Connecting the HP DeskJet 2721 Printer to Wi-Fi: 4 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Printer HP DeskJet 2721 — a compact and functional device for home use, but setting it up wirelessly is often a challenge. Unlike wired models, where simply connecting a USB cable is sufficient, a wireless connection requires proper configuration of both the printer and the router. The main problem users have is that the printer fails to find the network, constantly asks for a password, or connects but then "loses" the connection after a few minutes.

In this article, we will look at all the current connection methods. HP DeskJet 2721 to Wi-Fi: from the standard method via the control panel to alternative options using the app HP Smart and technology WPSWe'll pay special attention to common errors (such as a flashing orange light or the message "Unable to connect to the network") and how to troubleshoot them. If your router operates in dual-band mode (2.4 and 5 GHz), you'll learn why your printer may not see the 5 GHz network and how to fix it.

All instructions are adapted to the latest versions of printer firmware and applications. HP Smart (at the time of publication). If you previously tried connecting the device and encountered an error, we recommend resetting the printer's network settings first—this resolves 70% of connection issues.

1. Preparing for connection: what you need to check before starting setup

Before you begin connecting, make sure your network meets the printer's requirements. HP DeskJet 2721This device only supports networks. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts separate networks for 2.4 and 5 GHz (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G), the printer will not be able to connect to 5 GHz.

Here's what you need to do in advance:

• 🔌 Check the printer powerThe device must be plugged into a power outlet and in standby mode (green indicator light). If the indicator light flashes orange, this indicates an error (we'll discuss this in the diagnostics section).
• 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi.Try connecting to the network from another device (smartphone or laptop). If the network isn't visible, reboot the router.
• 🔒 Prepare your connection data: you will need SSID (network name) and password. If you don't know the password, you can find it on the router's sticker or in the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 📱 Install the HP Smart app (for alternative connection methods): available for Android And iOSThe app simplifies setup and allows you to control the printer from your phone.

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses WPA3 as the main type of security, the printer HP DeskJet 2721 may not connect. In your router settings, temporarily switch to WPA2-PSK (or mixed mode WPA2/WPA3).

We also recommend placing the printer no more than 2-3 meters away from the router during setup. This will minimize the risk of signal loss. If your network uses hidden SSID (the network name is not broadcast), you will have to enter it manually - we will tell you about this in the relevant section.

2. Method 1: Connecting via the printer control panel (without a PC)

This is a standard method that works without any additional devices. You only need the printer itself and a Wi-Fi connection. Follow the instructions:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it enters ready mode (green indicator lights up steadily).

2. On the printer control panel, press and hold the button Wi-Fi (antenna icon) for 3 seconds until the wireless indicator flashes.

3. Click the button Information (the "i" icon in a circle) - the printer will start searching for available networks.

4. Using buttons ↑ And ↓ select your network from the list and click OK.

5. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the buttons on the panel. Use to switch between symbols. ↑/↓, to confirm - OKPlease note: the printer distinguishes between uppercase and lowercase letters!

6. After entering the password, click OK and wait for the connection to complete. If the password is entered correctly, the Wi-Fi indicator will turn blue (or green, depending on the firmware version).

If your printer doesn't find your network, check:

• 🔍 Network visibility: make sure that SSID not hidden in the router settings.
• 📡 Range: The printer only supports 2.4 GHzIf your router is in the mode 5 GHz, temporarily disable this frequency or create a separate network for 2.4 GHz.
• 🔄 Reboot: Sometimes rebooting both the printer and the router helps.

The printer is turned on and in ready mode.

The router distributes a 2.4 GHz network.

The network SSID is visible (not hidden)

The Wi-Fi password is known

The printer is located next to the router-->

⚠️ Attention: If the printer displays the error "Unable to connect to the network" after entering the password, check if the password contains special characters (for example, @, #, $). Some printer firmware versions do not handle such characters correctly. Try temporarily changing the password to a simple one (for example, 12345678) for the test.

3. Method 2: Connecting via the HP Smart app (from a smartphone or PC)

Application HP Smart Automates the connection process and allows you to control the printer from your phone or computer. This method is convenient if you don't have access to the printer's control panel or prefer to configure everything from your smartphone's screen.

Download and install the application:

• 📱 Android (Google Play)
• 🍎 iOS (App Store)
• 💻 Windows/macOS (official HP website)

Next, follow the instructions:

1. Open the app HP Smart and press Add a printer (the "+" icon).

2. Select Setting up a new printer.

3. The app will prompt you to enable Bluetooth on your device—confirm this. This is necessary for initial synchronization with the printer.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will automatically find the printer. DeskJet 2721 and will prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network.

5. Select your network from the list, enter the password and wait for the setup to complete.

6. Once successfully connected, the printer will appear in the list of devices in the application.

If the application does not find the printer:

• 🔄 Restart your printer and smartphone/PC.
• 📶 Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
• 🔌 Connect the printer directly to a power outlet (without extension cords) - sometimes unstable power supply interferes with synchronization.

4. Method 3: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method works if your router supports WPS (most modern models support it).

Instructions:

1. Make sure the indicator light on the router is on. WPS (usually it is signed or indicated by an icon of two arrows forming a circle).

2. On the printer HP DeskJet 2721 press and hold the button Wi-Fi for 5 seconds until the wireless indicator starts flashing.

3. Press the button within 2 minutes WPS On the router. It's usually located on the back panel and may be combined with the reset button (in which case you need to press and hold it for 1-2 seconds).

4. Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer turns solid (blue or green). This indicates a successful connection.

