How to Connect an HP Printer to Wi-Fi Using WPS? 

Wireless printing lets you use your HP printer from a desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet without connecting a USB cable. Wi-Fi Protected Setup, commonly called WPS, provides a convenient way to connect the printer to a compatible wireless router without entering the Wi-Fi password manually.

WPS can make the wireless setup process faster and easier. However, connection attempts may sometimes fail because of a weak signal, incorrect network configuration, disabled WPS, outdated software, or compatibility problems. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with a few basic checks.

What Does WPS Mean?

WPS means Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

It is a wireless networking feature designed to help compatible devices join a Wi-Fi network with minimal configuration.

Depending on your equipment, you can connect through the WPS button on the router or by using a temporary WPS PIN provided by the printer.

Confirm That Your Router Has WPS

• Check your wireless router before beginning the setup.

• Look for a physical WPS button or a WPS option within the router’s configuration page.

• If WPS is unavailable, use the regular wireless setup procedure provided for your HP printer.

Get Your HP Printer Ready

• Switch on the HP printer and wait until it is ready.

• Move the printer closer to the router while completing the wireless connection.

• If the printer was previously configured for another Wi-Fi network, clear its wireless settings before starting a new setup.

Use the WPS Push-Button Option

• The push-button approach is generally the simplest WPS connection method.

• Press the WPS button on your wireless router.

• Within the specified connection period, activate WPS from the wireless menu on your HP printer.

• The printer will scan for the compatible router and attempt to establish a connection.

• Wait for the printer to indicate that the wireless setup has finished.

Connect With a WPS PIN

• Certain HP printer models provide a WPS PIN connection option.

• Open the wireless or network menu on the printer and select the WPS setup feature.

• A temporary PIN should appear on the printer display.

• Enter that PIN when your router requests it.

• After successful verification, the printer should join the wireless network.

Confirm the Wireless Connection

• Check that the printer has joined the intended Wi-Fi network.

• Look at the printer display for a wireless icon or connection notification if available.

• A reliable network connection is important for consistent wireless printing.

Install or Update the Printer Driver

• Obtain the appropriate driver for your specific HP printer model and operating system.

• A current driver allows your computer to communicate correctly with the printer and can improve compatibility.

• Restart the computer if the driver installation requires it.

Add the Printer on Your Computer

• Open the printer section in your computer’s system settings.

• Search for nearby or available printing devices.

• Choose your HP printer from the detected devices and finish the installation.

• You can also select it as the default printer if you plan to use it regularly.

Print a Test Document

• Send a test page after adding the printer.

• If the test page prints successfully, it confirms that the wireless connection and printer setup are functioning properly.

Restart the Printer and Router

• If the WPS connection does not complete, switch off the printer and restart the wireless router.

• Allow the router to reconnect fully before attempting the WPS process again.

• Restarting both devices can eliminate temporary networking or communication problems.

Common Causes of WPS Connection Problems

If the HP printer cannot establish a WPS connection, check for the following:

• Wi-Fi signal is too weak.

• WPS is turned off on the router.

• Printer is located too far from the router.

• Wireless service is temporarily interrupted.

• Network configuration is incorrect.

• Printer driver is outdated.

• Printer firmware needs an update.

• Router and printer are not fully compatible.

• Previous wireless settings are interfering with setup.

• WPS setup was interrupted.

• Printer remains connected to a different network.

• Software interference is affecting communication.

Identifying the cause can make it easier to complete the wireless configuration successfully.

Tips for Maintaining a Reliable Wi-Fi Connection

Use these practices to keep your HP printer connected:

• Keep the printer within a reasonable distance of the router.

• Check for printer driver updates regularly.

• Apply firmware updates when they become available.

• Keep the computer’s operating system current.

• Restart the printer periodically.

• Maintain a strong and consistent wireless signal.

• Review network settings whenever you replace or reconfigure the router.

• Print a test page after significant configuration changes.

These steps can help improve wireless reliability and minimize future connection issues.

FAQs

What does WPS do on an HP printer?

WPS provides a convenient method for connecting an HP printer to a compatible Wi-Fi network without requiring you to type the wireless password manually.

Does every router support WPS?

No. WPS must be supported and enabled by the wireless router for this connection method to work.

Should I use the WPS button or WPS PIN?

Both options can establish a wireless connection. The method available to you depends on the features supported by your HP printer and router.

Why is my HP printer unable to connect through WPS?

A poor wireless signal, disabled WPS, outdated printer software, incorrect network settings, or router compatibility issues may prevent the connection.

Is a printer driver required after connecting through Wi-Fi?

Yes. The appropriate printer driver allows your computer to communicate with the HP printer and provides access to its supported printing functions.

How do I know whether my HP printer is connected to Wi-Fi?

Check the printer’s wireless indicator or network status. You can also print a test page to verify that the wireless connection is operating correctly.

Conclusion

Connecting an HP printer through WPS can simplify the process of joining a wireless network. Depending on the printer and router, you may be able to use either the WPS button or a temporary PIN. Keeping the printer near the router, maintaining updated drivers and firmware, and checking the connection with a test page can help ensure dependable wireless printing.