How to Setup Wireless HP Printer on Mac? (Full Guide)

I have used HP printers for over 4 years and enjoy helping people set up their wireless HP printers on Mac and other devices. I used Windows before but recently switched to Mac, and I noticed that connecting printers works similarly on most models; you just need to practice the setup process.

When I started, I used a different printer brand, and after learning the basic procedures, I noticed the similarities in setup. In this blog, I am going to guide you "How to Setup HP Printer on a Mac". Let’s go step by step.

Step 1: Power On the HP Printer

The first step to setting up an HP printer is to connect it to a power source and turn it on. If you’re a beginner, be careful not to overlook any details during the setup. I’ll outline the main process, assuming the reader has a basic understanding. To begin, connect the printer’s power cable to the wall outlet, then press and hold the power button until the light flashes.

Step 2: Turn On Wi-Fi Settings on the Printer

The next step is to enable the wireless settings on your printer to proceed with the setup. Please note that the process may vary depending on the printer’s model. Here, I am sharing two of the best processes to enable Wi-Fi on your printer.

Method 1: Via Wireless Setup Wizard

The wireless setup wizard is the process for HP printers with a touch screen. If your printer has a display, follow these steps to enable Wi-Fi on it.

1. Go to the printer’s control panel and open the Setup menu.

2. Then, choose 'Network' or 'Wireless Settings.'

3. Next, open the Wireless Setup Wizard and choose your Wi-Fi network.

4. After that, enter the correct password.

5. Once the Wi-Fi light turns solid, the printer is connected.

Method 2: Using the WPS Push Button

This is the easiest and my favorite method to connect an HP printer to a Wi-Fi network. However, ensure that your printer and router have a WPS push button. Then follow the steps given below.

1. Press the WPS push button on the Wi-Fi router and hold it for a few seconds.

2. Within 2 minutes, press and hold the WPS push button on the printer.

Finally, the printer will start flashing the wireless light. The printer will be connected automatically to the router.

Step 3: Add the HP Printer to a Mac

When the printer is connected to a Wi-Fi network, it’s time to connect it to a computer. Here are the steps to add a printer to a Mac computer.

1. Access the Apple menu, then choose System Settings.

2. Choose "Printers & Scanners" and then click the "Add printer, scanner, or fax" button. Alternatively, there will be a plus sign, which you can click to add the printer.

3. Find your printer’s name from the list of available devices.

4. Finally, click the "Add" option to add the printer to your Mac computer.

That’s how the HP printer will be connected to the Mac computer, and it’s all set to start printing.

Step 4: Download and Install HP Printer Drivers

Printer drivers are necessary for the basic functioning of the HP printer. They are software that allows the printer to communicate with the computer. Use these steps to download and install these HP Drivers.

1. Navigate to https://123.hp.com/setup/ on an internet browser, and click the Software & Drivers option at the top.

2. Then, select Printer as the product type, and type your printer model name in the search bar.

3. Now, click the Driver-Smart Universal Print Driver and select the Download button next to a suitable driver package.

4. Let it download to your computer in the Downloads folder and then visit that folder.

5. Double-click on the driver’s file and let the installation begin and finish.

That’s how you can download and install the HP Printer Drivers. After installing these drivers, the printer will be ready to print through a Mac computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How Do I Connect My HP Printer to Android Device?

Use these steps to connect the printer to an Android device:

1. Open the Play Store on the Android device and search for the HP Smart app.

2. After that, install the application on your mobile device.

3. If your printer doesn’t have a display, press the Wireless and Cancel buttons at the same time and hold them for 3 seconds. Let the power light on the printer flash and the Wi-Fi light blink.

4. Open the HP Smart app and choose an option to set up a new printer.

5. Finally, go with the on-screen steps to finalize the connection. 

Question

Why Install HP Printer Drivers?

HP Printer Drivers are essential for enabling a printer to communicate with a computer. Without these drivers, the printer will not be able to understand the computer’s language. As a result, it won’t be able to print. You can download and install its 'latest HP Printer drivers' from its official website.

Question

Why Is My Mac Not Detecting HP Wireless Printer?

If your Mac is unable to detect your printer, it’s possible that the internet connection is weak. Additionally, the HP Printer Drivers on the Mac may not be up to date, or the wireless connection on the printer may not be enabled. To resolve the issue, restart both devices, verify the internet connection, and ensure that the printer drivers are up to date.

Source: How to Setup Wireless HP Printer on Mac