Modern inkjet printers are no longer bulky devices tethered to a computer with a thick cable, but rather convenient network tools. HP DeskJet 2720 Hewlett-Packard's is a prime example of such a device, offering users wireless printing from mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. To take full advantage of the technology AirPrint or HP ePrint, it's essential to properly configure the initial network connection. This not only frees up your workspace from unnecessary cables but also allows you to print documents from anywhere in your home where you can get a router signal.
Establishing a connection between a printer and a router may seem complicated to a beginner, but manufacturers have simplified the process as much as possible. There are several proven synchronization methods, each suitable for different use cases and operating system types. In this article, we'll cover how to set it up in detail. HP DeskJet 2720 to work on your home network, using automatic protocols or manual control through the settings panel.
Before fiddling with buttons and software, make sure your Wi-Fi router is turned on and has a stable signal. Also, make sure the device you'll be using for setup (smartphone or PC) has up-to-date antivirus software installed and doesn't have any restrictions on connecting new devices. Properly preparing your equipment is key to quickly and seamlessly integrating your printer into your digital ecosystem.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
The first step to a successful setup is to physically prepare the device. Remove Remove the HP DeskJet 2720 from the box. Remove all shipping tape and the orange tabs that block the carriage. Plug the printer into a power outlet and press the power button. Wait for the initialization phase to complete, during which the device may make noise and warm up the print head. Only after the LEDs stop flashing erratically can you proceed with the network settings.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz band. Most budget printer models, including the 2700 series, do not support the 5 GHz band during initial connection, which often causes errors.
It's important to know your Wi-Fi network password, as you'll need it to enter it into the relevant configuration fields. If you don't remember the access key, you can find it on the sticker on the bottom of your router or in your provider's account. Also, make sure your router doesn't have MAC address filtering enabled, which could block the new device.
- 📶 Make sure the Wi-Fi signal where the printer is installed is strong enough to transfer large files reliably.
- 🔌 Check the serviceability of the provider's network cable and the indicators on the router before starting setup.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone or tablet, as the setup process via the mobile app may take 10-15 minutes.
Particular attention should be paid to ink cartridges. Although they don't directly affect the network connection, the printer The HP DeskJet 2720 may not enter Ready mode without consumables installed. Install the starter cartridges according to the color coding inside the compartment to allow the device to complete the system testing.
Automatic configuration via WPS
The fastest way to connect a printer to a wireless network is to use wireless technology. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method avoids manually entering a password and complex security settings. First, make sure your router supports this feature: there should be a button labeled as such or an icon of two arrows on the router. If there is no such button, this method is not suitable for you, and you should proceed to the next section.
On the control panel HP DeskJet 2720 Locate the wireless button, usually marked with an antenna icon. Press and hold it for 3 seconds until the indicator light next to it starts flashing blue. This means the Wi-Fi module has entered search mode and is ready to pair. Don't release the button too soon, or the mode won't activate.
Now go to your router and press the button WPSOn some models, you need to hold it for a couple of seconds; on others, a short press is enough. After this, the router and printer will begin exchanging encryption keys. This process takes up to two minutes. If the connection is successful, the wireless indicator on the printer will stop blinking and turn solid blue.
⚠️ Attention: The WPS protocol has a time window for connection. If you fail to press the button on the router within two minutes of activating the mode on the printer, the procedure will have to be repeated.
Using the HP Smart app to set up
The most universal and functional method is to use the official application HP SmartThis software package is available for operating systems Windows, macOS, Android And iOSThe app not only helps you connect your device but also allows you to monitor ink levels, scan documents, and order consumables. Download the app from the official app store (App Store, Google Play) or from the manufacturer's website.
Launch the app and click the "Add Printer" button or the plus icon. The program will automatically search for devices within range. If the printer is already turned on and in setup mode (blue indicator flashing), HP Smart will detect it. Follow the on-screen instructions: select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. The app will automatically transfer this data to the printer.
☑️ Checklist for a successful HP Smart installation
During the setup process, the application may prompt you to update the printer firmware. Agree to the update only if you have a stable Wi-Fi signal, as interrupting the process may cause a software crash. Once the drivers and profiles are installed, you'll see the "Ready" status and be able to print a test page directly from the program interface.
- 📲 The app allows you to manage your printer settings even when you're away from home (provided you have an internet connection).
- 🖨️ With HP Smart, you can create digital copies of documents using your phone's camera as a scanner.
