enabled.
• The printer doesn't support PIN-based WPS. Not all WPS-capable printers support both methods. Check the spec sheet or manual to confirm.
• The label PIN is outdated. If the printer has been factory reset or the PIN regenerated through software, the label is no longer accurate.

In these cases, the alternative is to use the push-button WPS method or connect the printer manually using your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.

How Printer Setup Type Changes the Experience 🖨️

The experience of finding and using a WPS PIN looks meaningfully different depending on your setup:

• A home user with a modern all-in-one printer and a touchscreen will find the PIN through an on-screen menu in a couple of taps.
• A small office user with an older laser printer and minimal interface may need to print a network configuration page or find the PIN on a label.
• A user setting up through a mobile app on a manufacturer-specific platform may never interact with a physical menu at all.
• A user with a basic inkjet and no display is most likely to rely on the sticker label — if PIN-based WPS is supported at all.

The right path to finding your WPS PIN depends on exactly which printer model you have, what interface it exposes, and how your router handles WPS authentication — all of which are specific to your own hardware combination.