It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but lose or forget the password. This is especially true for office equipment, which is often installed once and then forgotten in a corner. If you're wondering where to find the WiFi password for your HP printer, you're not alone. Modern models Hewlett-Packard have various mechanisms for protecting and displaying data, which are not always obvious to the average user.
There are several proven methods for recovering this data, ranging from using the web interface to a physical reset. It's important to understand that the printer itself rarely stores the password in plain text on the screen unless it's printed beforehand. However, with certain technical tricks, this limitation can easily be circumvented. In this article, we'll cover each available method in detail.
Before you begin, it's worth determining the model of your device. Interfaces for older laser printers of the series LaserJet differ significantly from the menus of modern multifunctional devices OfficeJet or Envy With touchscreens. An incorrect approach can lead to unnecessary manipulation, so carefully study the features of your device.
Using the EWS Embedded Web Server
The most reliable way to find out your current network settings, including connection status, is to log in to the Embedded Web Server (EWS). This method works if your printer is already connected to the router and you want to check the connection details or reconnect your computer. To log in, you'll need the device's IP address, which can be found by pressing the wireless button on the control panel.
Enter the received IP address into the address bar of any browser on a computer already on the same network. The printer management page will open, where in the section Net or Wireless The network name (SSID) is displayed. However, for security reasons, the password itself will not be displayed here, but you will be able to see the MAC address and encryption type.
If the printer isn't connected, this method won't work directly for viewing the password, but it will help diagnose the problem. Users often confuse the Wi-Fi password with the WPS PIN, which can also be found in the network menu. Make sure you're looking for the wireless network security key, not the pairing code.
⚠️ Important: If you have changed the administrator password for logging into the EWS and have forgotten it, you will need to perform a full reset of the printer's network settings to factory defaults.
Using the web interface allows you to not only view the status but also run the wireless network setup wizard again. This is especially useful if the router has changed the channel or network name. In this case, the printer will simply lose connection, and you'll have to enter the latest information manually through the device menu or a temporary USB connection.
Printing a network configuration report
Most HP office and home models support printing service reports. This is one of the easiest ways to obtain complete technical information about the device's status. The network configuration report contains detailed information about protocols, IP addresses, and sometimes saved Wi-Fi Direct profiles.
To print a report, follow these steps on the control panel:
- 🖨️ Tap the Wireless button or the antenna icon on the screen.
- 📄 Go to the "Settings" menu (gear icon) or "Reports".
- 🔍 Select "Configuration Report" or "Network Configuration Page".
- ✅ Confirm the action with a stamp.
On the printed sheet, find the section WirelessThe network name to which the printer is connected will be listed there. If the device is configured via Wi-Fi Direct, the password (security key) is often printed directly on this page under the Wi-Fi Direct section. This is a unique 8-character code required for connecting smartphones.
It's important to note that the password for the main router will not be displayed in this report for security reasons. WPA2/WPA3 encryption protocols do not allow keys to be displayed in cleartext, even in official documents. Therefore, if your goal is to remember your home internet password, this method will only provide indirect information.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
If none of the gentle methods work, there's a radical but effective solution: resetting the network settings. This doesn't affect print settings or page counters; it only clears the printer's wireless network memory. After this procedure, the printer will behave as if it were new the first time you turn it on.
The reset procedure varies depending on whether you have a screen:
- 📟 Models with screen: Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel (cross) buttons simultaneously for about 3-5 seconds until the power indicator starts flashing.
- 🔘 Models without screen: Turn off the printer. Turn it on again and immediately press and hold the wireless button until the light next to it lights up.
After the reset, the device will create its own hotspot or enter setup mode. At this point, you can use the app HP Smart for reconfiguration. The app automatically retrieves saved Wi-Fi passwords from your Windows or macOS system and transfers them to the printer, eliminating the need to manually enter the key.
