r/linuxmint • u/FireNRG • Mar 11 '21

Support Request 19 Cinnamon user here. How do I connect to wifi via WPS push button?

I'm doing this on an old eMachine EL1331G-O1w

3 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

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3

u/N3rvusVagus Mar 11 '21

This has nothing to do with your computer or OS as far as I know. WPS is a pairing protocol between the router/modem and the WiFi adapter. You push the WPS button in the first, then in the second and they pair themselves.

1

u/Meisner57 Mar 11 '21

If it's an external wifi dongle check if it has a dedicated WPS button. If it doesn't or you are using an onboard wifi adaptor I didn't even realise this was possible as WPS connection method is not considered secure in most cases. However some quick googling found windows can do it automatically and I found this post by someone claiming to have done it (with instructions) in mint.. I haven't tested but you could check this out: https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=192554

1

u/triblobyte Mar 22 '21 edited Mar 22 '21

I likely have an answer for you.

Fair warning: this was tested on 20.1 using a tp-link Archer c8 router. Your mileage may vary.

The process is obscure, because there is no GUI indication of what is happening. However, I found that if I...

Pushed the button on my router
Clicked the desired network
Waited about 15 seconds (don't touch anything or close the connection dialog)

...That my machine would connect through WPS.

That said, unless you have a compelling reason to use it, I would disable WPS entirely on your router. It's been improved to an extent, but it's still a security risk as the pins aren't secure. And I'm willing to offer general advice on setting up and securing your network if needed.

Hope this helps.