Changing internet providers, moving to a new office, or simply buying a more powerful router often leaves users with a fait accompli: their favorite printer stopped responding to print commands. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the traditional USB cable setup methods are becoming a thing of the past, and modern models increasingly rely on wireless networks. The application HP Smart is positioned as a universal solution, but the process of change Wi-Fi networks it is not always intuitively clear at first.
The main difficulty is that a device already connected to one access point is, by default, "unable to see" another, even if it's in close proximity. You'll need to put the printer into a special mode to make it accessible for reconfiguration via a smartphone or computer. In this article, we'll cover all the nuances of working with mobile application and a web interface so you can quickly restore the functionality of your equipment.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin any active reconfiguration steps, you need to ensure that your equipment is ready to operate in the new network environment. Older printer models may not support modern encryption standards, such as WPA3, which are enabled by default on new routers. If you've just updated your router, check its security settings; you may need to enable compatibility mode or create a guest network with simpler encryption settings for older devices.
It is also critically important that the smartphone or tablet from which the setup will be performed is located within the area of a reliable signal reception of the new router. Application HP Smart It reads available networks from the device it's running on. If the phone is connected to mobile data or an old network, the search for a new printer may take a long time or fail.
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone is enabled Bluetooth and geolocation (GPS), as modern versions of Android and iOS require these permissions to detect peripherals.
- 📡 Check that your router is distributing the network in the 2.4 GHz range, as many budget printer models HP do not support 5 GHz frequency.
- 🔋 Make sure the printer is plugged in and the Ready light on the control panel is on and not blinking in error mode.
⚠️ Important: If your router uses the "Smart Connect" feature, which combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under a single name, the printer may not connect. In this case, we recommend temporarily separating the networks in the router settings or creating a separate guest network for the 2.4 GHz band only.
Resetting the printer's network settings
The most reliable way to force the printer to forget the old router and start searching for a new one is to reset the network settings. This doesn't affect personal data or page counters; it simply clears the memory of previous connections. Wi-FiOn touchscreen models, this is usually done through the network settings menu, where you need to select "Restore network settings."
For devices without a screen and equipped only with buttons, the procedure may differ. Often, you need to press a key combination, such as "Wireless" and "Cancel," for a few seconds until the lights start flashing. It's best to check the documentation for the exact combination for your model, as the series DeskJet, Envy And LaserJet Algorithms may vary.
What to do if the buttons don't work?
If a physical reset doesn't help, try temporarily connecting the printer to your computer via USB. Launch the HP Printer Assistant utility (or HP Smart on your PC), go to Settings → Tools, and select Reset Security Settings or Restore Factory Network Defaults.
After a successful reset, the wireless indicator on the device should start flashing blue. This is a universal signal that the printer has entered setup mode and is ready to pair. If the indicator remains solid or flashes orange, you need to repeat the reset procedure, ensuring you hold the buttons down for the appropriate amount of time.
Setup via the HP Smart mobile app
The main scenario for changing the connection involves using a mobile app. After you've reset the printer, open the app. HP Smart On your smartphone. If a printer was previously added to the device list but is now unavailable, the app may show its status as "Offline." In this case, it's best to remove the old device from the list by tapping it and selecting the appropriate menu item to avoid configuration conflicts.
Click the "Add Printer" button or the "+" icon in the corner of the screen. The app will begin searching for devices in setup mode. It's important that your phone is connected to the correct network at this point. Wi-Fito which you want to connect the printer. The app works by transferring the password from the phone's current network directly to the printer.
☑️ Checklist for a successful connection
Once the app detects your printer, it will prompt you for initial setup. Follow the on-screen instructions: select your network from the list (if it isn't pre-populated) and enter the password. At this point, your phone will transfer data to the printer via Bluetooth or directly via Wi-Fi Direct. This process takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes, after which the printer's indicator should turn blue, indicating a successful connection.
