Your WPS PIN is a four- to eight-digit code printed on your printer or shown in its settings menu

The WPS PIN (Wi-Fi Protected Setup Personal Identification Number) is a security code that lets you connect devices to your printer's wireless network without typing your full Wi-Fi password. It is not the same as your Wi-Fi password. Most printers generate this code automatically and display it somewhere physical — either on a sticker, in the printer's display screen, or in the settings you access through buttons on the machine itself.

You need the WPS PIN only if you are using WPS to connect a device. Many people connect printers to Wi-Fi without ever using WPS, so you may never need this code. But if you are setting up a new device and the printer or your router offers a WPS option, knowing where to find this PIN saves you from having to dig through manuals or contact support.

Key Takeaways

  • The WPS PIN is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your printer, or visible on the printer's built-in screen.
  • If you cannot find a physical PIN, you can access it through the printer's menu — look for "Network Settings," "Wi-Fi," or "WPS" in the settings.
  • The PIN is different from your Wi-Fi password and is only used during the WPS connection process, not for everyday printing.
  • If your printer does not show a PIN anywhere, it may not support WPS, or the PIN may have been disabled in the settings.

Check the printer's physical stickers and labels

The easiest place to find your WPS PIN is on the printer itself. Look on the back panel, bottom, or inside the access door where you load paper. Many manufacturers print a sticker with the PIN, Wi-Fi network name, and other network details in one spot. The PIN is usually labeled as "WPS PIN," "PIN," or sometimes "Security PIN."

If your printer has a small built-in touchscreen or display panel on the front, the WPS PIN may be shown there instead of on a sticker. Check the screen when the printer is powered on — it may display network information by default, or you may need to navigate to a settings menu to see it.

Find the PIN through the printer's menu settings

If you cannot locate a physical sticker or the screen does not show the PIN, you can access it through the printer's control panel. The exact path depends on your printer brand, but the general steps are similar across most models.

On most printers, press the Menu, Settings, or Home button on the control panel. Look for an option labeled "Network," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless," or "Setup." From there, find "WPS" or "Network Security." The PIN should appear on the screen. Write it down or take a photo — you will need it when you set up a new device to connect to the printer.

If your printer does not have a touchscreen, it may have a small LCD display with arrow buttons. Use the arrows to scroll through menus until you find the network or WPS section. The process is slower but follows the same logic.

Check your printer's manual or support page

If the PIN is not on the printer and you cannot find it in the settings, the manual for your specific model will show you where to look. Search online for your printer's model number (usually on the back or bottom of the machine) plus "WPS PIN" or "network settings."

Most manufacturers — HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, Xerox — have support pages that walk through finding network information step by step. You can also contact the manufacturer's support line with your model number, and they can tell you whether your printer supports WPS and where the PIN is stored.

What to do if your printer does not have a WPS PIN

Not all printers support WPS. Older models and some budget printers may not have this feature at all. If you have searched the physical printer, checked the menu, and reviewed the manual without finding a PIN, your printer likely does not use WPS.

This is not a problem. You can still connect your printer to Wi-Fi using the standard method: go to your printer's network settings, select your Wi-Fi network name from the list, and enter your Wi-Fi password. This method works on every printer with wireless capability and is actually more common than using WPS. WPS is straightforward an alternative that skips the password step — it is not required.

Understanding when you actually need the WPS PIN

The WPS PIN is only used during the initial connection of a new device to your printer. Once a device is connected, you do not need the PIN again. You use it when your router or printer offers a "WPS" button or option during setup, which is optional.

If you are connecting a phone, computer, or tablet to your printer for the first time, you will be asked whether you want to use WPS or enter your Wi-Fi password manually. Choosing WPS will prompt you for the PIN. Choosing the manual method will ask for your Wi-Fi password instead. Both work — WPS is just faster if you have the PIN handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset or change my printer's WPS PIN?

Most printers generate the WPS PIN automatically and do not allow you to change it. If you want a different PIN, you may be able to disable WPS entirely in the network settings and re-enable it, which sometimes generates a new code. Check your printer's manual for the exact steps, as this varies by brand.

Is the WPS PIN the same as my Wi-Fi password?

No. The WPS PIN is a separate code used only for the WPS connection method. Your Wi-Fi password is what you enter when connecting to your network normally. You need only one of them, depending on which connection method you choose.

What if I lost the sticker with the PIN on it?

Access the PIN through your printer's menu settings following the steps above. If you cannot navigate the menu, contact your printer manufacturer's support with your model number, and they will help you locate or reset the PIN.

Do I need WPS to print from my phone or computer?

No. WPS is optional. You can connect any device to your printer by selecting your Wi-Fi network and entering your Wi-Fi password instead. WPS is straightforward a faster alternative if you have the PIN available.