Changing the Wi-Fi password on a printer HP — a challenge faced by both office workers and home users. The reasons can vary, from scheduled password rotation to suspicions of unauthorized network access. However, many overlook the fact that printers HP (especially models with support Wi-Fi Direct or wireless printing) store network settings separately from the router. This means that even after changing the router password, the printer may lose connection if its settings aren't updated.
In this article, we'll look at three current ways to change the Wi-Fi password on printers. HP — from classic models OfficeJet Pro 9010 to compact DeskJet 2700You will learn how to do this through printer control panel, web interface (if supported) and mobile app HP SmartWe'll pay special attention to details that manufacturers often gloss over: why a printer might not recognize a new network, how to reset network settings to factory defaults, and what to do if the device persistently requests the old password.
1. Preparation: What you need to know before changing your password
Before you begin changing your password, make sure three key conditions are met:
- 📡 The printer is turned on and within range of the router.If the signal is weak, the device may not detect the network or interrupt the connection process.
- 🔌 The router is not overloadedSimultaneously changing passwords on multiple devices (smartphones, laptops) can cause IP address conflicts.
- 📱 You have a device with internet access at hand.. This will be required to verify a new password or install an app. HP Smart.
Important: If you change the password on your router after Once the printer is already connected to the network, it will have to be reconnect againPrinters HP do not update network data automatically, unlike smartphones or PCs. This applies to all models, including Envy 6000 And LaserJet Pro M426.
⚠️ Please note: On some models (eg. HP Tango) Changing the Wi-Fi password through the control panel is blocked if the printer is connected to the cloud HP Instant InkIn this case, use the web interface or application. HP Smart.
If you are unsure of your printer model, find it on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Alternatively, print it out configuration report (usually through the menu Settings → Reports → Configuration Page). This will help you follow the instructions more accurately.
2. Method 1: Changing the password through the printer control panel
This is the most universal method and works on most models. HP with display. Suitable for printers of the series OfficeJet, DeskJet, Envy and some LaserJetThe instructions may differ slightly depending on the firmware, but the general logic remains the same.
Steps to change your password:
- On the printer control panel, press the button
Settings(usually depicted as a gear or a wrench). - Go to the section
NetorWireless communication(on some models -Wi-FiorWireless). - Select
Wi-Fi settings→Wireless Network Setup Wizard(Wireless Setup Wizard). - The printer will begin searching for available networks. Select your network from the list.
- Enter New Password (Please note: the keyboard on the printer screen can be awkward to use - use a stylus or toothpick for precise typing.)
- Confirm the changes. The printer will reboot and attempt to connect to the network.
If your printer model does not have a touch screen (for example, HP DeskJet 2600), control is carried out via physical buttons. In this case:
- Use the buttons
↑/↓to navigate the menu. - To select an item, press
OKor the central button. - The password is entered using the buttons
1-9(each button corresponds to several symbols, like on old phones).
⚠️ Note: On printers with a monochrome display (e.g., HP LaserJet Pro M404n) the menu may not be fully displayed. If you don't see the item you need, try updating the firmware via HP Smart or web interface.
Make sure the printer is turned on and charged (for portable models)
Check the printer's Wi-Fi network visibility
Prepare a new password (write it down on paper)
Disable VPN on your router (it may block the connection) -->
3. Method 2: Using the printer's web interface (EWS)
Many printers HP (especially office models) have a built-in web server, which allows you to manage settings through a browser. This method is convenient if the printer's control panel is limited or you prefer to work from a computer.
How to access the web interface:
- Find out Printer IP address. It can be found:
- On the printed configuration page (see section 1).
- In the list of connected devices on the router (usually in the section
DHCP ClientsorConnected devices).
192.168.1.105). The page will open. Embedded Web Server (EWS).- Login:
admin - Password: leave blank or try again
1234,password. - Click
Wireless Setup Wizard. - Select your network from the list.
- Enter the new password in the field
Network KeyorPassword. - Save the changes and wait for the printer to restart.
Next, go to the section Networking → Wireless (or 802.11). Here you'll see your current Wi-Fi settings. To change the password:
If the printer does not connect after changing the password, check:
- 🔄 The password you entered is correct (case-sensitive!).
- 📶 Wi-Fi signal strength at the printer location (should be at least 2-3 bars).
- 🔒 Are the router's features disabled?
MAC filteringorIsolation of clients, which can block the printer. - Install HP Smart from Google Play or App Store.
- Launch the app and add your printer (if it's not already listed). To do this:
- Click
+in the upper right corner. - Select
Add a printer. - Follow the on-screen instructions (you may be asked to enter your current Wi-Fi password).
- Click
- After connecting the printer, go to its settings (tap on the device name).
- Select
Printer settings→Wireless network. - Click
Change networkand select your Wi-Fi network from the list. - Enter a new password and save changes.
| Printer model | EWS support | Default credentials | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 | Yes | Login: admin Password: (empty) |
Requires the latest firmware for stable operation |
| HP LaserJet Pro M426 | Yes | Login: admin Password: 1234 or password |
The password may differ in some regions. |
| HP Envy 6000 | Limited | Login: admin Password: (empty) |
Basic Wi-Fi settings only |
| HP DeskJet 2700 | No | — | Use Control Panel or HP Smart |
4. Method 3: Change your password via the HP Smart app
Mobile application HP Smart (available for Android And iOS) is the easiest way to manage a printer, especially if it doesn't have a display or web interface. The app automatically detects printers on the local network and lets you change Wi-Fi settings in just a few taps.
Step-by-step instructions:
The advantages of this method:
- 🎯 Automatic printer detection - no need to manually enter the IP address.