Using Wi-Fi Recovery Mode
In situations where the standard application does not detect the printer or the setup process is interrupted at the password transfer stage, recovery mode comes to the rescue Wi-FiThis mode forces the device into an open access point state, allowing you to connect directly to it, bypassing the router. This is especially relevant for office models. HP LaserJet or MFP series OfficeJet Pro.
To activate this mode, you typically need to hold down the wireless button on the control panel for 20 seconds or perform a series of key presses through the menu. Once activated, the printer will create its own network with a name like "HP-Setup-XX-XX-XX." You'll need to connect to this network from your smartphone or laptop.
After connecting directly to the printer, open a browser and enter the IP address, which is often provided in the manual or displayed on the MFP screen (usually 192.168.223.1). The web-based setup interface will open. Go to the "Networking" section, select "Wireless," and launch the setup wizard. Here, you can select your home network and re-enter the password.
⚠️ Note: When connecting to the printer's recovery network, your phone will lose internet access. Don't be alarmed by security warnings that the "network has no internet access"—this is normal behavior in this mode.
Setup via WPS and temporary USB connection
If entering a password manually causes errors or the keyboard on the smartphone screen is inconvenient, you can use technology WPSThis method only works if your router has a physical WPS button or supports activating it through the web interface. In the app HP Smart When adding a printer, select the "Configure via WPS" option.
After selecting this option, the app will prompt you to press the WPS button on the router. Within two minutes, press the wireless button on the printer (or confirm the action on the screen). The devices will find each other and automatically exchange encryption keys, after which the printer will connect to the network without the need to enter a password.
An alternative, but very reliable method is to use a USB cable. Connect the printer to the computer with a cable, launch HP Smart On your PC (or use the full software from the manufacturer's website). In the tools section, find "Make the printer wireless." The setup wizard will copy the network settings from Windows to the printer, after which you can disconnect the cable.
Diagnosis and solution of typical problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, technical difficulties may arise. Often, the problem lies in hidden characters in the password or network naming conventions. If the printer stubbornly refuses to connect, try temporarily renaming the network (SSID), removing Russian letters and special characters and leaving only Latin characters and numbers.
Another common cause is client isolation on your router. This feature prevents devices connected to Wi-Fi from seeing each other, making printing impossible. Check your router settings and ensure this feature is disabled for your primary network.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The indicator flashes blue endlessly | Incorrect password or weak signal | Check the password, move the printer closer to the router |
| Printer not found in search | Bluetooth is turned off on the phone | Enable Bluetooth and location services in your OS settings. |
| Error "Failed to connect" | 5 GHz network or WPA3 | Enable the 2.4 GHz network in your router settings. |
| The printer is visible but does not print. | IP address conflict | Restart your router and printer to update DHCP |
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are constantly updated. If the menu items described here differ from yours, look for similar names or refer to the latest documentation on your router manufacturer's official website.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi on an HP printer without a computer or phone?
Only models with a full color touchscreen can completely change the network without using a third-party device (smartphone, tablet, or PC). In the menu for these devices, select "Network Settings" → "Wireless Wizard," where you can select a new network and enter the password using the virtual keyboard on the printer screen.
What should I do if my printer connects to the network, but the status in HP Smart is "Offline"?
This means the printer is connected to the router, but your computer or phone can't see it on the local network. Check that both devices are connected to the same network (not a guest network). Also, try rebooting the router. Sometimes assigning a static IP address to the printer through the router's web interface helps.
Do print settings reset when changing Wi-Fi?
No, changing network settings does not affect print settings such as quality, paper size, or duplex printing. These settings are stored in the printer's non-volatile memory or in the driver on your computer. However, if you perform a factory reset, some user preferences may also be reset.
Does the HP Smart support 5G Wi-Fi?
Most modern HP models support dual-band networks, but during the initial setup process the application HP Smart Often requires the smartphone and printer to be on the same frequency band. If problems occur, temporarily disable 5 GHz on your router or ensure your phone is connected to 2.4 GHz during setup.