Connect Your Printer via Wi-Fi, Wired Network, or USB Cable 🚀
Step-by-step help for setting up and installing an HP printer. Unbox, load paper & ink, download the HP app, connect via Wi-Fi or USB, and print quickly with official guidance.
Here is a clear and simple guide to setting up and installing an HP printer (using the method involving the HP-recommended app).
Remove the printer from the box and take off all packing tape, plastic, cardboard, and protective materials (including inside the cartridge area and paper trays).
Connect the power cord to the printer and plug it into a wall outlet.
Turn the printer on (it usually powers on automatically).
On the control panel, select your language and country/region if prompted.
Install the ink or toner cartridges that came with the printer (follow the animations or labels inside the printer).
Load plain paper into the input tray and adjust the paper guides.
(Optional but recommended) Place the printer near your Wi-Fi router during setup.
Do not connect a USB cable yet if you plan to use wireless setup — the software handles the connection.
On your computer, phone, or tablet, open a web browser and go to 123.hp.com (or start.hp.com / hp.com/start/install).
The site detects your device (Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS).
Download and install the HP app (this has largely replaced the older HP Smart app).
On Windows/Mac: Download the installer and run it.
On phone/tablet: It may redirect you to the App Store or Google Play.
Open the HP app and accept the terms (or choose “Accept All” / “Continue”).
In the HP app, tap or click the + (plus) icon or choose Set Up a New Printer / Add Printer.
Select your printer from the list (or choose “Set up a new printer” if it doesn’t appear).
Follow the on-screen prompts:
For Wi-Fi: The app will help connect the printer to your network. Enter your Wi-Fi password when asked. Keep the printer, device, and router close together. Enable Bluetooth and location services on mobile devices if prompted (this helps detection).
For USB: Connect the USB cable only when the app tells you to.
Complete any remaining steps (account sign-in is optional but recommended for full features, Instant Ink, etc.).
The app installs the necessary drivers and finishes the connection. This can take a few minutes.
Once done, try a test print from the app or any document.
Windows built-in drivers (basic printing only): Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add a printer or scanner.
USB-only: Connect the cable after powering on, then let Windows or the HP app detect it.
Older software: Some models still support HP Easy Start from 123.hp.com.
Keep your computer/phone and printer on the same Wi-Fi network.
Update your device’s operating system first.
If the printer isn’t found: Put it back into Wi-Fi setup mode (usually by holding the Wireless button + Cancel for a few seconds — check your model’s guide) and try again within 2 hours.
For HP+ printers, an HP account and internet connection are required.