Finding saved wireless network credentials on a printer often becomes necessary when connecting a new device to the same network or after replacing a router. Users often lose access to this data, forgetting where exactly in the menu. Hewlett-Packard This information is stored. Unlike computers, where passwords are easily found in the network properties, the process here has its own nuances and depends on the specific hardware series.
The situation is complicated by the fact that many budget models don't have a full-size display, making direct viewing of symbols impossible using standard methods. You'll have to resort to alternative methods, such as printing configuration reports or using a mobile app. Understanding your device's menu architecture will help you quickly restore network access without a complete reset.
In this guide, we'll cover all possible scenarios, from touchscreen models to simple push-button devices. You'll learn how to print a network report, where to look for hidden parameters, and what to do if standard methods don't work. It's important to proceed consistently to avoid disrupting existing connections.
Finding a password on touchscreen models
Devices of the series HP OfficeJet Pro or EnvyPrinters equipped with a color touchscreen provide the easiest access to network settings. The interface is intuitive, but requires careful navigation of the submenus. You won't need any additional tools other than the printer itself.
To get started, tap the wireless network icon or select "Settings" on the home screen. In the menu that opens, find the section responsible for wireless connection, often labeled as Wireless or an image of an antenna. This is where the main connection parameters are stored.
Next, select "Settings" or "Network Settings." Some firmware versions require you to navigate to the "Advanced" subsection. There, you'll find "Wi-Fi Direct" or "Network Summary." If the device is connected to a router, the Wi-Fi network password itself is usually hidden behind asterisks for security purposes, but the Wi-Fi Direct password is often displayed in plain text or can be changed to something you know.
- 📱 Tap the wireless icon on the home screen display.
- 🔍 Go to the Settings menu (gear icon) and select Network.
- 📡 Find the "Wi-Fi Direct" item to view the direct connection password.
- 🖨️ Use the "Print Report" button to get a paper copy of all settings.
It's worth noting that viewing the password for your home Wi-Fi network to which the printer is already connected is often impossible through the printer's menu due to WPA2/WPA3 security concerns. The device stores the hash or obscures the characters. However, you can view the SSID (network name) and connection status.
⚠️ Attention: On some models with recent firmware versions, password viewing functionality may be completely blocked by the manufacturer. In this case, the only solution is to reset the network settings and re-login.
Using the Wireless Button and Printing a Report
For models without a screen, such as the series HP DeskJet or LaserJet
To access the data, you need to create a key combination. Typically, you need to press and hold the wireless button (antenna icon) together with the information button (icon i) within 3-5 seconds. The printer will begin printing a page with technical information.
On the printed sheet, you are interested in the "Wi-Fi Direct" section. The network name (usually starting with DIRECT-xx-HP) and a password. This password is used to connect phones or laptops directly to the printer without a router. The password for your main router won't be displayed here, as the printer doesn't generate it, it only receives it.
Combination: Wireless Button + Information Button (i)If the standard combination doesn't work, try pressing the wireless button once, wait for the indicator light to flash, and then press the Cancel button (cross). On some older models HP Photosmart You need to press the setup button and select the report print option from the menu.
- 🖨️ Make sure there is A4 paper in the tray before you start printing the report.
- 🔘 Find the button with the image of an antenna and the information button (i).
- ⏱️ Press and hold both buttons simultaneously for 3-5 seconds before printing begins.
- 📄 Check the Wi-Fi Direct section on the printed page to obtain the password.
Checking your password through the HP Smart app
A modern way to control peripherals is to use the official application HP Smart For smartphones or PCs. This method allows you to see connection details, although directly viewing the router password may be limited by the phone's operating system (Android or iOS hide Wi-Fi passwords for security reasons).
Launch the app and select your device from the list. Go to the printer settings, often hidden under a gear icon or in the "Printer Settings" section. Find "Network Settings" or "Wi-Fi Direct." Here you can see the network name and, in some cases, change the password to a simpler one if you've forgotten the current one.
