How to set up the HP DeskJet 1217 printer via Wi-Fi: detailed instructions with photos

Wireless printer HP DeskJet 1217 — a compact solution for the home or small office, but setting it up via Wi-Fi often raises questions. Users encounter network connection issues, printing errors, or the inability to find the device on their computer. In this article, we'll look at All methods of setting up Wi-Fi For HP 1217: from a standard connection via a router to alternative methods such as WPS or a USB cable.

Feature of the model DeskJet 1217 - the lack of a screen, which makes menu navigation difficult. This is where key combinations and indicator lights that will show the connection status. We'll describe each step in detail, including a unique algorithm for resetting network settings for this model, which isn't included in the official documentation. If the printer was previously connected to a different network or froze after a firmware update, our recommendations will help you get it back up and running without calling a service center.

Important: the instructions are valid for printer firmware versions 2127A and newer. For older versions (before 2120) may require prior update through HP Smart.

1. Preparing the printer for Wi-Fi setup

Before connecting HP DeskJet 1217 to a wireless network, make sure the basic conditions are met:

• 📶 The router is turned on and distributes Wi-Fi in the range 2.4 GHz (the printer does not support 5 GHz).
• 🔌 The printer is connected to the network. Using the original power supply (not USB!). The power indicator should be green.
• 📱 Do you have a smartphone or PC? with access to the same Wi-Fi network to which you will connect the printer.
• 📄 Printer drivers are installed (download from official HP website).

If the printer was previously connected to a different network, follow these steps: reset network settings:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it completes initialization (stops making noise).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (with the antenna icon) for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing orange and green.
3. Release the button - the printer will reset all saved networks and enter setup mode.

⚠️ Attention: After resetting, the printer will temporarily be unavailable for USB printing until a new connection is set up.

Make sure your router is operating in 2.4 GHz mode|

Disable VPN on the device from which you are setting up the printer|

Place the printer closer to the router (no further than 3 meters)|

Prepare your Wi-Fi password (if it is complex, write it down)|

Install the HP Smart app on your smartphone (optional, but makes the process easier)

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2. Method 1: Connecting via the HP Smart app

The easiest method is to use the branded application HP Smart (available for Android, iOS And Windows). It automatically finds the printer and offers to connect it to the network.

Download the app and follow the instructions:

1. Open HP Smart and press Add a printer.
2. Select Setting up a new printer → DeskJet 1217.
3. The app will prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network from the list. Select your network and enter the password.
4. Wait for the setup to complete (the printer will reboot). The Wi-Fi indicator should light up. blue.

If the printer is not found:

• 🔄 Restart the app and printer.
• 📱 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone - sometimes HP Smart uses it for initial communication.
• 🔌 Connect the printer to your smartphone via a USB cable (if you have an adapter) and try again.

⚠️ Attention: In some versions HP Smart (before 14.5.0) no support DeskJet 1217. Update the application via App Store or Google Play.

Via the manufacturer's app|

Manually via the printer menu|

I use WPS|

I connect via USB and configure it from a PC|

Never connected

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3. Method 2: Manual connection via printer buttons

If you don't have a smartphone or HP Smart If it doesn't work, configure Wi-Fi manually:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and in setup mode (Wi-Fi indicator is blinking orange).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing quickly blue (network search mode).
3. Click the button Cancel (red cross) once — the printer will start scanning networks.
4. When the indicator starts blinking with pauses (your network has been found), press Wi-Fi once again to connect.
5. If the network is password protected, the indicator will blink. orangeEnter the password through HP Smart or PC (see section 4).

Indicator light blinking codes HP DeskJet 1217:

If the printer does not find your network:

• 📡 Check that your router is not hiding the SSID (network name).
• 🔒 Make sure your password does not contain Cyrillic or special characters (your printer may not support them).
• 📶 Switch your router to the mode 802.11n (disable it in your router settings) 802.11ac).

4. Method 3: Connecting via WPS (without entering a password)

If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can connect the printer without entering a password:

1. Activate the WPS mode on your router (usually the button with the inscription WPS or the lock icon).
2. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue and orange.
3. The printer should connect to the network within 2 minutes. The indicator will light up. green.

If the connection fails:

• 🔄 Repeat the process, holding the WPS key on the router longer (up to 10 seconds).
• 📡 Check that WPS is enabled in your router settings (sometimes it is disabled by default).
• ⚙️ Make sure your router is in wireless mode WPA2-PSK (WPS does not work with WPA3).

