How to Connect an HP LaserJet 1020 to Wi-Fi: 3 Working Methods + Troubleshooting

Printer HP LaserJet 1020 — a legendary model that still serves in offices and homes thanks to its reliability. However, it has one significant drawback: the lack of a built-in Wi-Fi module. This means that by default, the printer can only be connected via USB cable, which is not always convenient in a modern wireless office or home with multiple devices.

Luckily, there are several proven ways to do this. LaserJet 1020 wireless - from use USB print servers before setup shared access via PCIn this article, we'll cover all the working methods, including step-by-step instructions with interface photos, an adapter compatibility chart, and common errors with solutions. We'll pay special attention to hidden router settings that are often ignored in standard guides.

Important: If you are looking for a way to connect your printer directly to Wi-Fi without any additional equipment, we warn you right away that this impossible. HP LaserJet 1020 It doesn't have a built-in wireless module, and any promises of "updating the Wi-Fi" are a scam. However, with the right adapter or router settings, you'll get stable wireless printing from any device on the network.

1. Method 1: Connecting via a USB print server (the most reliable)

This is the best option for those who want to make a printer. HP LaserJet 1020 completely autonomous in the network. USB print server — a small device that connects to a printer via USB and shares it via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Advantages of this method:

• 🔌 Works without a PC turned on (the printer is always available)
• 📶 Supports multiple devices simultaneously
• 🛡️ More reliable than Windows sharing (fewer glitches)

Of the proven models, we recommend:

Instructions for setting up using an example TP-Link TL-WPS510U:

1. Connect the print server to the printer via a USB cable (included).

2. Plug the adapter into a power outlet and wait until the power indicator lights up.

3. Connect to the temporary print server network (type name TP-LINK_PS_XXXX, password on the sticker).

4. Open your browser and go to the address http://192.168.0.10 (or tplinkprinter.net).

5. In the web interface, select your Wi-Fi network, enter the password and save the settings.

6. Install the printer driver on all devices by specifying it in the settings Print server IP address (can be fixed in the router).

Compatible with HP LaserJet 1020 (check specifications)

Supports your Wi-Fi type (2.4/5 GHz)

There is a Russian-language firmware

USB cable included (or check the length of yours)

-->

⚠️ Attention: Some print servers require firmware to work with LaserJet 1020Before purchasing, check the manufacturer's website for a list of compatible printers. For example, D-Link DP-301U+ May not recognize older HP models without a firmware update.

2. Method 2: Sharing via a Windows PC (free, but with limitations)

If you don't want to buy additional equipment, you can set it up printer sharing via a computer that is constantly connected to the network. Disadvantages of this method:

• 💻 The printer only works when the PC is turned on
• 🐢 Printing delays are possible under heavy load on the PC
• 🔄 When updating Windows, settings may be lost

Step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Connect the printer to the PC via USB and make sure that it is detected by the system (the driver must be installed).

2. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.

3. Right click on HP LaserJet 1020 and select Printer Properties → Access.

4. Check the box Share this printer and come up with a network name (for example, HP_LaserJet_1020_Shared).

5. Click Apply and go to Windows Defender Firewall → Allow communications....

6. Enable printer discovery on the network (checkbox Network discovery).

Now on other devices:

• 🖥️ On PC: Add a printer via Control Panel → Add a Printer → Network Printer.
• 📱 On Android/iOS: Install the application HP Smart or PrinterShare and select the shared printer.

⚠️ Attention: With this connection HP LaserJet 1020 It can only print one document at a time—printing from multiple devices simultaneously will result in errors. For office use, a print server is better.

3. Method 3: Connecting via a router with a USB port (an alternative to a print server)

Many modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AC68U, TP-Link Archer C7) have USB port, to which you can connect a printer. This is cheaper than buying a separate print server, but it doesn't work with all router models.

Verified routers with support HP LaserJet 1020:

• 📡 ASUS RT-N18U (AsusWRT firmware)
• 📡 TP-Link TL-WDR4300 (with alternative OpenWRT firmware)
• 📡 Keenetic Ultra (official HP support)

Instructions for the router ASUS:

1. Connect the printer to the USB port of the router.

2. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1).

3. Go to the section USB Application → Print Server.

4. Turn on Enable Printer Server and select the printer model (HP LaserJet 1020 may not be in the list - select Generic).

5. Install the driver on your PC, specifying the router's IP address as a network printer.

opkg update
opkg install p910nd

The main disadvantage of this method is limited compatibilityFor example, routers TP-Link Older HP models are often not recognized by the standard firmware. In such cases, the firmware helps. OpenWRT or DD-WRT, but this requires technical skills.

4. Solving typical connection errors

Even with the correct settings HP LaserJet 1020 Your device may refuse to print over Wi-Fi. Let's look at the most common issues and their solutions:

If your printer prints gibberish or blank sheets:

1. Check that it is installed on all devices the same driver (download from official HP website).

2. In the printer settings, select PCL 5 or PCL 6 instead of PostScript.

3. Disable the option in the driver Quick Print (may cause errors when transmitting over the network).

5. Alternative solutions: cloud printing and mobile apps

If none of the above methods work, consider cloud printing servicesThey allow you to send documents to a printer over the Internet, even if it is connected via USB to another device.

Popular services:

• ☁️ Google Cloud Print (supported until 2020, but still works through workarounds)
• ☁️ HP ePrint (requires printer registration with HP account)
• ☁️ PrinterShare (paid, but supports older models)

Instructions for HP ePrint:

1. Register on the website HP ePrint.

2. Connect the printer to your PC via USB and add it to your account using the program. HP Print and Scan Doctor.

3. Install the application on your mobile device HP Smart and log in to the same account.

4. Send documents to print through the app—they will be transferred to your PC and then to the printer.

⚠️ Attention: Cloud printing requires the PC with the connected printer to be online at all times. Furthermore, some services (such as Google Cloud Print) have been officially discontinued and their operation is not guaranteed. For mission-critical tasks, it's better to use a print server.

6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the optimal connection method, answer the following questions:

• 🔄 Should I print when my PC is off? → Print server or router with USB.
• 💰 Want to keep costs to a minimum? → Sharing via Windows (but with limitations).
• 📱 Need to print from your smartphone? → Print server or cloud service.
• 🏢 Is the printer used in an office with 5+ devices? → Only print server.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting the HP LaserJet 1020 to Wi-Fi