How to Connect My HP Printer to My Computer Wirelessly​?

Do you want to print seamlessly from your HP printer? This blog will help you learn 'How to Connect an HP Printer to a Computer Wirelessly'. Without connecting to a device, printers can’t print, and this is why I am sharing the easiest methods to connect these two devices.

I have been using HP printers for a long time and have learned how to set them up and troubleshoot problems. If you also want to learn more about connecting HP printers to a computer, this blog is the perfect place for you.

Step 1: Turn On the HP Printer

The first step is to turn on the HP printer. In case it is not turned on, you can’t connect it to a device. So, make sure it’s connected to the wall outlet and that the power light on the front or top is flashing. Once the printer is properly turned on, you can proceed with the next steps.

Step 2: Connect the Printer to Wi-Fi

The HP printer should be connected to a network. There are a few ways to connect it to Wi-Fi, but the method I personally recommend is through the HP Smart app. It’s quick and doesn’t require navigating through the printer’s complicated display.

One of the benefits of this application is that it works on both computers and mobile devices. Since I am sharing the process for a computer, we will focus on that.

Option 1: Through the HP Smart App

On a Windows computer, it’s available in the Microsoft Store and can be easily set up using these methods. 

1. Search for “Microsoft Store” in the Start menu at the bottom of your computer’s screen.

2. Open it, and search for the HP Smart app. Click on the Download button to begin installation.

3. Press the wireless button on your printer and wait until the light starts blinking.

4. Now, open the HP Smart app, and click the Add Printer option.

5. Select the printer model number, and continue with the on-screen instructions.

Note: If you’re using a Mac, install the app from the App Store. The remaining steps are similar to those for Windows.

Option 2: Using the WPS Button 

This option works only if your router includes a WPS button. Follow these steps to complete the process.

1. Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on your printer until the light begins to flash.

2. After that, press the WPS button located on your router.

3. Wait for the devices to connect to each other automatically.

That’s it for connecting the printer to a wireless network. Note: Ensure that the computer and printer are connected to the same wireless network.

Step 3: Connect HP Printer to a Computer

Once the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, it’s time to add it to a computer. However, if you are using the HP Smart app, the printer is added to the computer automatically. But for the WPS connection, you may need to manually connect the printer. Here is how to connect the printer to the computer. 

1. Open Settings by searching for it in the Start menu at the bottom of your screen.

2. Next, click on Bluetooth & devices in the left-hand menu.

3. Select Printers & Scanners, and click Add Device with the “Add a printer or scanner” option.

4. Let the computer find the printer, and select it from the list.

5. Once you see your printer in the list, select it and click Add Device.

Finally, the printer will be added to your Windows computer.

Step 4: Download and Install HP Printer Drivers (Optional)

Printer drivers are the software that help a printer communicate with the computer. Hence, if you’re setting up your printer on a computer, installing printer drivers is necessary. However, if you are using the HP Smart app, you can skip this method as the application installs necessary drivers automatically. Here is how to install them. 

1. Go to support.hp.com using a web browser and choose the Software and Drivers section.

2. Select Printer as the product type, and type your printer’s name in the search box and press Enter.

3. Select a compatible driver software from the given list appearing on the screen, and click the Download button next to that.

4. Wait for the drivers to download, then open your computer’s Downloads folder.

5. Open the driver setup file by double-clicking it and confirm to run the installation on your computer.

Finally, your HP printer is now connected wirelessly to your computer.

   Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How Do I Install HP Smart App on a Mac?

Go with these instructions to install the app on a Mac:

1. Go to the App Store on the Mac, and search for the HP Smart app.

2. Select the app, and click the Get or Install option to finish the installation.

3. However, you can also visit support.hp.com to install the app. 

Question

What’s a WPS Push Button on a Router?

A WPS push button on the router is a small button that helps directly connect a printer to a computer. It eliminates the need to enter the wireless password. You only need to press the WPS button on the router and the printer, and the connection will be set up automatically. 

Question

Why Is My HP Printer Not Connecting to Wi-Fi?

If your printer is not connecting to Wi-Fi, there might be several reasons behind it. The first and common reason is a weak internet connection. In other cases, the printer and computer might be on different wireless networks, which interfere with the final connection.  

Source: How to Connect HP Printer to Computer