Exploring Alternatives to WPS: Connecting New Devices Without a Broken WPS Button

While WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) is a convenient feature for setting up new devices on your WiFi network, there are scenarios where the feature simply doesn’t function as expected. This could be due to a physically broken button or an intentional security measure put in place by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Whatever the reason, rest assured that there are still effective methods to connect new devices. In this article, we will explore some of these alternatives.

Alternative Methods When WPS Isn’t an Option

When the WPS button on your router is broken and you cannot or should not use the WPS function, you can still connect new devices to your network by accessing the router’s web interface through a web browser. This method requires no physical button pressing and allows you to manually initiate the connection process. Here’s how you can do it:

Open your default web browser and enter the router’s IP address in the address bar. The IP address is usually printed on the router or in the user manual. Log in to the router’s web interface using your credentials. This is typically your router’s admin username and password, which are also often printed on the router or provided by your ISP. Navigate to the section for adding or managing devices on the network. This section varies depending on the router model, but it is usually found under 'Wi-Fi' or 'Wireless Settings'. Manually add the new device to the network. You will need to enter the network name (SSID) and the password (pre-shared key) of your WiFi network. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process.

For those in Canada and the United States, this is the primary method to connect new devices since ISPs are required by law to disable the WPS feature on routers due to security concerns. Therefore, you must use an alternative method to connect your devices, such as manually entering the SSID and password.

Disabling WPS: A Security Best Practice

WPS has been found to have significant security vulnerabilities. Therefore, for optimal security, it is recommended to disable WPS on your router entirely. Once you have disabled WPS, you can connect new devices by manually entering the network name (SSID) and password (pre-shared key).

Here’s how you can disable WPS:

Access the router’s web interface through your web browser as described above. Navigate to the 'Wi-Fi' or 'Wireless Settings' section. Look for an option labeled 'WPS' or 'WiFi Protected Setup'. Disable the WPS feature. This is usually done by unchecking a box or selecting a dropdown option. Save the changes and reboot the router if necessary.

After disabling WPS, devices should remember the connection settings and not require manual re-entry of the network name and password. This is particularly useful for devices that are frequently connected to your network, such as smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices.

Option to Show Your Network Name

If your new device cannot find your WiFi network during the connection process, especially for the first time, you can enable a feature that broadcasts the network name (SSID) more prominently. This can be done through your router’s web interface:

Access the router’s web interface. Navigate to the 'Wi-Fi' or 'Wireless Settings' section. Look for an option labeled 'Show SSID' or 'Broadcast SSID'. Enable this feature if it’s currently disabled. Save the changes and reboot the router if necessary.

After enabling this option, your network name will be more visible, making it easier for new devices to detect and connect to your WiFi network.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed several alternative methods for connecting new devices to your WiFi network when the WPS button is broken or not an option. By using your router’s web interface, manually entering the network name and password, and disabling the WPS feature, you can ensure safe and efficient WiFi connectivity for all your devices. These methods are particularly useful in scenarios where the WPS feature is disabled by your ISP due to security concerns.

If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact tech support or refer to your router’s user manual for more detailed instructions specific to your device model.

Keywords: WPS, WiFi Protected Setup, alternative connection methods.