- 🔒 The program automatically applies the best security settings for your wireless network.
Connection via USB cable with subsequent transfer of settings
If wireless methods don't work or cause difficulties, you can use the classic method via USB cable. Connect HP DeskJet 2720 Connect your device to the computer using a Type-B (printer) and USB-A cable. The computer should automatically detect the new hardware and attempt to find drivers. At this point, run the software installer, which can be downloaded from the official HP support website.
During installation, select the "Wireless" or "Network" connection type. The installer will prompt you to transfer Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer via a USB cable. This is a reliable method, as the computer already has a confirmed connection to the router. After the settings are transferred, the printer will disconnect from the USB cable and switch to wireless mode, indicated by a lit blue indicator.
What should I do if my computer doesn't see my printer via USB?
Try replacing the USB cable with a known good one, use a different port on the motherboard (preferably USB 2.0), and make sure there are no driver conflicts in Device Manager.
Once the settings have been successfully transferred, you can disconnect the cable. The printer will save the network settings in its memory. If you plan to use the device only from one computer, you can keep the cable connected, but for full mobile printing functionality, it's best to leave the printer in Wi-Fi mode.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, technical difficulties may arise. Users often encounter a situation where the Wi-Fi indicator continues to blink, indicating a lack of connection. One common cause is a hidden network SSID or the use of complex characters in the password, which the printer may interpret incorrectly. In such cases, it is recommended to temporarily simplify the password by removing special characters or make the network visible.
Another problem is a buffer overflow or a failure in the printer's network settings. In this case, resetting the network settings to factory defaults helps. To do this, go to the control panel. For the HP DeskJet 2720, press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (X) buttons simultaneously for 3-5 seconds. The power and wireless indicators will flash, after which the device will reboot with the cleared network settings.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking blue | Setup mode, no connection | Launch setup via the HP Smart app |
| The Wi-Fi indicator is blue | Successful connection to the network | The problem is solved, you can print |
| The Wi-Fi indicator is not lit | The Wi-Fi module is turned off. | Press the wireless button on the panel |
| The indicator is flashing orange | Connection or cartridge error | Check cartridges and reset network |
It's also worth considering that antivirus software on your computer or a firewall may be blocking the printer from being detected on the network. Try temporarily disabling the firewall and retrying the search. If the problem persists, check if your router is set to "Guest Network" mode, which isolates devices from each other and prevents printing.
Setting up printing from a smartphone or tablet
After successful connection HP DeskJet 2720 to Wi-Fi, you have a wide range of mobile printing options. For devices based on Android And iOS The technology works natively. In the "Share" or "Print" menu in any app (browser, gallery, documents), select your printer from the list of available devices. The document will be sent to the print queue without the need to install additional drivers.
Support has been activated for iPhone and iPad owners. AirPrintJust make sure your iOS device and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open a photo or document, tap the partage icon (square with an arrow), and select "Print." The system will automatically detect the HP printer.
If the automatic search doesn't yield results, check your router settings. Sometimes you need to enable Bonjour or mDNS in your router settings so that devices on your local network can "see" each other. Also, make sure your smartphone isn't in "Data Saver" mode, which can limit background network activity.
Advanced users can print via the cloud. Register your printer in the system. HP Connected (if supported by the model) or using third-party services like Google Cloud Print (alternatives), you can send print jobs from anywhere in the world with internet access. This turns your home printer into a fully-fledged office hub.
What should I do if my printer loses network connection after rebooting my router?
HP printers typically automatically reconnect to the network after the router is restored. If this doesn't happen within 2-3 minutes, try power cycling the printer. In rare cases, if the router's IP address or Wi-Fi password has changed, you'll need to reconfigure the printer using the HP Smart app, as the old settings will no longer be valid.
Can I connect my HP DeskJet 2720 to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Directly connecting to a hidden network (without broadcasting the SSID) through the printer's standard menu is not possible. However, if you use the HP Smart app on a smartphone that is already connected to the hidden network, the app can transmit these settings to the printer. Otherwise, you will first need to make the network visible in the router settings, connect the printer, and then hide the SSID again—although this may cause the printer to lose connection.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
To find the IP address, press and hold the Wireless button on the printer control panel for 3 seconds. The printer will print a connection report showing the current IP address, MAC address, and connection status. You can also find this information in the HP Smart app by clicking the printer image and selecting "Properties" or "Network Settings."