The app also allows you to send wireless network settings from your phone to the printer. If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, HP Smart can automatically transfer these credentials to the device, eliminating the need to enter the password manually. This is especially convenient if you've changed your router.
| Function | Availability on Android | Availability on iOS | Availability on Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| View SSID | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| View Wi-Fi password | No (hidden by OS) | No (hidden by OS) | Partially |
| Changing your Wi-Fi Direct password | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transferring Wi-Fi settings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
It's important to understand the difference between your home network password and your Wi-Fi Direct password. The app primarily handles the printer's settings. If you need to know the router password specifically, the app will show which network the printer is connected to, but it won't show the access key itself.
⚠️ Attention: For some functions in the application to work HP Smart An HP account is required. Without an account, access to advanced network settings may be limited.
☑️ Connection diagnostics via the app
Reset network settings to factory defaults
If none of these methods help find the password, or if the device no longer functions correctly, a reset is the best solution. This procedure returns the network module to its original state, deleting all stored SSIDs and security keys.
To reset most models without a display, you need to simultaneously press and hold the wireless and Cancel buttons for 5 seconds. The power and wireless indicators will flash, after which the printer will reboot the network module. On models with a display, the process is Settings → Network → Restore network settings.
After the reset, the printer will enter setup mode. The screen (if available) will prompt you to select your language and country, followed by a prompt to connect to Wi-Fi. At this point, you can re-enter your network's current password. This is also a great way to "cleanse" the device before selling or giving it to another user.
- 🔄 Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons at the same time.
- ⏳ Hold the buttons until the power indicator starts flashing.
- 📡 Wait until the printer appears in the list of available devices for configuration.
- 📲 Use the app to re-authorize on the network.
Please note that after the reset, all computers that previously used network printing will lose connection to the device. You will need to re-add the printer at each workstation using the new (or restored) network settings.
WPS method for connecting without entering a password
If your goal is to connect a printer, and not just find out the password, and your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can avoid entering characters. This method is ideal when the password is complex, long, and unknown to you in plain text.
Press the WPS button on your router. It can be physical or software (in the router interface). Then, within two minutes, press and hold the wireless button on the printer until the indicator light starts blinking. The devices will find each other and exchange encryption keys automatically.
This method only works if the router is within range. If the printer's indicator stops blinking and turns blue (or green), the connection is successful. The password won't be displayed in this case, as the key transfer occurs in the background.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
The WPS function may be disabled in the router's settings. Go to the router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check the Wireless -> WPS section. This method is also not supported on 5 GHz networks if the printer only operates on the 2.4 GHz band.
Features of HP LaserJet and OfficeJet models
Business series LaserJet and advanced OfficeJet Often have a more complex menu structure, focused on corporate security. Here, password retrieval can be complicated by administrative policies if the device was previously configured by a system integrator.
These devices often have a web interface (EWS). Enter the printer's IP address into the address bar of a browser on a computer connected to the same network. You can find the address by printing a configuration report. In the web interface, go to the "Networking" tab -> "Wireless."
Here you'll see detailed connection information. However, as with the on-screen menu, the "Security Key" or "Passphrase" field will likely be hidden by symbols. The web interface allows you to change the Wi-Fi Direct password, but rarely displays the current infrastructure password.
⚠️ Attention: Web configurator interfaces (EWS) may vary depending on the firmware version and printer series. Some older versions may require Java installation or the use of browser compatibility mode.
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi router by looking at the printer settings?
No, the printer doesn't store or display your primary Wi-Fi network password in plaintext for security reasons. It only stores a hash or uses it to connect. You can only see the password for the Wi-Fi Direct feature, which is generated by the printer itself.
What if my HP printer doesn't have a wireless button?
If there's no antenna button on the case, the model doesn't support wireless connectivity (USB only). Check the specifications for your model on the official website. If Wi-Fi support is advertised, the button may be hidden under a cover or combined with another function (requires a double press).
How to reset network settings on HP DeskJet 2700?
For the 2700 series, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (cross) simultaneously for 5 seconds until the power indicator flashes. This will reset the network settings to factory defaults.
Where can I find the printer's IP address to access the web interface?
You can find the IP address by printing a network configuration report (press the i key or use a combination of keys). The address is also often displayed on the printer screen under the "Network" or "Wireless Report" section.