Modern printing has long ceased to be tied to bulky cables, and owners of budget but reliable devices of the series Ink Advantage often wonder how to free up your desk from unnecessary wires. Model HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3635 It has become popular due to its combination of affordability and functionality, but initial setup of the wireless module can be challenging for inexperienced users. Proper configuration allows you to print documents and photos simultaneously from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets, without having to connect a USB cable each time.
Establishing a connection between a printer and a router requires careful attention, as even a small error in entering a password or performing the correct sequence of actions can lead to driver failures. In this article, we'll cover all available synchronization methods in detail, from using WPS to manual installation via software. You'll learn how to correctly interpret blinking indicators and what to do if the device doesn't detect your home network.
Before beginning the procedure, make sure your router is working properly and has a stable internet signal. It's also important to check that the cartridges are installed and the protective tapes are removed from the internal mechanisms, as the printer may not enter setup mode if there are hardware errors. For the wireless module to work correctly, the router version must support 802.11b/g/n standards in the 2.4 GHz range., since this model does not work with 5 GHz networks.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin software setup, there are a number of physical checks that are often overlooked but critical to the success of the operation. Make sure the printer is plugged in and within range of your network's signal. Wi-Fi routerThe distance between devices should not be too great, and the presence of thick walls or metal structures between them can significantly weaken the signal, leading to constant connection breaks.
You'll need to know your wireless network name (SSID) and password. If you haven't changed your router settings since purchasing it, this information may be found on a sticker on the bottom of the router. Pay attention to the case of the letters: network Home_WiFi and the network home_wifi These are two different electronics targets. Also, check if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router, which could block new devices.
- 📶 Make sure the wireless indicator on the control panel is on (flashing blue).
- 🔌 Place the printer no more than 5-7 meters from the router during setup.
- 📱 Prepare a computer or smartphone with internet access to download drivers.
It's worth noting that some corporate networks or ISP routers with complex security systems may require additional configuration. At home, standard encryption is usually sufficient. WPA2If your router is broadcasting two networks with the same name (for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try temporarily separating them or disabling the 5 GHz band while installing the drivers to avoid confusion.
Automatic configuration method via WPS
The fastest way to establish communication between devices is to use technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)This method allows you to transfer network information automatically, without having to manually enter a long, complex password on a small screen or using buttons. WPS is supported by most modern routers and the 3635 model itself, making it the preferred choice for most users.
First, find the button labeled WPS On your router's body. It may be a physical button or a software button in the admin interface. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the WPS indicator on the router starts blinking. This means the router has entered search mode and is waiting for a new device to connect.
⚠️ Important: The WPS button on the router must be pressed within 2 minutes of activating the search mode on the printer, otherwise the connection session will be terminated for security reasons.
On the HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3635 printer control panel, press and hold the Wireless communication (antenna icon) and a button Cancel (cross) simultaneously for 3 seconds. The power button may flash. After this, the wireless indicator on the printer will begin flashing blue, indicating a connection attempt. If the connection is successful, the indicator will stop flashing and remain solid blue.
Using the HP Smart app to install
If automatic connection via WPS is not possible or your router does not support this function, the most reliable option is to use the proprietary application. HP SmartThis software is available for Windows and macOS operating systems, as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS. The app not only helps with network setup but also provides access to scanning, ink level monitoring, and diagnostics.
First, you need to put the printer into setup mode. To do this, press and hold the buttons Wireless communication And Information (the "i" icon) simultaneously until the power light starts blinking. After this, the wireless light will start blinking blue, indicating it's ready to pair. Now open the HP Smart app on your device and tap the "Add a new printer" button.
☑️ HP Smart Pre-Installation Check
The app will automatically detect the printer in setup mode. Follow the on-screen instructions: select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. The app will automatically transfer this information to the printer. During the installation process, you may need to temporarily connect via USB if the wireless data transfer is unstable, but in most cases, the 3635 model connects over the air.
Setup via USB cable and computer
This is a classic method that often helps when mobile devices don't recognize the printer or the drivers aren't installed correctly. You'll need the full driver package from the official HP support website. When launching the installer, select the "Wireless" connection type and follow the installation wizard.
At a certain point, the program will ask you to temporarily connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable. This is necessary for the initial transfer of network settings. After the program detects the device and transfers your Wi-Fi network settings, it will prompt you to disconnect the cable. The printer will save the settings and switch to wireless mode.
| Setup stage | User action | Indication on the printer |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Turning on the device | The power indicator is on |
| Setup mode | Button Presses (Wireless + Cancel) | The blue Wi-Fi indicator is flashing |
| Network search | Launching software on a PC | The blue Wi-Fi indicator is flashing |
| Success | Disconnect USB (if used) | The blue light is steady on |
It's important not to interrupt the installation process until a success message appears. If you disconnect the power or cable prematurely, the settings may not be saved, and you'll have to repeat the process. After installation is complete, we recommend printing a test page to ensure the connection is working properly.
Decoding indicators and diagnostics
Understanding the printer's indicator lights allows you to quickly diagnose problems without using a computer. Blue lights typically indicate normal operation or connection standby, while flashing orange lights indicate an error or warning.
If the wireless indicator is blinking blue, it means the printer is in setup mode and ready to connect, but is not connected to the network. If it is blinking orange, there may be a connection error or a problem with the cartridges. If the power or wireless indicator is constantly orange, check the paper and ink levels.
Wireless Indicator Flashing Code Table
If the indicator is blinking blue, setup mode is active. If it's solid blue, the connection is successful. If it's blinking orange, there's a connection error or a weak signal. If it's off, the Wi-Fi module is turned off or faulty.
To get a detailed network status report, you can use the print report feature. Press and hold the button Cancel Press the [Wireless Network Information] button for 3 seconds to print a wireless network status page. This report will show the device's IP address, the network name it's connected to, and the connection status, which is extremely useful for advanced diagnostics.
Resetting network settings and troubleshooting
If the printer stops responding or the Wi-Fi password has changed, you need to reset the network settings to factory defaults. This will clear the device's memory of old connection profiles. To do this, press and hold the buttons Wireless communication And Cancel simultaneously for 3 seconds until the power and wireless indicators start flashing.
⚠️ Note: After resetting your network settings, all saved Wi-Fi profiles will be deleted, and you will need to reconnect the printer to the router using any of the methods described above.
A common issue is that the printer isn't visible in the list of available devices. Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same network (especially relevant for routers with guest zones). Antivirus software or Windows Firewall may also be blocking device detection—try temporarily disabling them to test.
If the problem persists, reboot the entire chain of equipment: turn off the router, printer, and computer. Turn on the router and wait for it to fully boot up, then turn on the printer. Often, a simple hardware reboot resolves IP address conflicts and restores connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP 3635 be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, the HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3635 model only supports the standard 802.11b/g/n, which operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. If your router broadcasts networks with the same name for both bands, we recommend separating them in the router settings or temporarily disabling the 5 GHz band.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi indicator keeps blinking after setup?
A blinking blue light means the printer can't connect to the router. Check the password you entered, make sure the router isn't using MAC address filtering, and try moving the printer closer to the signal source.
Do I need to remove the cartridges when connecting to Wi-Fi?
No, the cartridges must be installed. Furthermore, if the printer detects missing cartridges or an error with them, it may fail to enter network setup mode or may continuously display an error message, interrupting the connection process.
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
The easiest way is to print a wireless network report by holding down the button Cancel (cross) for 3 seconds. The IP address will be listed in the "IPv4 Address" section on the printed sheet.