TP-Link Router — WPS Failed Error

What Does This Error Mean?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is the push-button feature that lets you connect a device to Wi-Fi without typing a password. You press the WPS button on the router, then activate WPS on your device within two minutes. When it fails, the two devices did not successfully exchange their connection details in time. This is a minor inconvenience — you can always connect by entering your password instead.

Affected Models

TP-Link Archer Series
TP-Link TL-WR841N
TP-Link TL-WR940N
TP-Link TL-WR1043N
Most TP-Link routers with WPS

Common Causes

The two-minute WPS pairing window timed out before you activated WPS on the device
WPS is disabled in the TP-Link router settings
The device being connected does not support WPS
The router and device are too far apart during the pairing attempt
Another WPS attempt is still in progress from a previous failed try

How to Fix It

Press the WPS button on the back of your TP-Link router and hold it for one second until the WPS LED starts blinking.

The WPS button on most TP-Link routers is on the back, labelled WPS. The LED near it will blink to confirm the pairing mode is active.
Within two minutes, go to Wi-Fi settings on the device you want to connect and look for a WPS option. Tap it to activate pairing.

Have the device ready in hand before pressing the router button. Two minutes goes quickly.
Try moving the device to within a few feet of the router for the pairing attempt. Move away after the connection is established.

Distance and thick walls can prevent the initial WPS handshake from completing successfully.
If WPS keeps failing, log into tplinkwifi.net. Go to Advanced > Wireless > WPS and confirm WPS is enabled.

WPS may have been disabled during a security update or settings change.
As an easier alternative, forget WPS and connect the normal way. Go to Wi-Fi settings on your device, find your network name, and type your password.

Manual connection is fully secure and always works reliably.

When to Call a Professional

WPS failure does not require professional support. If WPS consistently fails, use the standard password connection method as your permanent solution. If you cannot find your Wi-Fi password, log into tplinkwifi.net and view it under Wireless settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TP-Link Deco support WPS?

The TP-Link Deco mesh system does support WPS on some models. Check the Deco app under More > Wi-Fi to see if WPS is available. However, Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) do not support WPS at all. For Apple devices, always use the standard password method.

Is WPS a security risk?

The WPS PIN method has a known security flaw that allows hackers to guess the PIN relatively quickly. If you are concerned about security, disable WPS in your router settings and always connect devices using a strong Wi-Fi password. The push-button WPS method is safer than the PIN method, but disabling WPS entirely is the safest option.

My printer has a WPS button but it still does not connect. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you press the WPS button on your router FIRST, then activate WPS on the printer within two minutes. The router must initiate the pairing window. Check your printer manual for the exact WPS activation steps — the button location and process varies by printer brand and model.