Switching Your HP Printer to a Different Wi-Fi Network Using HP Smart: A Step-by-Step Guide

Switching to a new router, changing your provider, or even simply changing your Wi-Fi password can ruin your printer. HP Suddenly loses network connection. Restore connection through the app. HP Smart It can be done in a few minutes, but many users encounter errors like "Printer not found" or "Failed to connect to the network"The problem often lies not with the device itself, but with an incorrect sequence of actions or missed router settings.

This guide covers all the steps, from preparing your printer for a network change to troubleshooting common errors. We'll break it down. three ways reconnection: via mobile app HP Smart, from the printer control panel and manually through WPS. Particular attention is paid to the printers of the series DeskJet, Envy, OfficeJet And LaserJet, but the algorithm is universal for most Wi-Fi-enabled models. If your printer isn't detected on the network after changing your router, here you'll find proven solutions without having to call a service center.

Preparing the printer for a change of Wi-Fi network

Before you switch your printer to a new network, make sure it is ready for the process. The main mistake Users attempt to connect to Wi-Fi while the printer is still assigned to the old network or in sleep mode. Here's what you need to do beforehand:

• 🔌 Turn on the printer and wait until it is fully loaded (the power indicator should be on steadily, without blinking).
• 📶 Check your Wi-Fi signal at the printer installation location: a weak signal (1-2 bars on a smartphone) may interrupt the connection process.
• 📱 Update the HP Smart app to the latest version in App Store or Google Play — older versions do not support new security protocols.
• 🔄 Reboot your router, if the printer was previously connected to it: sometimes routers "forget" devices after changing settings.

If your printer HP Equipped with a display, check the current network status in the menu Settings → Network → Wireless. There should be a message displayed there that says "Not connected" or the name of the old network. Force reset network settings (via Resetting the network to factory settings) is only required if the printer is stuck on the old access point and does not respond to connection attempts.

⚠️ Attention: Printers HP series Neverstop and some models LaserJet Pro may require additional authentication when you first connect to a new network. Make sure you have access to WPS PIN code router (usually indicated on the sticker on the back).

Method 1: Reconnect via the HP Smart app

The most reliable method is to use the official app HP SmartIt automatically detects your printer model and suggests the optimal connection algorithm. Follow the instructions:

1. Open HP Smart on your smartphone and make sure your phone is connected to that same Wi-Fi network, to which you want to connect the printer.
2. Click "Add a printer" (the "+" icon in the upper right corner).
3. Select "Setting up a new printer" → "Wireless network".
4. The app will prompt you to select a network from the list. If your network isn't listed, tap "Enter the network name manually".
5. Enter SSID (network name) and password. For networks with a hidden SSID, check the box "Hidden network".
6. Wait until the process is complete (the indicator on the printer will flash blue or green).

If the error "Failed to connect", check:

• 🔒 The password you entered is correct (case-sensitive!).
• 📵 Turn off mobile data on your phone—it may interfere with the process.
• 🔄 Restart your printer and try again.

The printer is turned on and ready for setup.

The phone is connected to the target Wi-Fi network

The network password has been copied to the clipboard.

Mobile data on the phone is disabled-->

⚠️ Attention: Printers HP do not support networks with settings 802.1X (enterprise) or MAC filtering by default. If your router uses these protocols, temporarily disable them in the router settings.

Method 2: Setting up via the printer control panel

If your printer has a touchscreen or control buttons, you can change the Wi-Fi directly from the device. This method is suitable for the following models: HP Envy 6000, DeskJet 2700, OfficeJet Pro 9010 and similar. Instructions:

1. Press the button on the printer Settings (gear or menu icon).
2. Go to Network → Wireless → Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.
3. Select "Setting up a new connection".
4. The printer will begin searching for available networks. Select your network from the list.
5. Enter the password using the on-screen keyboard (for printers without a display, use the key combinations as specified in the manual).
6. Confirm the connection. The Wi-Fi indicator should turn solid.

For printers without display (For example, HP DeskJet 2600 or Neverstop 1000) the process is a little more complicated:

• 🔘 Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (or Wireless communication) for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
• 📱 On the phone in HP Smart select "Add a printer → Setup without a display".
• 🔄 Follow the on-screen instructions—the app will automatically transfer the network settings to the printer.

What to do if the printer does not find the network?

If the printer does not see your Wi-Fi network, check:

1. Security typeHP printers do not support encrypted networks. WPA3-Enterprise or TKIPSwitch the router to WPA2-PSK (AES).

2. Network frequency: Some older models (like the HP DeskJet 1000) only work at 2.4 GHz. Turn it off. 5 GHz in the router settings temporarily.

3. Wi-Fi channel: if the channel is used 12-14, try changing it to 1-11 (in Russia all are allowed, but some printers do not support high channels).

