Where to Find the WPS PIN on an HP Printer
If you're trying to connect your HP printer to a Wi-Fi network using WPS, you've probably hit a moment where the router or setup screen asks for a WPS PIN — and you're not sure where to find it. This isn't always obvious, because HP printers don't display this PIN the same way across every model or firmware version.
Here's what's actually going on, and where to look depending on your specific setup.
What Is a WPS PIN and Why Does It Matter?
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a standard that lets devices join a wireless network without manually entering the full Wi-Fi password. There are two common WPS methods:
- Push Button method — you press a physical or on-screen button on both the router and the printer within a short window
- PIN method — the printer generates an 8-digit PIN that you enter into your router's admin interface to authorize the connection
The WPS PIN is generated by the printer itself, not printed on a label or set in advance. This is an important distinction. It's a dynamic, session-based number — not the same as the printer's serial number or a static network password.
Where to Find the WPS PIN on an HP Printer 🖨️
The location varies depending on whether your printer has a touchscreen display, a small LCD, or no screen at all.
Printers With a Touchscreen or Color Display
Most mid-range and higher-end HP printers — including many OfficeJet Pro, ENVY, and LaserJet Pro models — have a control panel touchscreen. On these:
- Go to Wireless or Network Setup in the printer's Settings menu
- Look for Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or Wireless Setup Wizard
- Select WPS PIN or PIN Method when prompted
- The printer will generate and display an 8-digit PIN on screen
That PIN is only active for a limited time — typically 2 to 4 minutes — so have your router admin page open and ready before you start.
Printers With a Small LCD (Non-Touchscreen)
HP DeskJet and some older OfficeJet models use a basic LCD with physical buttons. Navigation varies, but the general path is:
- Press the Wireless button or navigate to Network settings
- Use the arrow keys to find WPS or Wi-Fi Setup
- Choose PIN Method
- The PIN appears on the LCD display
On smaller screens, the PIN may scroll or require you to read it in segments.
Printers Without a Display (LCD-Free Models)
Some HP printers — especially entry-level DeskJets — have no screen at all. These models typically do not support the WPS PIN method. They may support WPS Push Button instead. On these printers, connecting via WPS means pressing the Wireless button on the printer while activating WPS on your router simultaneously.
If PIN-based WPS is required, you'll likely need to use HP's setup software on a connected computer to complete the wireless configuration, or connect temporarily via USB.
Printing a Wireless Network Test Report
If you're not sure what your printer supports, most HP printers with a wireless radio can print a Network Configuration Page or Wireless Test Report. This report includes:
- Current connection status
- The printer's IP address
- Network name (SSID)
- Sometimes: WPS support status
To print it, look for a Wireless or Information button and hold it for 3 seconds, or find Print Reports in the Settings menu. The exact method varies by model.
The Router Side: Where the PIN Gets Entered
Once you have the PIN from the printer, you enter it into your router's admin interface — not into the printer itself. This usually means:
- Opening a browser and navigating to your router's admin page (commonly
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1) - Logging in with your router credentials
- Finding the WPS section under Wireless Settings
- Selecting WPS PIN and entering the 8-digit code from the printer
Some routers also allow WPS PIN entry through a companion app. The process depends entirely on your router manufacturer and firmware version.
Variables That Affect the Process 🔧
Not every HP printer + router combination handles WPS PIN the same way. Key factors include:
| Variable | How It Affects the Process |
|---|---|
| Printer model and display type | Determines whether PIN method is available at all |
| Firmware version | Newer firmware may change menu layout or WPS options |
| Router brand and admin interface | PIN entry steps differ significantly across brands |
| Router WPS settings | Some routers have WPS disabled by default for security |
| Network security protocol | WPA3-only networks may not support WPS at all |
A Note on WPS and Network Security
WPS — particularly the PIN method — has known security vulnerabilities that have led many router manufacturers to disable it by default or remove it entirely from newer hardware. If your router doesn't offer WPS PIN entry, or if you find the option grayed out, this is often intentional.
In those cases, connecting via Wi-Fi password entry on the printer's control panel, or using the HP Smart app for guided wireless setup, tends to be more reliable and broadly compatible across current hardware configurations.
Whether the WPS PIN method is the right approach for your setup depends on what your specific printer model supports, how your router is configured, and whether your network environment allows WPS at all — details that only become clear once you're looking at your own hardware.