You’re in the middle of connecting your new HP printer to your Wi-Fi when your computer or router suddenly asks you to enter a “WPS PIN.” This can be a confusing moment, leaving you searching the printer’s box and body for a password that isn’t there.
Let’s clear this up: The WPS PIN is not a permanent password on a sticker.
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a method for connecting devices to your Wi-Fi network without needing to type your long, complex Wi-Fi password. The PIN is a temporary, 8-digit code that your printer generates for you when you start the connection process.
This is just one of several ways to get your printer online. For a complete overview, you can review our HP printer set up guide. For now, let’s look at the easier WPS method, and then show you exactly how to find that PIN.
The Easier Way – Use the “Push Button” Method
Before you hunt for a PIN, check if your router has a “WPS” button. This is a much simpler and faster way to connect. It’s called WPS-PBC, or “Push Button Configuration.”
- On your printer’s control panel, go to Network Settings > Wi-Fi Protected Setup. This may also be under a Wi-Fi or Wireless icon.
- Select the “Push Button” option.
- Your printer’s screen will now say “Press the WPS button on your router” or something similar. You have about two minutes to complete the next step.
- Go to your Wi-Fi router and press the physical WPS button. It often has an icon of two circling arrows.
- Wait a moment. The printer and router will find each other and connect automatically. No PIN is needed.
How to Find Your HP Printer’s WPS PIN
If your router doesn’t have a WPS button or your computer is specifically asking for the PIN, here is how to get your printer to generate one.
- On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the Network menu. This might be under Settings, Wireless, or by tapping the Wi-Fi icon.
- Find and select “Wi-Fi Protected Setup.”
- This time, select the “PIN” method.
- The printer will generate a new 8-digit PIN and display it on its screen.
- This PIN is temporary and only active for a few minutes. You must now go to your computer or your router’s administration settings, usually by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser.
- Find the “WPS,” “Add Device,” or “PIN” section in your router’s settings. Enter the 8-digit PIN from your printer’s screen to authorize the connection.
What If My HP Printer Has No Screen?
If your printer, like many DeskJet or Envy models, doesn’t have an LCD screen, it will print the PIN for you.
- Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on your printer for 3-5 seconds. On some models, you may need to press and hold the Wi-Fi and Cancel (X) buttons at the same time.
- The printer will print a network configuration page or a wireless test report.
- Look on this printed page for the “WPS PIN.” It will be an 8-digit number.
- You now have a few minutes to enter this PIN into your computer’s connection prompt or your router’s settings page, as described in the previous section.
WPS PIN vs. Other Printer Passwords
It’s very easy to confuse the different PINs and passwords associated with your printer.
- WPS PIN: A temporary 8-digit code generated by the printer to join your router.
- Wi-Fi Password (WPA Key): Your main network password. This is what you normally use to connect your phone, laptop, or any other device to your Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi Direct PIN: A password, often “12345678” or displayed on the printer’s screen, used to connect your phone directly to the printer’s own Wi-Fi signal, bypassing your router.
- Printer Admin PIN: A separate, static PIN, often found on a sticker inside the scanner lid or cartridge access door, used to access the printer’s advanced web settings.
Because of all this confusion, the HP Smart App is now the recommended setup method, as it handles the Wi-Fi connection for you automatically. If you’re having trouble with it, see our troubleshooting the HP App guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It's not on a sticker. The WPS PIN is a temporary, 8-digit code that your printer generates when you try to connect using the WPS-PIN method. Follow the steps in this guide to make your printer show or print the PIN. Note: The PIN inside the lid is for admin settings, not WPS.
First, try the easier "Push Button" method described above. If you must use the PIN, go to your printer's control panel, then Network Settings > WPS, and select the "PIN" option. The printer will display an 8-digit PIN for you to type into your router's settings page.
The WPS PIN expires very quickly, usually in 2-5 minutes. You likely ran out of time. Go back to your printer, generate a new PIN, and be ready to enter it immediately. If it keeps failing, use the "Push Button" method or the HP Smart App instead.
No. The WPS PIN is a temporary code used to "introduce" your printer to your router so you don't have to type your long, permanent Wi-Fi password.
The WPS PIN is a temporary code generated by your printer, not a static password you have to find. The WPS Push Button method is almost always faster and more reliable.
For the most modern and straightforward setup, we recommend using the HP Smart App, which bypasses WPS entirely. Using outdated or unsecured connection methods can be a vulnerability, which is why it's always important to keep your printer secure. You can read more in our printer risks guide.
For the exact menu path on your specific model, always refer to the official HP user manuals and support documentation.