Method 3: Connecting via WPS (for supported routers)

If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can connect your printer without entering a password. This method works for most modern printers. HP and routers from TP-Link, ASUS, KeeneticAlgorithm:

1. Make sure that on the router WPS is enabled (usually a button with a 🔄 symbol or the text WPS on the back panel).
2. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi (or WPS, if any) for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router.
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer turns solid (usually takes 30-60 seconds).

If connection failed:

• ⏱️ Repeat the process - WPS has a 120 second timeout.
• 🔄 Restart your router and printer.
• 📋 Check if your router supports it WPS (Some providers disable this feature by default).

Via the HP Smart app

From the printer control panel

Via WPS

Another way-->

Troubleshooting common Wi-Fi issues

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, your printer may fail to connect to the network. Let's look at the most common errors and their solutions:

Error: "Printer not found on the network"

If HP Smart does not see the printer:

• 🔌 Check that the printer included and is in setup mode (Wi-Fi indicator flashing).
• 📵 Turn it off on your phone VPN or modem mode - They block local discovery of devices.
• 🔄 Restart your printer and router at the same time.

Error: "Unable to connect to the network"

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔒 Incorrect password - re-enter it using copy from clipboard.
• 📡 Weak signal - move the printer closer to the router or use repeater.
• 🛡️ Router firewall - temporarily disable MAC filtering or Isolation of clients.

Error: "Printer is connected but not printing"

If the printer is online but tasks are not running:

• 🖨️ Check it out print queue on the computer: sometimes tasks get stuck.
• 📱 Remove and re-add the printer in HP Smart.
• 🔄 Update printer drivers on your PC via HP official website.

Additional router settings for stable printer operation

To the printer HP If the router worked without any issues after changing Wi-Fi, it is recommended to optimize the router settings:

• 📶 Reserve an IP address for the printer in the settings DHCP router. This will prevent the address from changing during a reboot.
• 🔄 Disable Wi-Fi power saving (option "Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM)" or "Green AP").
• 🛡️ Exclude the printer from parental controls or QoS (quality of service).
• 📡 Set a fixed channel (For example, 6 or 11) instead of "Auto".

For routers TP-Link path to IP reservation:

Network → DHCP → Address Reservation → Add

Please specify Printer MAC address (can be found on the sticker on the back or in the network configuration report) and the desired IP (e.g. 192.168.0.100).

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses guest network, the printer won't be able to connect to it—a guest network usually isolates devices from each other. Connect the printer only to main network.

What to do if nothing helps?

If you have tried all the methods and the printer still does not connect to the new network, do the following: reset network settings:

1. Find the button on the printer. Cancel (or Reset).
2. Press and hold it 10-15 secondsuntil the indicators start flashing.
3. After rebooting, repeat the Wi-Fi setup from scratch.

If resetting doesn't help:

• 📋 Check if the printer is blocked antivirus or Windows firewall.
• 🔧 Update your printer firmware via HP Smart (chapter "Printer Settings → Software Update").
• 📞 Contact support HP with indication error code (displayed on the display or in the self-test report).

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

Can I connect my HP printer to Wi-Fi without the HP Smart app?

Yes, there are three alternative ways:

1. Through printer control panel (menu Settings → Network).
2. Through WPS (if supported by the router).
3. Through USB cable: Temporarily connect the printer to the computer, and then in the HP driver, select the "Convert to wireless connection".

Why does my HP printer connect to Wi-Fi but won't print from my phone?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 Local network access is disabled on the phone HP Smart (check app permissions).
• 🖨️ The printer has been added to the app but is not selected as the default device.
• 📡 The phone and printer are connected to different Wi-Fi frequencies (for example, the phone to 5 GHz, and the printer to 2.4 GHz).

Solution: Remove the printer from HP Smart and add it again, making sure that the phone and printer are on the same network.

How to connect an HP printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?

To connect to a hidden network:

1. IN HP Smart select "Add a printer → Set up a new connection".
2. Click "Enter the network name manually".
3. Enter SSID (network name) and password.
4. Check the box "Hidden network".

For printers with a control panel: in the menu Settings → Network select "Other networks" and enter the data manually.

Is it possible to connect an HP printer to two Wi-Fi networks at the same time?

No, printers HP support connection only to one Wi-Fi network at the same time. However, some models (for example, OfficeJet Pro 9020) allow you to quickly switch between saved networks via the menu.

If you need to use the printer on two networks (for example, at home and in the office), you will have to reconfigure the connection each time or use USB/ Ethernet for the second network.

What should I do if my HP printer prints blank sheets after changing Wi-Fi?

This issue isn't Wi-Fi related, but it may reoccur after a reconfiguration. Causes:

• 🖨️ Out of ink or the nozzles are dry (run nozzle cleaning in HP Smart).
• 📄 Incorrect paper size in the print settings.
• 🔧 Driver failure - reinstall the printer software on your computer.

For diagnostics, print out test page from the printer control panel.