What WPS is and why people turn it off
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a shortcut for joining a WiFi network without typing the password. It comes in two common forms: a push button (press a button on the router and on the device) and a PIN (an eight-digit number entered on one side). Printers, extenders and some smart devices often offer it.
The PIN method has a known weakness: it can be attacked by repeatedly guessing PINs, and routers that do not limit attempts are more exposed. Many routers, Netgear’s included, add protections such as temporarily locking out PIN attempts after repeated failures. Because of this history, security guides commonly suggest turning WPS off if you do not use it.
Is it a good idea to disable WPS?
It is a reasonable precaution if you never use WPS, particularly the PIN method. Others point out that an attacker has to be within WiFi range, and that a strong WiFi password and up-to-date firmware matter more. Both views have some merit. If you rely on WPS to connect devices, you can switch it on briefly when needed and off afterward, or skip it and type the password.
Steps to disable the WPS PIN
The exact menus vary by model and firmware version. This follows the pattern described in Netgear’s support documentation for Nighthawk-style routers.
- Connect to the router by WiFi or Ethernet.
- Open a browser and go to routerlogin.net (or routerlogin.com). You can also type the router’s IP address.
- Sign in with the router admin username and password. If you never changed them, check Netgear’s documentation or the router label for the defaults. If you have changed them and forgotten them, you may need to use password recovery or a factory reset. See Netgear password recovery not working if the recovery route fails, or where to find your router password and login.
- Select Advanced, then Advanced Setup, then Wireless Settings.
- Find the WPS settings or router PIN area.
- Select Disable Router’s PIN (the label can differ by firmware).
- Click Apply.
Note that Netgear describes the PIN as something the router may also disable by itself temporarily if it sees suspicious attempts. The checkbox lets you disable it manually.
If you cannot find the option
Some newer Netgear models and firmware versions, including some Nighthawk models, do not show a full on/off switch for WPS, or the setting seems greyed out. Possible things to try:
- Check Advanced > Setup > Wireless Settings and other wireless menus, because the layout changes between models.
- Look in the Netgear Nighthawk or Orbi app if you manage the router that way.
- Update the router firmware, then check again.
- On some models, features such as Smart Connect can affect which wireless options are editable. Users have reported that turning Smart Connect off made WPS options changeable, but this varies by model, so note your settings before changing anything.
- Check your model’s support page or manual for how it handles WPS.
If there is no option at all, the practical fallback is a long, unique WiFi password, current WPA2 or WPA3 security and regular firmware updates. If WPS is a deciding factor in your security setup, you could also consider a router that lets you turn it off.
Where is the WPS button on a Netgear?
On many Netgear routers the WPS button is on the front, side or back, often marked with the WPS symbol of two arrows in a circle. Some routers share the function with another button or a light. Check your model’s quick start guide to be sure. Disabling the PIN in settings does not necessarily disable a physical button, so this depends on the model.
Connect a device or extender without WPS
You do not need WPS to join most devices:
- Phones, laptops and TVs: choose your network and type the WiFi password.
- Extenders: many Netgear extenders can be set up through a web setup page or app by selecting your WiFi network and entering the password. Follow the extender’s own setup guide.
- Printers and smart devices: use the device’s own app or display to enter the WiFi name and password.
To set up an extender, you may need to be near the router during setup.
Other ways to keep the network secure
- Change the default admin password.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 and a long WiFi password.
- Check the device list for anything you do not recognize, and remove or block it. See how to remove devices from a Linksys router for the idea, even though that guide is Linksys-specific.
- Review what your router records with our guide to router logs.
FAQ
Will disabling WPS break my WiFi? Devices already connected normally keep working, since they use the WiFi password. Only new connections that rely on WPS are affected.
Do I need to turn WPS back on later? Only if you want to use it again. You can re-enable it using the same menu if your model allows it.