Modern technology allows you to get rid of unnecessary wires and print documents directly from your smartphone or laptop, from anywhere in your home. Wireless printing Wireless devices have become a standard of convenience, but the initial device setup process often raises questions among users. If you've just purchased a multifunctional device or decided to convert it to wireless mode, you'll need a clear procedure.
In this article, we will go through all the connection steps in detail. HP LaserJet, HP DeskJet or HP Envy to your home network. We'll cover working with the official software and setup methods via WPS and manual parameter entry. Understanding these processes will save you time and frustration when working with office equipment.
Before proceeding with software settings, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready. Make sure the printer is plugged in, there's paper in the tray, and the cartridges are installed correctly. Without basic hardware readiness, software methods won't work.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
The first step is to ensure a stable connection between the router and the printing device. Wi-Fi signal You must be sure of the printer's location, otherwise connection interruptions may occur when printing large documents. If the device supports dual-band mode, it is preferable to use a network. 2.4 GHz, as it has better wall penetration than 5 GHz.
Pay attention to your device's control panel. On models with a display, the wireless indicator will typically blink blue if a connection hasn't been established. On models without a display, monitor the behavior of the "Wireless" button or the indicator light next to the power button.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your computer or smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. Using a guest network or different frequencies (if your router uses different SSIDs) may prevent the device from being discovered.
For successful setup, you'll also need to know your Wi-Fi network password. If you don't remember it, check your router settings or look for the sticker on the bottom of your provider's device. Without this password, automatic settings transfer is impossible.
Using the HP Smart app to set up
The most modern and universal way to establish communication is to use an application HP SmartThis software is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it ideal for all platforms. The app automatically detects new devices and guides the user through all setup steps.
After installing and launching the program, click the "Add Printer" button or the "plus" icon. The program will begin searching for devices on the network. If the printer is in setup mode, it will appear in the list of available devices for connection.
If the automatic search fails, the app will prompt you to enter manual setup mode. To do this, press and hold the wireless button on the device until the indicator light starts flashing. Then HP Smart will transfer your network parameters directly to the printer.
☑️ Checklist before launching HP Smart
It is important to note that all features, including scanning and printing photos, may require you to create or sign in to an account. HP AccountThis allows you to save settings in the cloud and access the device remotely.
What should I do if HP Smart doesn't see my printer?
Make sure the device you're using doesn't have "Guest Network" mode or client isolation enabled. Also, try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall, which may be blocking local device discovery. Restarting the router can sometimes help.
Setting up via the printer control panel
Many models HP OfficeJet And HP LaserJet Pro Equipped with a color touchscreen, they allow you to configure the network without using a computer. This method is especially convenient if the drivers haven't yet been installed or if the PC is located far from the router.
To get started, tap the wireless icon on the home screen or access the settings menu via the gear button. Look for the "Network" or "Wireless Settings" section.
In the menu that opens, select "Wireless Setup Wizard." The device will begin searching for available signals. Find your home network name (SSID) in the list and tap it.
| Device type | Action to enter the menu | Wi-Fi icon location |
|---|---|---|
| HP with touchscreen | Tap the Wi-Fi or Gear icon | The top of the screen or main menu |
| HP with buttons and screen | Press the Wireless button | A separate button on the panel |
| HP without a screen (buttons only) | Press and hold the Wi-Fi button and the Cancel button | Button with antenna |
| Envy Series | Settings -> Wireless | Touch screen |
| DeskJet Series | Information button -> Master | Next to the power button |
After selecting a network, you'll be prompted to enter a password. Use the navigation arrows or the virtual keyboard to enter characters. Be careful when entering characters, as they are case-sensitive.
⚠️ Note: Firmware interfaces are subject to update. If you don't see the "Setup Wizard" option, look for similar names: "Network Setup," "Wireless Setup," or "Network Config." The menu logic remains the same across all models.
WPS method: quick connection without password
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) can significantly simplify the process. This method allows you to transfer security settings automatically, eliminating the need to manually enter a complex password.
Press the WPS button on your router. It can be physical or software (in the router's web interface). After pressing it, you have about two minutes to activate the mode on the printer.
On the printer's control panel, press and hold the wireless button (or the WPS button, if available) for 3 seconds until the indicator light starts blinking. The device will automatically find the router and establish a secure connection.
A successful connection is usually confirmed by the blue Wi-Fi indicator light remaining solid. If the indicator continues to flash, the connection has failed, and you'll need to repeat the process while moving closer to the router.
Printing from Android and iOS mobile devices
Once the network is successfully set up, printing from your smartphone becomes a trivial task. Apple devices use the technology AirPrint, which is built into the system and does not require installation of additional drivers.
Simply open a document, photo, or web page, click the Share button, and select the printer icon. Your printer should appear in the list of available devices. HP Printer. Select it and click Print.
For Android users, the situation is a bit more complex. Many modern smartphones have a built-in printing service, but for advanced features (scanning, tray selection, quality settings), it's better to use an app. HP Print Service PluginIt automatically picks up printers on the network.
In some cases, especially on older versions of Android, you may need to install an app HP Smart or Mopria Print ServiceAfter installing the plugin, when you try to print in any application, the option to add a new device will appear in the printer list.
Solution and connection diagnostics
Even with proper setup, problems may still occur. If the computer no longer sees the printer, first check the status of the print service in the operating system. In Windows, this is done via Control Panel -> Devices and Printers.
A common issue is when the router changes the printer's IP address. To avoid this, we recommend setting a static IP address for the device in the router settings or through the printer's built-in web interface (EWS).
If all else fails, reset the printer's network settings. On most models, this is done by simultaneously pressing the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (X) buttons for 3-5 seconds. This will reset the printer to its factory network settings and require reconfiguration.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings does not delete your personal files or scan history, but only resets your Wi-Fi connection settings. You will need to re-enter your network passwords.
It's also worth checking whether your antivirus software is blocking communication with peripheral devices. Temporarily disabling the protection will help identify the cause of the conflict.
Why won't my HP printer connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most HP printer models, especially the budget DeskJet and LaserJet series, only support the 2.4 GHz frequency band. If your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network with the same name, the printer may attempt to connect to it but lose connection. Solution: Separate the networks on the router by giving them different names (e.g., Home_2.4 and Home_5), and connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz network.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
On models with a display, press the Wireless button or the Network icon to view the report. On models without a display, press the Wireless button and the Information button (the "i" icon) to print a network configuration page. The IP address will be listed in the IPv4 section.
Is it possible to connect the printer via cable and then switch to Wi-Fi?
Yes, it's often even easier. When installing drivers from the official website, select the "Wireless" connection type during the installation process. The program will automatically prompt you to switch your device to this mode, temporarily using a USB cable to transfer network settings.