Connecting your HP printer to WiFi is important if you want smooth printing. You can connect the printer to WiFi in different ways, including using the HP Smart app, the printer’s control panel, and the WPS connection. All these methods work well for the wireless setup of an HP printer.
I have been working with printers for a long time, and I’ve helped many people set up their HP printers. In this blog, I’ll share the three best methods for connecting your HP printer to a WiFi network. Here we go!
Using the printer’s control panel is a convenient way to connect it to a wireless network. However, the control panel of your printer may vary for different printer models. Here, I’m sharing the general steps to connect the printer to WiFi.
Before you start, make sure the printer is on and placed close to your WiFi router.
Head to the printer’s control panel, and select Setup or Network Settings.
After that, you have to choose Wireless, and then select WiFi Setup.
Select the Wireless Setup Wizard or LAN Settings from the on-screen options.
The printer will now show a list of available networks. Now, choose your network from the on-screen list.
Enter the password for the WiFi network using the touchscreen or the buttons.
Let the printer connect to the network. When it connects, the wireless light turns solid.
That’s it for connecting your printer to the control panel. Now, you’re ready to start printing through it.
The HP Smart app is the official app of HP printers, which allows you to set up your printer on a device and network easily. Here are the steps to use the app on a WiFi network.
Go to the Microsoft Store on a Windows computer to search for the HP Smart app and download it.
Make sure your computer or smartphone is connected to the wireless network you want the printer to join.
Open the app on your device, and click on “Add a new printer.”
The app will search for the available printers; select your printer’s name from the list, and click Proceed.
Go with the on-screen steps to choose your wireless network and type your password when asked.
The app will find your printer. If the app asks for confirmation, press the information button on the printer.
You can finally click Proceed to start printing with your HP printer.
This method is simple, but it only works if your printer and router support WPS. Hence, check if your wireless router has a WPS push button. This option is also available on printers, but if not, you can use the printer settings. Here are the steps to connect the printer to a WiFi network.
Go to your printer’s control panel, and select Network Setup from the setup menu.
Select Wireless Settings, then select WiFi Protected Setup, and select Push Button.
Locate the WPS button on the router within two minutes.
Tap on Start, and wait for the printer to connect to the wireless network.
When the connection completes, the wireless light turns solid, and that’s how the wireless connection is completed.
It’s possible that your HP printer doesn’t recognize the wireless connection, or the setup doesn’t complete even when you follow all the methods carefully. It occurs due to a poor network connection, technical glitches in the network, or the printer. If your printer is unable to connect to a wireless network, follow these steps to troubleshoot it.
Make sure the printer is plugged in properly and turned on.
Restart your computer, router, and other devices. A restart will help you resolve the connection problem easily.
Ensure that your printer is placed near the wireless router. This helps the printer get a stronger WiFi signal.
Disconnect the printer from the wireless network, and then reconnect it.
Ensure that you have added the correct WiFi password.
By following all these steps, you can troubleshoot the HP printer that isn’t recognizing the wireless network.
Question
If your printer is not connecting to WiFi, it’s possible that the printer isn’t placed close to the router. Additionally, the wireless connection may be weak, which is preventing the printer from recognizing the network.
Question
Yes, you can connect the printer without a password if it supports the WPS option. Thus, check if your printer has settings for WPS connection or if there is a physical button for that. Also, check if your wireless router has a WPS button.
Question
Yes, you must download and install the required drivers when connecting the HP printer to a wireless network. However, in most cases, the computer downloads and installs them automatically. But if it doesn’t install, you can do it manually by visiting HP’s official website.
Source: How Do I Connect My HP Printer to WiFi