- 📱 Convenient interface for entering a password (smartphone virtual keyboard).
- 🔄 You can immediately check the connection by printing a test page.
⚠️ Attention: If the printer was previously connected to HP Instant Ink, the application may request authorization in the account HPWithout this, changing network settings will be blocked.
If the printer does not print after changing the password, check:
- 🖨️ Printer status in the app (should be
ReadyorConnected). - 📡 Wi-Fi signal — in the app HP Smart There is a signal level indicator.
- 🔄 Firewall settings on your computer (if you are printing from a PC).
What should I do if HP Smart doesn't find my printer?
1. Make sure the printer and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Restart the printer (turn the power off and on).
3. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone - some models HP (For example, Tango) first connect via Bluetooth and then switch to Wi-Fi.
4. Update the application HP Smart to the latest version.
5. Troubleshooting: Printer won't connect after changing password
Even after correctly changing the password, the printer may refuse to connect to the network. Let's look at common causes and troubleshooting steps.
Problem 1: The printer does not see the Wi-Fi network
- 🔍 Check that the network is not hidden (setting
Hide SSIDon the router). - 📶 Make sure your router is in wireless mode
802.11nor802.11ac(old printers do not supportWi-Fi 6). - 🔄 Restart your router and printer.
Problem 2: The printer asks for the old password
This happens if the printer's Wi-Fi settings haven't been updated. Solutions:
- 🔄 Complete reset network settings on the printer (usually through
Settings → Network → Reset network settings). - 📱 Reconnect the printer to the network via HP Smart or control panel.
- 🖥️ If used
WPS, press the buttonWPSon the router, then on the printer (in the menuWi-Fi Protected Setup).
Problem 3: Wi-Fi printing works, but is slow
Possible causes and solutions:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Weak Wi-Fi signal | Move the printer closer to the router or use repeater. |
| The Wi-Fi channel is overloaded | In the router settings, change the channel to 1, 6 or 11 (for 2.4 GHz). |
| Outdated printer firmware | Update software via HP Smart or web interface. |
Critical Information: On Printers HP with support Wi-Fi Direct (For example, OfficeJet 200Changing the primary network password does not affect direct printing. Wi-Fi Direct uses a separate password, which can be found on the printer label or in the configuration report.
6. Resetting the printer to factory settings: a last resort
If you have tried all the methods, but the printer still does not connect to Wi-Fi, the solution remains full resetThis will return all settings (including network settings) to factory defaults. Keep in mind that after the reset, you'll have to reconfigure not only Wi-Fi but also other features (e.g., HP Instant Ink or AirPrint).
How to perform a reset:
- On printers with a display:
- Go to
Settings→Service functions→Factory reset. - Confirm the action (you may be asked to enter a code, for example,
1234).
- Go to
- Press and hold the button
Cancel(orX) for 5–10 seconds. - Wait until all indicators flash and release the button.
After reset:
- 🖨️ The printer will reboot and print a page with factory settings.
- 🔄 Reconnect it to Wi-Fi (see section 2 or 3).
- 📄 Install the necessary drivers on your computer (you can download them from official HP website).
⚠️ Please note: On some models (eg. HP LaserJet Enterprise) reset may require input serial number printer. It is indicated on the sticker on the back of the device.
7. Security: How to protect your printer on a Wi-Fi network
Changing the password is only part of the process for protecting your printer from unauthorized access. Let's look at additional security measures relevant for these devices. HP.
1. Disable unnecessary features
- 🔌
Wi-Fi Direct— convenient for quick printing, but it bypasses the main network to access the printer. Disable it if you're not using it. - 🌐
External access(if the printer is connected to HP Instant Ink) - restrict access to trusted devices only.
2. Update the firmware
Outdated software may contain vulnerabilities. To update the firmware:
- Open HP Smart or the printer's web interface.
- Go to the section
Settings→Software update. - Follow the on-screen instructions. Do not turn off the printer during the update!
3. Configure MAC address filtering
This method is not 100% protection, but it adds an additional barrier:
- Find MAC address printer (on the configuration page or label).
- Log into your router settings (usually at
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1). - In the section
Wireless network→MAC filteringAdd the printer's MAC address to the list of allowed devices.
4. Use a guest network for the printer
If your router supports guest network, connect the printer to it. This will isolate it from the main devices and limit access to local resources.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the Wi-Fi password on HP printers
Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi password on an HP printer without a computer?
Yes, the printer control panel (if it has a display) or a mobile app is sufficient for this. HP SmartA computer is not required.
My HP printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my phone. What should I do?
Please check the following points:
- Is the application installed? HP Smart on the phone.
- Are your phone and printer connected to the same Wi-Fi network?
- Is the feature enabled?
AirPrint(for iPhone) orMopria(for Android) in the printer settings.
If the problem persists, restart your printer and phone.
How do I find the current Wi-Fi password stored on my HP printer?
Printers HP Saved passwords are not displayed in plain text for security reasons. The only way is to connect to the router and view the password in its settings (section Wireless network → Security).
After changing the password, my HP printer is printing very slowly. What's wrong?
This may be due to:
- Using an outdated protocol
802.11b/g(switch the router to802.11n/ac). - Weak Wi-Fi signal (check the signal strength in HP Smart).
- Background tasks on the printer (e.g., scanning to the cloud). Disable unnecessary features.
Can I connect my HP printer to two Wi-Fi networks at the same time?
No, printers HP support connection to only one Wi-Fi network at a time. However, some models (e.g. OfficeJet Pro 9025) allow you to quickly switch between saved networks via the menu.