Modern printing of documents and photographs has long ceased to require bulky cables connecting the computer and peripheral device. Model HP DeskJet Plus 4120 is a prominent example of a line of wireless MFPs that allow you to instantly send tasks from any device on your local network. However, despite technological advances, initial wireless connection setup often presents challenges for users, especially if the router uses complex passwords or hidden SSIDs.
There are several ways to activate the wireless module in this device, each with its own features and advantages. You can use automatic setup via a mobile app, the WPS method for quick pairing, or a classic USB cable to transfer network settings. Selecting a specific method It depends on what devices you have at hand and how confident you are in using the operating system settings.
In this guide, we'll cover all the available options for connecting your printer to your home network in detail. We'll also cover the intricacies of using the app. HP Smart, web interface configuration features, and ways to resolve common issues with device visibility in the list of available gadgets. Proper connection ensures stable operation of the scanner and printer throughout their entire service life.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
Before you begin software configuration, you must ensure that the hardware is physically ready for operation. Make sure that HP DeskJet Plus 4120 Plugged in, cartridges installed, and the paper tray raised. The device should be within range of your router's signal, ideally no more than 10 meters away with no solid walls between them.
An important step is to check your wireless network settings. DeskJet series printers, like many other IoT devices, work best within the 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (dual-band), this can cause confusion. In some cases, it's recommended to temporarily separate the network names or ensure that your smartphone or laptop used for setup is connected to the correct frequency.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure "Guest Network" mode is disabled on your router for the device you're connecting the printer to. Guest networks often have client isolation, which prevents data exchange between devices connected to the same access point.
It's also a good idea to know your Wi-Fi password in advance. If you don't remember it, look at the sticker on the bottom of your router or access your computer's wireless adapter settings to view the network's security properties. Without entering the password accurately and correctly, the authorization process will fail.
Using the HP Smart app for initial setup
The most modern and convenient configuration method is to use a proprietary application. HP SmartIt's available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This method is preferred because the app automatically detects the printer in setup mode and transfers your saved Wi-Fi network credentials to it, eliminating the need to manually enter the password on a small screen or through complex menus.
To get started, download and install the app from the official store (Microsoft Store, App Store, or Google Play). Launch the app and click the "Add Printer" button. If the device isn't already connected to the network, it should automatically enter setup mode when you first turn it on. If it doesn't, you'll need to reset the network settings, which we'll discuss in the troubleshooting section.
☑️ Ready to set up HP Smart
During setup, the app may request location access permission. This is a system requirement of operating systems (especially Android) to scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Allow access, otherwise your home networks list may be empty and you will not be able to select the desired SSID to connect to.
If the automatic search is unsuccessful, the app will offer alternative options, including searching via USB or using a QR code. Follow the on-screen instructions, carefully monitoring the indicators on the printer control panel. A flashing blue wireless indicator usually indicates the device is waiting for a connection.
Quick connection method via WPS
Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Allows you to connect devices to the network without entering a password, using either a PIN code or a physical button. For the model HP DeskJet Plus 4120 The button method is the most convenient if your router supports it. This is the fastest method, taking no more than a minute.
To use this method, press and hold the wireless button on the printer's control panel for 3-5 seconds until the power light and wireless button begin flashing. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The printer and router will exchange encryption keys automatically.
- 📡 Make sure the WPS button on your router is active and not blocked by software.
- ⏱️ The interval between pressing the button on the printer and the router should not exceed 120 seconds.
- 🔒 The WPS method is considered less secure from a cybersecurity perspective than using complex WPA3 passwords.
Once the connection is successful, the wireless indicator on the printer will stop blinking and turn solid blue. This means the device has received an IP address from the router's DHCP server and is ready to use. If the indicator continues to blink, pairing was unsuccessful and you should repeat the process or use the HP Smart app.
What to do if the WPS button does not work?
If your router doesn't have a physical WPS button, this method is unavailable. In this case, you'll need to log into the router's web address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the virtual WPS button in the wireless network settings. Activation via the web interface also has a two-minute time limit.
Setup via USB cable (classic method)
If wireless methods don't work or you prefer a traditional approach, you can use a USB cable to transfer the initial network settings. You'll need a USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-B printer cable. Your computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer.
When installing drivers from the HP website or disc, select the "Wireless Connection" option and follow the installer instructions. When prompted, connect the USB cable. The driver will automatically transfer your Wi-Fi network's SSID and password to the printer. After confirming successful cable transfer, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable.
This method is especially useful in corporate networks, where there may be restrictions on creating new access points or using Bluetooth for configuration. It also allows you to configure the printer on a computer physically closer to the router, and then move the MFP to a convenient location in the room where the signal may be weaker, but the existing connection will be preserved.
| Connection method | Necessary equipment | Complexity | Speed of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP Smart App | Smartphone/PC with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi | Low | High |
| WPS | Router with a WPS button | Minimum | Very high |
| USB cable | USB Type-A to B cable | Average | Average |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Any device with Wi-Fi | Low | High |
Wi-Fi Direct mode for printing without a router
A unique feature of the series DeskJet Plus is technology support Wi-Fi DirectThis mode allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and your printer, bypassing your home router. This is ideal for situations when the internet is down or you're in a location where using the main network is prohibited.
To activate the feature, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel (the smartphone icon). The printer will print an information page with the network name (e.g., HP-Print-xx-DeskJet 4100 series) and the connection password. Simply find this network in the Wi-Fi list on your phone and enter the password.
It's worth noting that when connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, your mobile device may lose internet access if it doesn't support two Wi-Fi networks simultaneously. In this case, use your mobile data (4G/5G) for internet access and a direct connection to the printer for printing.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting connection problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, situations may arise where the printer does not see the network or constantly loses connection. The first step should always be reset network settingsTo do this, press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (cross) buttons on the control panel simultaneously for 3 seconds. The power indicator will flash, confirming the reset.
A common issue is frequency band incompatibility. Make sure your router isn't using the 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard in "only" mode, as older modules may not support it. Also, check if MAC address filtering is enabled on the router. If it is, you need to find the printer's MAC address (print a network configuration report) and add it to the router's whitelist.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus programs and firewalls on your computer may be blocking the printer from being detected on the network. If the installation is interrupted while searching for the device, try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus or allowing the HP app access through Windows Firewall.
If the printer is connected but not printing, check its status in the print queue. Sometimes changing the status from "Offline" to "Online" in the device properties helps. Also, make sure the printer's IP address hasn't changed unless static DHCP (MAC address reservation) is configured on your network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find the IP address of my HP DeskJet Plus 4120?
To obtain the IP address, press the "Information" button (the "i" icon) on the printer's control panel. The printer will print a report showing the current IP address in the IPv4 line.