☑️ Checklist before resetting the network
Finding a password through a router
Since the printer connects to the router, it's logical to look for the security key there. If you have access to the router's admin panel, you can view the password for the Wi-Fi network the printer is connected to. This is useful if you've forgotten the password for your home network.
Go to your router settings (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). In the section Wireless or WLAN There's a "Password" or "Key" field. This key is used by the printer for authentication. If you change the password on your router, the printer will lose connection and will have to be reconfigured.
The table below shows the standard addresses and login details for popular routers that are often used with HP equipment:
| Router brand | Entrance address | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
| Tenda | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
It's important to note that if the router password was changed by the previous owner or provider, the default password won't work. In this case, the only solution is to check the sticker on the bottom of the router (if the password hasn't been changed) or call the provider's technical support.
Using Wi-Fi Direct technology
Many users confuse connecting to an internet router with a direct connection to a printer. Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to print from a smartphone or laptop without internet access. In this mode, the printer automatically distributes the Wi-Fi signal.
The Wi-Fi Direct password is often static and printed on a label on the device itself. Look for the "Wi-Fi Direct Password" label on the back panel or under the scanner. If the label is worn off, you can change the password or access it through the menu:
- On the printer control panel, click the Wi-Fi Direct icon.
- Go to
Settings->Wi-Fi Direct. - Select "Show Password" or "Edit Password".
This method is ideal for quickly printing documents from a phone when visiting a friend or in an office where connecting other devices to the main network is prohibited. Data transfer speeds may be lower than with a full-fledged router, but for text documents, the difference is negligible.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi button is not lit?
If the wireless indicator is not active, the Wi-Fi module may be disabled in the power saving settings or damaged. Try unplugging the printer for 30 seconds. If this doesn't help, check whether wireless is disabled in the device's settings menu. In rare cases, a firmware update may be required to restore the module's functionality.
Setup via the HP Smart app
HP's modern ecosystem is app-centric. HP SmartThis is a cross-platform solution for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. If your printer supports this feature, the app can automatically transfer the saved Wi-Fi password from your computer to the printer.
To do this, connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network with the password you know. Launch HP Smart and add the printer. During setup, the program will ask, "Do you want to use the Wi-Fi password from this computer?" By agreeing, you'll save yourself the trouble of manually entering the password.
The app also has a "Printer Settings" -> "Network" section. There you can see the current connection status. While the app won't display the password in plain text (for OS security reasons), it will allow you to easily change the network or restore the connection in the event of a router failure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the printer is already connected?
The printer itself doesn't display the router password on its screen for security reasons. However, you can view the password in your router settings or on a computer already connected to the network (via the wireless connection properties in Windows).
Where can I find the Wi-Fi Direct password on HP printers without a screen?
On models without a display, the Wi-Fi Direct password is usually printed on an information sticker on the case (often under the paper tray cover or on the back). It can also be printed by pressing and holding the wireless button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing.
What should I do if the printer doesn't see my Wi-Fi network?
Make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz signal, as many HP printers don't support 5 GHz networks. Also, check that the network name (SSID) isn't hidden in your router settings. Try moving the printer closer to the router.
Will a hard reset of the printer reset the Wi-Fi password?
Yes, a full reset (Cold Reset) will erase all settings, including IP addresses, Wi-Fi profiles, and passwords. Afterward, you'll need to set up the printer again, as if you'd just bought it.
How to change Wi-Fi Direct password?
Go to the wireless menu on the printer control panel, select Wi-Fi Direct, and click "Change Password." Create a new 8-character password. The old password will expire immediately after confirmation.
Finally, finding an HP printer's WiFi password requires understanding the difference between a router password and a Wi-Fi Direct key. In most cases, users need to restore access to the primary network, which can be accomplished through the router or reconfiguration. Remember that the security of your data depends on the complexity of the passwords you create, so don't use the default factory passwords permanently.
⚠️ Note: Interface and menu specifications may vary depending on your device's firmware version. The manufacturer reserves the right to modify the software, so the layout of menu items may vary.