If the connection fails:

• ⏱️ Make sure you clicked it in time WPS on the router within 2 minutes after activating the mode on the printer.
• 🔄 Reboot your router and try again.
• 🔒 Check if it is disabled WPS in the router settings. Go to the web interface (usually 192.168.0.1) and find the section WPS or Quick Wi-Fi setup.

⚠️ Attention: Some providers are turning it off WPS This is the default setting for security reasons. If you can't find this feature in your router settings, try a different connection method.

5. Method 4: Connecting via USB (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

If all attempts to connect via Wi-Fi fail, you can temporarily connect the printer to your computer via USB and then set up a wireless network using software. HPThis method requires a cable. USB Type-B (usually comes with the printer).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable. Turn on the printer.

2. Download and install drivers for HP DeskJet 2721 With official HP websiteSelect your operating system and bit depth (32 or 64 bit).

3. After installing the drivers, open the program HP Printer Assistant (it is installed automatically along with the drivers).

4. Go to the section Setting up the printer or Network settings.

5. Select Connecting to a wireless network and follow the on-screen instructions: the program will automatically find available networks and prompt you to enter a password.

6. Once connected successfully, disconnect the USB cable. The printer should remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.

For macOS the process is similar, but instead HP Printer Assistant the utility is used HP Easy StartDownload it from the HP website and follow the program prompts.

⚠️ AttentionIf the printer loses its Wi-Fi connection after disconnecting the USB cable, this may indicate a firmware issue. Update the printer firmware via software. HP or manually with support site.

How to update the firmware of the HP DeskJet 2721 printer?

1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.

2. Open the program HP Printer Assistant or HP Easy Start.

3. Go to the section Firmware update or Utilities.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions. Do not disconnect the printer during the update!

5. After the update, restart the printer and repeat the Wi-Fi setup.

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with proper setup, users often encounter errors. Let's look at the most common issues and how to fix them.

Error 1: The printer cannot find the Wi-Fi network.

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📡 The network operates in the 5 GHz range.: The printer only supports 2.4 GHzIn your router settings, disable 5 GHz or create a separate network for 2.4 GHz.
• 👁️ Hidden SSID: If the network doesn't broadcast its name, you'll need to add it manually. On the printer, select Another network and enter SSID and password.
• 🔌 Weak signal: Place the printer closer to the router or use a repeater to strengthen the signal.

Error 2: Flashing Orange Wi-Fi Light

A flashing orange LED indicates a connection error. Try the following:

• 🔄 Restart your printer and router.
• 🔑 Check that the password you entered is correct (the printer is case-sensitive!).
• 🔧 Reset the printer's network settings: Press and hold the button Wi-Fi And Cancel simultaneously for 10 seconds.

Error 3: The printer connects but does not print via Wi-Fi

If the printer is online, but printing tasks are not performed:

• 🖨️ Check if the printer is installed as default device in Windows/macOS settings.
• 🌐 Make sure your computer and printer are on the same network.
• 🔄 Reinstall printer drivers.

7. Additional settings after connection

After successfully connecting to Wi-Fi, we recommend performing a few additional steps to ensure stable operation:

• 📌 Set a static IP address for the printer: This will prevent connection loss when the router changes its IP address. In the router settings, find the section DHCP reservation and bind the printer's MAC address to a fixed IP.
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware: This fixes connection errors and adds new features. Use the program HP Smart or the official website.
• 📱 Set up printing from mobile devices: in the appendix HP Smart You can enable cloud printing features (for example, printing documents from Google Drive).
• 🔒 Set up password access: If the printer is used in an office, you can restrict access by third-party devices in its settings.

It is also useful to print out Network configuration page To check the current settings:

1. Press and hold the button Information on the printer for 5 seconds.
2. The printer will print out a sheet with connection information, including IP address, MAC address and Wi-Fi status.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I connect my HP DeskJet 2721 to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, this can be done in two ways:

1. Through printer control panel (enter the network password manually).
2. Through HP Smart app on your smartphone (requires Bluetooth for initial sync).

Detailed instructions for both methods are provided in this article.

The printer connects to Wi-Fi, but disconnects after a few minutes. What's the problem?

This issue is usually related to the power saving settings of your router or printer. Try:

• Disable mode Energy saving in the printer settings (via the control panel or HP Smart).
• Disable this function in your router settings. Automatic client shutdown (may be called Client Isolation or AP Isolation).
• Update the printer and router firmware.

How to connect a printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?

If your network does not broadcast SSID, follow these steps:

1. On the printer, go to the Wi-Fi setup menu (hold the button Wi-Fi 3 seconds).
2. Select Another network or Manual input.
3. Enter SSID (network name) and password. Make sure the letters are case-sensitive!
4. Confirm your input and wait for the connection.

Is it possible to connect the printer to a public network (for example, in a cafe or hotel)?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• Printer HP DeskJet 2721 does not support networks with web authorization (where you need to enter your login/password through the browser).
• If the network is open (no password), the printer will connect, but printing may be blocked by the network administrator.
• Some hotels use VLAN or Port Isolation, which makes printing impossible.

For printing in such networks it is better to use USB connection to a laptop or mobile hotspot (share Wi-Fi from your phone).

How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?

To reset all Wi-Fi settings:

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Press and hold the buttons simultaneously Wi-Fi And Cancel within 10–15 seconds.
3. The printer's lights will flash and it will reboot. You can then set up the connection again.

Attention: Resetting deletes all saved networks, but does not affect other printer settings (such as print quality).