If you are setting up a wireless HP printer and your device asks for a WPS PIN it can be confusing if you do not know where to look. The WPS PIN is a security feature used to connect your printer to a Wi-Fi network without needing a long password. It is a quick and secure method of setup but many users are unsure where to find it or how to use it. This guide will explain what the WPS PIN is, how it works and exactly where to locate it on your HP printer.
What Is a WPS PIN?
WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. It is a method that allows devices to connect to a wireless router securely without typing in the full network password. HP printers that support WPS offer two main options. One is the WPS Push Button method and the other is the WPS PIN method. The PIN method requires entering an eight-digit code into your router or computer during the setup process to confirm the connection.
The WPS PIN is not the same as your Wi-Fi password or printer serial number. It is a unique code generated by the printer and is only valid for a short time. Once entered and confirmed the printer connects to your wireless network.
When Do You Need the WPS PIN?
You are most likely to see a request for the WPS PIN when installing your HP printer for the first time using HP Smart software or when adding a new printer to your network. During the wireless setup your computer or device may prompt you to enter the WPS PIN as part of the secure connection process.
This usually happens when the printer is not yet connected to Wi-Fi and you are trying to connect it without using a USB cable or entering the network password manually.
Where to Find the WPS PIN on an HP Printer
The location of the WPS PIN depends on your printer model. On most HP printers the PIN appears on the printer screen when you start the wireless setup process.
To find it go to the printer’s control panel and press the wireless button or navigate to the network settings menu. Select Wi-Fi Protected Setup then choose the option that says WPS PIN. The printer will display an eight-digit code on the screen. This is your WPS PIN.
Write the PIN down or keep the screen active and enter the code into your computer router or HP Smart app when prompted. The printer will then attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi network using the code as verification.
If your printer does not have a display screen the WPS PIN may be printed on a label on the back or underside of the printer. Look for a sticker that says WPS PIN near the serial number or product label. Note that not all printers without a screen support WPS PIN so you may need to use the push button method or connect using USB and install the software manually.
How Long Is the WPS PIN Active?
When the WPS PIN is generated it is usually active for a limited time, often around five to ten minutes. If you do not enter it within that time the setup may fail and you will need to generate a new PIN by repeating the process. Always be ready to complete the setup as soon as the code appears.
If the WPS PIN is accepted your printer should automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network and appear as available on your devices. If it fails check that you entered the code correctly and make sure your router supports WPS connections.
What If You Cannot Find the WPS PIN?
If your printer does not display the WPS PIN or the option does not appear in the wireless settings your model may not support this feature. In that case try using the WPS Push Button method instead. Press the wireless button on the printer then press the WPS button on your router within two minutes to complete the pairing process.
Alternatively you can connect your printer using the HP Smart app. Download the app on your phone or computer and follow the guided setup. It will walk you through connecting the printer to Wi-Fi without requiring a WPS PIN.
If you are still unsure check the user manual for your specific model or visit HP’s official website to look up instructions. Each printer model may have slight variations in how wireless settings are accessed.
Why WPS May Not Be Working
Some routers disable WPS by default due to security settings. If you cannot find a WPS button or WPS PIN entry field on your router it may be turned off in your router settings. Log in to your router’s admin page and check the wireless settings to see if WPS is enabled. If not you may need to connect your printer using the standard method by entering your Wi-Fi network name and password manually.
Also make sure your printer firmware is up to date. Outdated firmware can sometimes cause WPS features to disappear or stop working properly. You can update your printer through the HP Smart app or from the printer’s control panel if it has a display.
Final Thoughts
The WPS PIN is a secure and efficient way to connect your HP printer to a wireless network. Whether you find it on the printer screen or on a label under the device knowing where to look makes the setup process much easier. If WPS is not available or not working there are always other options to get your printer connected. With the right steps your printer will be up and running on your Wi-Fi in no time.