How to Connect My HP Printer to My Laptop Wirelessly​? (Full Guide)

HP printers are versatile and can be easily connected to any device. I have been using HP printers for many years and have connected them to almost every type of device, though they work best with a laptop. If you want 'How to Connect an HP Printer to a laptop' via Wi-Fi, this blog will guide you through the wireless setup process.

I am a content creator and understand the importance of creating valuable content online to succeed. Over time, I have noticed that many people struggle to connect their printers to a device. Therefore, I decided to share my expertise. Here, I will show you how to wirelessly connect your HP printer to a laptop.

Step 1: Turn on the HP printer

To start the connection, your printer should be turned on. Ensure that you place it near a power outlet for convenient use. Then, connect the power cable to the socket and turn on the printer. The power light will turn solid blue, indicating that the printer is ready.

Step 2: Enable the Wireless Connection on Printer

To set up the printer on a laptop, you should turn on its wireless settings. There are several ways to enable Wi-Fi on your printer, depending on the model, for example, whether it has a touchscreen or not.

Here, I will share two of the best methods you can use to enable Wi-Fi on your printer.

Method 1: With the WPS Push Button

It’s an easy method 'How to Connect an HP Wireless Printer' to a wireless network. However, you can use this method only if both your printer and router have a WPS push button. So, follow the instructions below to set up this connection.

1. Locate the Setup menu on the printer’s control panel and go to the Network or Wireless Settings option.

2. Select “Wi-Fi” and then choose the “WPS” option. After that, select “Start” to begin the connection process.

3. If your printer doesn’t have a display, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on your printer.

4. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS push button of the wireless router.

5. Finally, the wireless light on the printer will start flashing.

That’s how you can connect an HP printer to a Wi-Fi connection.

Method 2: Using the Printer’s Control Panel 

An HP printer can connect to a wireless network using its control panel. Complete the steps below to connect your printer to a Wi-Fi network.

1. Locate the Setup or Network Settings menu on the printer’s control panel or display.

2. Choose the Wireless Setup Wizard option, then pick your network name from the list of available networks.

3. After that, enter the password for the printer’s wireless network.

4. Let the wireless connection establish.

Finally, the printer’s wireless light will start flashing, indicating that the Wi-Fi connection has been established.

Step 3: Download and Install HP Printer Drivers

Downloading and installing the necessary printer drivers is crucial to ensure your printer recognizes print commands from the laptop. Therefore, you should install them while setting up the printer. You can get the drivers from HP’s official website by following these steps.

1. Navigate to support.hp.com on an internet browser.

2. Then, click the Software & Drivers section at the top.

3. Now, select ‘Printers’ as your product type, and enter your printer’s model name.

4. Select the operating system. However, the laptop will automatically recognize the operating system.

5. Select a suitable printer driver package from the list, and click the Download button.

6. Let the driver’s file save into your Downloads folder and then locate that folder.

7. Next, double-click the file and click Yes to allow it to run on your computer.

8. Let the installation process finish.

That’s how you can complete the downloading and installation of the necessary HP printer drivers.

Step 4: Add the Printer to Your Laptop

When the HP printer is connected to a wireless network and the laptop has the latest HP printer drivers, it’s time to finalize the connection. Here are the steps to add the printer to a laptop. 

1. Tap the Windows icon located at the bottom of your laptop screen.

2. Then, search for Settings and select the Bluetooth & Other Devices option.

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

4. Allow the Windows system to detect the printer, and then select it from the list.

Finally, the HP printer will be added to your Windows laptop.

  Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How Do I Connect My HP Printer to a Mobile Device?

These are the steps to connect your printer to a mobile device:

1. Download the HP Smart app from the App Store or Play Store.

2. Open the app on your phone and tap the plus (+) sign or select “Add Printer” from the app.

3. Now, the app will begin searching for available printers.

4. Once your printer appears, choose it and let it connect to your mobile device.

Question

How to Add HP Printer to a MacBook?

Here are the steps to add the printer to a MacBook:

1. Select System Settings from the Apple menu.

2. Select Printers & Scanners from the left sidebar.

3. Click the “Add printer, scanner, or fax” button or the plus (+) sign.

4. Select your printer’s name from the list of devices and click the “Add” option. 

Question

Why Do I Need to Download & Install HP Printer Drivers?

Downloading and installing the HP printer drivers is a crucial step in setting up your printer on a laptop. These drivers are the software that enable a printer to communicate with a computer or laptop. An HP printer will only function when it recognizes the print commands sent by the computer or laptop. 

Source: How to Connect an HP Printer to a laptop