If you're connecting your HP printer to a wireless network, you may see a message saying that the WPS PIN has expired. This can be confusing, especially if you were in the middle of setting up your printer. Fortunately, this is a normal part of the WPS process and does not mean there is something wrong with your printer.

A WPS PIN is a temporary security code that helps your HP printer connect safely to a Wi-Fi network. For security reasons, the PIN is only valid for a short time. If it is not used before it expires, you simply need to generate a new one.

What Is a WPS PIN?

WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

The WPS PIN is a temporary code generated by your HP printer to create a secure connection with your wireless router.

It is different from your Wi-Fi password and is only used during the wireless setup process.

Why Does the WPS PIN Expire?

The WPS PIN expires to protect your wireless network.

Since it is a temporary security code, HP printers automatically create a new PIN each time you start the WPS setup.

If you wait too long before entering the PIN into your router or computer, it becomes invalid.

How to Generate a New WPS PIN

• Generating a new PIN is simple.

• Open the Wireless, Network, or Wi-Fi Settings menu on your HP printer.

• Select Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).

• Choose the PIN option.

• The printer will immediately display a new temporary WPS PIN.

• Use this new PIN to complete the wireless setup.

Restart the WPS Setup

• If the expired PIN message continues to appear, cancel the current setup.

• Start the WPS setup again.

• Each new setup session creates a fresh WPS PIN.

Restart the Printer

• Temporary software issues can sometimes prevent the printer from generating a new PIN.

• Turn off your HP printer.

• Wait a short time before turning it back on.

• After restarting, begin the WPS setup again.

Restart Your Wi-Fi Router

• A router that is experiencing communication problems may not accept the new WPS PIN.

• Restart your router and wait until the wireless network is fully available.

• Then repeat the printer setup.

Check Whether Your Router Supports WPS

• Not every router supports the WPS PIN method.

• Review your router settings to confirm that WPS is enabled.

• If WPS is unavailable, you can usually connect the printer manually by entering your Wi-Fi network name and password.

Update the Printer Driver

• An outdated printer driver can interfere with wireless setup.

• Install the latest driver for your HP printer model and operating system.

• Restart your computer after completing the installation.

Update the Printer Firmware

• Firmware updates improve wireless performance and fix known software issues.

• Keeping your printer firmware updated helps prevent connection problems during setup.

Use the HP Smart App

• If generating a new WPS PIN does not solve the problem, try connecting your printer using the HP Smart app.

• The app provides an alternative setup method and may simplify the connection process.

Print a Test Page

• After connecting your printer to Wi-Fi, print a test page.

• A successful print confirms that the wireless setup has been completed correctly.

Common Reasons the WPS PIN Does Not Work

If the new PIN still does not work, one of these issues may be responsible:

• The PIN expired before it was entered.

• WPS setup was interrupted.

• The router does not support WPS.

• WPS is disabled on the router.

• Incorrect wireless settings.

• Outdated printer driver.

• Outdated printer firmware.

• Weak Wi-Fi signal.

• Temporary software issues.

• Printer connected to another network.

• Network communication problems.

• Router configuration errors.

Checking these possible causes can help you complete the setup successfully.

Tips to Avoid WPS PIN Problems

These simple tips can make future wireless setups easier.

• Enter the WPS PIN immediately after it appears.

• Keep the printer close to the router during setup.

• Update the printer driver regularly.

• Install firmware updates whenever available.

• Verify that WPS is enabled on your router.

• Restart the printer before repeating the setup.

• Avoid interrupting the wireless setup process.

• Print a test page after connecting.

These habits help maintain a reliable wireless connection.

FAQs

Why did my HP printer WPS PIN expire?

The WPS PIN is designed to be temporary for security reasons. If it is not used within a short time, it automatically expires.

How do I generate a new WPS PIN?

Start the WPS setup again from your printer's wireless settings. A new temporary PIN will be generated automatically.

Can I reuse an expired WPS PIN?

No. Once a WPS PIN expires, it cannot be used again. You must generate a new one.

What if my router does not support WPS?

You can manually connect your HP printer by selecting your Wi-Fi network and entering the correct wireless password.

Should I update my printer before reconnecting it?

Yes. Updating the printer driver and firmware improves compatibility and helps prevent wireless setup issues.

What should I do if a new WPS PIN still doesn't work?

Restart the printer and router, generate another WPS PIN, verify that WPS is enabled on the router, update the printer software, and try the setup again. If the issue continues, additional troubleshooting may be required.

Conclusion

An expired WPS PIN is a normal security feature and does not indicate a problem with your HP printer. Since the PIN is temporary, you can generate a new one by restarting the WPS setup from the printer's wireless settings.

By entering the new PIN promptly, updating the printer driver and firmware, and confirming that your router supports WPS, you can complete the wireless setup quickly and restore your printer connection.