Where to Find the WPS PIN on Your Printer
Setting up a wireless printer should be simple — and with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), it usually is. But before that process can work, you often need a WPS PIN, and finding it isn't always obvious. The location varies depending on your printer brand, model, and how its software is configured. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a WPS PIN and Why Does It Matter?
WPS is a wireless networking standard designed to simplify connecting devices to a Wi-Fi router without manually entering a long password. There are two main WPS methods:
- Push Button Connect (PBC): You press a physical button on both the router and the printer within a short window.
- PIN Method: A unique numeric code (usually 8 digits) generated by the printer is entered into your router's admin interface to authorize the connection.
The PIN method is often used when a printer doesn't have a physical WPS button, or when your router requires it for security reasons. Some routers disable the push-button method by default, making the PIN the only option.
Where the WPS PIN Actually Lives 🖨️
There's no single universal location — it depends on the printer. Here are the most common places to look:
1. The Printer's Control Panel or Touchscreen
Most modern printers with a display screen allow you to generate or view a WPS PIN directly through the menu:
- Navigate to Settings or Network Settings
- Look for Wireless Setup, Wi-Fi Setup, or WPS
- Select WPS PIN Mode or PIN Method
Once selected, the printer will display an 8-digit PIN on the screen, usually valid for a limited time (often 2–4 minutes).
2. A Configuration or Network Info Page (Printed)
If your printer doesn't have a screen, or you prefer a printed reference, many printers can print a Network Configuration Page or Wireless Test Report. This page often includes:
- Current network status
- MAC address
- In some cases, a WPS PIN
To print this page, check your printer's manual or look for a button combination (often holding the Wireless or Wi-Fi button for several seconds triggers a test page).
3. A Label on the Printer Itself
Some printer models — particularly entry-level inkjet or laser printers — have a sticker on the bottom or back that includes a default WPS PIN. This is less common than with routers, but worth checking, especially on HP, Canon, and Epson budget models.
4. The Printer Software or App
If your printer is already partially connected or connected via USB, the manufacturer's software installed on your computer may display network settings including the WPS PIN:
- HP: HP Smart app or HP Printer Assistant
- Canon: Canon PRINT app or IJ Network Tool
- Epson: Epson Connect or Epson iPrint
- Brother: Brother iPrint&Scan or BRAdmin tools
These apps often have a Network or Wireless Settings section where a WPS PIN can be retrieved or generated.
WPS PIN vs. Router PIN — Don't Confuse the Two
This is a common source of confusion. There are actually two WPS PINs in a typical setup:
| PIN Type | Where It Comes From | Where You Enter It |
|---|---|---|
| Printer PIN | Generated by the printer | Entered into the router's admin page |
| Router PIN | Set on the router | Entered into the printer's setup screen |
When setting up a printer using the PIN method, you're typically entering the printer's PIN into your router's web interface (usually accessed via a browser at an address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Make sure you're looking at the right PIN for the direction you're connecting.
Why You Might Not See a WPS PIN Option
Not every printer supports the WPS PIN method, and even those that do may hide the option depending on firmware version or regional settings. A few reasons the option might not appear:
- Older firmware: Some printers require a firmware update to enable WPS PIN mode
- Router compatibility: Certain enterprise or ISP-provided routers have WPS PIN disabled at the hardware level
- Security settings: WPS PIN has known vulnerabilities (particularly the router-side PIN), so some setups have it disabled by default
- Printer model limitations: Entry-level models may only support push-button WPS, not PIN mode
The Variables That Determine Your Experience 🔍
Where and how you access the WPS PIN depends on several factors specific to your setup:
- Printer brand and model: HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, and Lexmark all structure their menus differently
- Whether the printer has a display screen: No screen means no on-screen PIN — you'll need to print a config page or use the app
- Your router's WPS settings: If WPS is disabled on the router side, the PIN won't help regardless of where you find it
- Operating system: The companion app experience differs between Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Firmware version: Older firmware may not expose the PIN method in the menu at all
Some users will find the PIN in three taps on a touchscreen. Others will need to dig through a router admin panel, update firmware, or switch to a different connection method entirely. The right path depends on the exact printer model you have and how your home or office network is configured.