WPS Button On Verizon Fios Router – How to Use It

You might have come across a WPS button on your Verizon Fios router during setup or elsewhere. While it isn’t a central feature, you may want to know what it is. After all, Verizon Fios won’t place the button on the router if it isn’t useful, right? In this guide, I have explained what the WPS button on Verizon Fios router does and how you can use it.

What is WPS, and Why is it Important?

We will start with the basics.

What is WPS?

WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, and it is an easier way to connect devices to a Wi-Fi network. It lets devices connect to a network without entering the Wi-Fi password (network security key). Instead, a device can use the WPS button or a PIN.

Importance of WPS for Verizon Router

For Verizon routers and other routers, the WPS button is crucial in enabling a quick network connection. As I said, you don’t need to enter the Wi-Fi password. Instead, you can press the WPS button on both devices to pair them.

This option becomes a necessity when connecting devices like printers and scanners. These devices may not have a graphical interface where you can enter a Wi-Fi password. So, it is convenient when you can press a button and get everything working.

Thus, if you have a Verizon router with WPS support, you can get started by finding the WPS button.

How to Find the WPS Button on Verizon Routers

Since there are different Verizon routers, the steps to find the WPS button can differ a little.

Locating the WPS Button on Different Verizon Models

On Verizon routers like CR1000A, Verizon 5G, Verizon 3.1, and Verizon CR1000B, you can find the WPS button on the back panel of the device. You can find the button mostly on top of the LAN/WAN ports.

On some other models, like Verizon G3100, Fios 3.1, and Quantum Gateway, you can find the WPS button on the front side of the router.

On Verizon router models like MI424WR, MI424WR Rev G, and MI424WR Rev I, the WPS button is placed on the front panel. You can locate it next to the status light LEDs.

Lastly, models in the Verizon Internet Gateway lineup have a different layout for the WPS button. In the case of Verizon ARC-XCI55AX and ASK-NCQ1338, you can find the WPS button on the back of the router.

Identifying the WPS Button: Symbols and Characteristics

By the way, you might also have a Verizon router that is different from the ones we have mentioned. In that case, you can look for the WPS symbol. Most WPS buttons will have the WPS symbol next to them.

You can always look for the WPS symbol or a variation of the device. The button next to this symbol will help you set up a connection using WPS.

How to Enable WPS on a Verizon Fios Router

Though WPS is an easy way to set up a Wi-Fi connection, it has its share of limitations. As a result, many routers may not have enabled WPS by default.

It means you have to manually enable WPS on a Verizon Fios router at times.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling WPS

You can follow these steps to enable WPS on a Verizon Fios router.

1. First, find the default router IP address of the Verizon Fios router and open it using a web browser. It could be something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
2. Once you find the page, log in to the router dashboard using the credentials.
3. Navigate to the Advanced Tab and go to Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Protected Setup
4. On the upcoming page, make sure you select WPS Enabled.

Your Verizon Fios router may restart once to make this feature active. During this period, you may not have internet access, either. However, after this point, you can use the WPS button to connect devices to the Wi-Fi network.

Note: Due to security concerns, using a PIN-based entry through WPS is not a good idea. Therefore, when you enable WPS for connection, you should go for the button-based entry.

Troubleshooting WPS Setup Issues

Sometimes, you may have trouble enabling WPS on the Verizon Fios router. Fortunately, you can solve the problem through some simple troubleshooting steps.

1. It could very well be a temporary issue that a reboot can solve. So, if you cannot set up WPS on your Verizon router, you should reboot the device.
2. Sometimes, firmware issues can also prevent your Verizon router from enabling the WPS option. So, make sure you update the router firmware to the latest available version.
3. Some modern routers may turn off WPS setup altogether due to security concerns. It could happen when the security policy for the router is already high.

Using WPS to Connect Devices

Let’s now see how you can use WPS to connect devices to the Wi-Fi network. The process is slightly different based on whether the device has a WPS button.

How to Use the WPS Button for Device Connections

Using the WPS button to connect a device to the network involves a few steps. They are:

1. Locate the WPS button on the Verizon router and press and hold it for 2-5 seconds.
2. When the light starts blinking blue, it means the router has entered the Pairing Mode.
3. Once the router is in pairing mode, you can either press the WPS button on the other device.
4. The router will now flash blue, indicating that the device is attempting a connection via WPS.
5. In a few seconds, you will see a solid blue color, followed by a solid white color.

This means that the device has connected to the Wi-Fi network successfully. As I said, you don’t have to enter the network password during this process.

By the way, you can use the WPS button when you want to connect a computer/smartphone to the network as well. When you connect to the network and are asked to enter the password, you can instead press the WPS button.

Best Practices for Using WPS

As I said, WPS is an old protocol and comes with its share of security concerns. Therefore, to keep yourself safe when connected, you must follow some practices while using WPS.

Ensuring Security When Using WPS

You must ensure the best level of security while using WPS. The Wi-Fi connection must have a secure, unique, and unguessable password. It is also essential to go for the WPA3 network security key. You must also swap the default Wi-Fi SSID for something unique.

Situations Where WPS is Most Useful

WPS is most useful when you have a device on which you cannot enter a Wi-Fi password. So, unless a situation arises, it is better to use the password-based method. Doing so can prevent your connection from security attacks.

Updating Firmware for Better WPS Security

Because WPS remains a security concern, router manufacturers roll out consistent upgrades. Therefore, you must update the router firmware to the latest available version. Given that you stick to the WPS button for connection, this practice should keep you relatively safer.

Conclusion

I hope this guide cleared all your doubts about using the WPS button on a Verizon Fios router. I’ve tried my best to cover the steps for different Verizon routers. But if you still can’t find an option, you can refer to the router package/user manual. But always keep in mind that WPS is a double-edged sword. While it offers lots of convenience, you must take preemptive security steps.