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) disable WPS in the router's default firmware. In this case, use other connection methods.

What to do if WPS doesn't work?

If the WPS button on your router doesn't respond, check:

1. Router model - some budget models (for example, TP-Link TL-WR740N) have a limit on the number of WPS connections (usually no more than 5 devices).

2. Firmware version - update the router via the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

3. Security mode — WPS does not work with networks where it is enabled WPA3 or 802.11r (Fast Transition).

5. Setting up the printer on your computer (Windows/macOS)

After connecting the printer to Wi-Fi, you need to add it to the system:

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
3. Select HP DeskJet 1217 from the list. If the printer is not found, click The printer you need is not in the list and add it manually by IP address.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + → tab IP.
3. Enter the printer's IP address (can be found in HP Smart or by printing Self-diagnosis page).

If the printer does not print after adding:

• 🖨️ Check if it is installed as default printer.
• 📡 Make sure your computer and printer are connected one Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 Restart the printing service:

  net stop spooler
  net start spooler

6. Solving common errors

When setting up HP DeskJet 1217 Users often encounter the following problems:

If the printer gives an error Failed to connect to the network:

1. Reboot your router (unplug the power for 30 seconds).
2. Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (channels 1, 6, or 11 are recommended).
3. Disable the feature Quick switching between ranges (if there is one).

How to print a self-diagnosis page?

1. Turn on the printer.

2. Press and hold the button Cancel (red cross) for 5 seconds.

3. Release - the printer will print a page with the IP address, firmware version, and connection status.

7. Alternative connection methods

If you are unable to set up Wi-Fi, try these alternative methods:

• 🖥️ USB connection:
  1. Connect the printer to the PC with a cable USB Type-B.
  2. Install drivers from HP website.
  3. IN HP Smart select Connect a new printer → USB.

📱 Printing via HP Smart without Wi-Fi:

If the printer is connected to USB, you can print from your smartphone via HP Smart in mode Direct connection (the printer creates its own access point).

🌐 Cloud Printing (HP ePrint):

Register your printer with the service HP ePrint and send documents via email. Suitable for rare printing.

For offices with multiple printers, we recommend using network switch and connect HP 1217 via Ethernet via adapter USB-to-LAN (For example, TP-Link UE300). This stabilizes the connection and speeds up printing.

8. Optimizing printer operation after setup

To HP DeskJet 1217 worked stably:

• 📡 Place the printer No further than 5 meters from the router. Walls and metal objects will reduce the signal.
• 🔄 Update your firmware through HP Smart (once every 3-6 months).
• 🖨️ Use original cartridges - compatible ones may cause printing errors.
• ⚡ Set up energy saving: V HP Smart disable the option Sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity, if the printer often “disappears” from the network.

To reduce paint consumption:

1. In the print settings, select the mode Draft or Economical.
2. Print in black and white if color is not important.
3. Use the function Printing multiple pages on a sheet (in the printer driver).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the HP DeskJet 1217

Is it possible to connect the HP 1217 to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, use the app HP Smart on your smartphone or set up the printer using the buttons (see Section 3). You can also use WPS if your router supports this function.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my phone. What should I do?

Check:

1. The phone and printer are connected to one Wi-Fi network.
2. IN HP Smart the printer is displayed as Ready to print.
3. Bluetooth is enabled on the phone (sometimes required to communicate with the printer).

If that doesn't help, reinstall the application. HP Smart.

How do I reset my printer to factory settings?
Do it full reset:
1. Turn on the printer.
2. Press the buttons Cancel And Wi-Fi simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. Release it and the printer will reboot and return to factory settings.

⚠️ Attention: After the reset, you will have to reconfigure Wi-Fi and install cartridges.

My printer is printing streaks or faded text. How can I fix it?

This is a sign of a problem with the cartridges:

• Do it cleaning the print head through HP Smart (Printer Settings → Maintenance).
• Check the ink levels (it may be time to replace the cartridge).
• Use paper of the following thickness: 80 g/m² - Paper that is too thin or glossy may cause printing defects.

Is it possible to connect HP 1217 to Wi-Fi Direct (without a router)?

No, model DeskJet 1217 does not support Wi-Fi DirectAn alternative is to connect via USB or create a temporary hotspot on your smartphone (but this is not stable for printing).