How to Connect the HP DeskJet 3635 to WiFi: A Complete Guide

Modern multifunctional devices allow you to forget about tangled wires and place equipment in any convenient place in the apartment. Wireless connection Allows access to printing documents and photos directly from a smartphone or tablet, significantly improving ease of use. However, initial setup of the connection between the router and the printer often presents difficulties for users unfamiliar with network protocols.

Model HP DeskJet 3635 It's a budget device, but offers sufficient functionality for homework and school use. To activate wireless mode, you must perform a series of steps in the device menu and on your computer. In this article, we'll cover all available synchronization methods in detail and troubleshoot common installation errors.

Before you begin setup, make sure your device is plugged in and ready to use. Router The network you plan to connect the printer to must also be activated and broadcasting. If you just unpacked the box, be sure to remove all shipping tape and install the cartridges.

Preparing equipment and checking router settings

The first step is to check the status of your wireless router. Make sure it's turned on, the lights are on normally, and you know network name (SSID) and its password. Without this data, automatic setup will be impossible, as the printer needs to "subscribe" to something.

Place it HP DeskJet 3635 Within a strong signal coverage area. Walls, microwave ovens, and metal structures can significantly weaken the signal, resulting in connection interruptions during printing. The optimal distance is considered to be up to 10 meters from the router, provided there are no solid partitions.

  • 📶 Check if Wi-Fi is working on other devices in the same room.
  • 🔌 Make sure the printer's power cord is securely plugged into the power outlet.
  • 📄 Remove any protective orange or blue tape from the paper feed tray.

⚠️ Important: Make sure your router is broadcasting at 2.4 GHz. Many budget printer models, including the 3600 series, do not support 5 GHz, and if your phone only sees 5 GHz, your printer may not detect the network.

If you're using a guest network or corporate Wi-Fi with web-based authentication (captive portal), connecting a printer using the standard method won't work. In such cases, you'll need access to the router's admin panel to create exceptions or use the captive portal method. WPS, if supported by the provider.

⚠️ Note: Router and operating system interfaces are constantly being updated. The layout of menu items may differ from those described, so please consult the documentation for your specific equipment.

Activating wireless mode on the printer control panel

On the front panel of the device HP DeskJet 3635 There is a button with an image of an antenna. This is the button that initiates the network search mode. Press and hold this button for a few seconds until the indicators Power And Wireless will not start blinking simultaneously. This means the device has entered setup mode.

Once search mode is activated, the printer will begin searching for known networks. If you haven't configured it before, it will wait for your input. At this point, a new device with a name like "HP-Setup-3635" or similar may appear on your computer or smartphone screen, indicating successful startup. configuration mode.

It's important not to confuse a short press with a long press. A short press typically simply turns Wi-Fi on or off if it's already configured. A long press (about 3-5 seconds) is critical for entering the initial setup mode.

  • 🔘 Press and hold the Wireless button until the indicators start flashing.
  • 👀 Follow the indicator color: blue means searching/working, orange means error.
  • 📱 Wait until the printer's name appears in the list of available networks on your phone.

WPS method: quick connection without entering a password

The easiest way to establish a connection if your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)This method allows you to transfer the password automatically, without having to manually enter it on a computer keyboard or smartphone. The router should have a button with the corresponding icon (two arrows forming a circle).

To begin the process, press and hold the WPS button on the router for a couple of seconds. Then, within two minutes, press and hold the wireless button on HP DeskJet 3635The devices will automatically find each other and exchange encryption keys. The printer's indicator will stop flashing and turn solid blue, indicating success.

⚠️ Note: WPS is considered less secure than manually entering a complex password, as it is vulnerable to certain types of brute-force attacks. If you store sensitive data on your network, it's best to use the standard password entry method.

If automatic connection doesn't occur on the first try, repeat the procedure, ensuring that the time interval between button presses on the router and printer is minimal. Sometimes multiple attempts are required due to delays in the equipment's response.

☑️ WPS Readiness Check

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Setup via USB cable and software

If wireless methods are challenging, the most reliable option remains to use USB cablesTo do this, you'll need to download the full package of drivers and utilities from the manufacturer's official website. The software will automatically detect the connection type and reconfigure the printer to operate over Wi-Fi.

Run the installation file HP_Instal_3635.exe (the name may vary) and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection type, select "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi." Next, the setup wizard will ask you to connect the device to your computer via a cable. Once detected, the program will offer to transfer network settings from the PC to the printer.

Driver path: 123.hp.com/dj3635

During the data transfer process, you may need to disconnect and reconnect the cable if the system doesn't detect the device. Make sure you're using a working cable capable of transmitting data, not just charging the device. Once setup is complete, you can remove the cable, as further work will be done over the air.

Setup stage User action Expected result
Downloading software Download from HP website The installation file has been saved on your PC.
Launching the wizard Selecting a Wi-Fi network type Opening the device search window
Connection Connecting with a USB cable Detecting the printer by the system
Data transfer Clicking the Continue button The Wi-Fi indicator is blue

Using the HP Smart mobile app

For smartphone and tablet owners, the optimal solution is an app HP SmartIt's available in the Google Play and App Stores. This method is particularly convenient because it allows you to set up your printer directly from your mobile device, bypassing your computer. The app automatically detects HP devices within Bluetooth range.

Open the app and tap "Add Printer" or the plus sign. Select your model. DeskJet 3635 from the list. If the printer is in setup mode (blinking), the app will prompt you to connect it to your current Wi-Fi network, which is already stored on your phone. All you have to do is confirm the action.

📊 What is your preferred method for setting up your equipment?
Via a computer with a cable
Via a smartphone app
Using the WPS button on the router
I'm calling a repairman

The app also provides access to document scanning, ink level checking, and consumables ordering, turning your smartphone into a fully-fledged control panel for your office. The "Smart Tasks" feature lets you create shortcuts for frequently used actions, such as scanning a receipt directly to the cloud.

Solutions to common problems and errors

Even if you follow all the instructions, problems may still occur. Often, the problem is that the computer and printer are on different subnets, or the antivirus software is blocking the connection. Try temporarily disabling the firewall or adding the device to the exceptions list. Restarting the router also helps: unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

If the printer "sees" the network but won't connect, check that the password is entered correctly. Letters are case-sensitive. In some cases, resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults may help. To do this, press and hold the buttons. Wireless And Cancel (cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the indicators flash.

What to do if the orange indicator is on?

A blinking orange light usually means the printer can't obtain an IP address from the router. Try rebooting the router. If that doesn't help, check if MAC address filtering is enabled on the router, which could be blocking new devices. Also, make sure the DHCP server on the router is active.

In rare cases, the issue may be due to outdated printer firmware. Update the firmware via USB cable using the "Advanced" section in the device settings on your computer. This fixes many software issues related to compatibility with modern Wi-Fi encryption standards.

Can I connect my HP DeskJet 3635 to a hidden Wi-Fi network?

Connecting to a hidden network (SSID not broadcast) is possible, but requires manual configuration through the printer's web interface (EWS). You'll need to know the exact network name and enter it manually in the appropriate field. This is extremely difficult or impossible to do through the standard button menu.

Why can't my computer see my printer via Wi-Fi even though it's connected?

Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same network (not a guest network). Check Windows Print Services. Sometimes, uninstalling the old driver and reinstalling it, selecting the correct network connection type, can help.

Does this model support Wi-Fi Direct?

Yes, the 3635 model supports Wi-Fi Direct technology, which allows you to print without a router by connecting directly to the printer. To do this, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel and look for a network with "DIRECT" in its name on your device.