Changing internet providers or purchasing a new router often forces users to reconfigure all their home appliances. HP printers, like other network peripherals, by default continue to search for the old network, even if you've already disconnected it. This makes it impossible to print from a laptop or smartphone, even if the computer itself is successfully connected to the new internet connection.
The reconnection process HP printer Connecting to a new Wi-Fi network isn't difficult, but it does require an understanding of the device's operating logic. You don't just need to "turn on" Wi-Fi, but initiate the search and pairing process again. Modern models of the series DeskJet And LaserJet They are equipped with intuitive screens, which makes the task much easier, but devices without a display require a more careful approach.
There are several proven ways to resolve this issue: using automatic WPS setup, a USB cable, a mobile app, or resetting the network settings to factory defaults. The method you choose depends on your MFP model and whether you have the necessary accessories. In this article, we'll cover each option in detail so you can choose the one that best suits your situation.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin configuration, you need to make sure your equipment is ready to work in the new network environment. Router The network must be turned on, configured, and broadcasting the signal to which you plan to connect the printer. It's also important to know the exact network name (SSID) and password, as automatic connection is impossible without this information.
Please check your printer model as control interfaces may vary. Devices with a color touchscreen, such as HP OfficeJet Pro, allow you to enter a password directly on the panel. Models with a monochrome display or only buttons, for example, HP LaserJet M100, require the use of key combinations or connection via a computer.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your printer supports your router's Wi-Fi frequency. Many older HP models only operate in the 2.4 GHz band and won't detect the network if your router only has 5 GHz enabled or if they're connected to the same network with the same name (Smart Connect).
Place the printer close to the router during setup. A weak signal can interrupt the network profile transfer process, especially if you're using WPS or USB setup. Once the connection is successful, you can move the printer to its permanent location.
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
The easiest way to switch a printer to another Wi-Fi is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows devices to exchange network information automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password. It's compatible with most modern routers and HP printers equipped with a WPS button or a corresponding menu option.
If your router has a physical WPS button, press and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the light starts blinking. Immediately afterward, approach the printer. On models with a display, press the "Wireless" button or go to the network settings menu and select WPS. On devices without a display, you often need to press and hold the wireless and cancel buttons simultaneously.
- 🔘 Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for a few seconds.
- 🖨️ On the printer, activate WPS search mode via the menu or key combination.
- ⏳ Wait for the wireless indicator to flash, which indicates the pairing process.
- ✅ Wait until the indicator stops flashing and lights up steadily.
The process takes no more than two minutes. If the printer's Wi-Fi indicator turns blue and stops blinking, the device has successfully accessed the new network. You can now try printing from your computer.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
WPS may be disabled in your router settings for security reasons. This method also won't work if the router is too far away or if the network is hidden (SSID is hidden). In these cases, use the USB cable method.
Setup via USB cable and HP utility
If automatic methods fail, the most reliable option is to use a USB cable to transfer the initial network settings. To do this, you'll need a computer with the full driver and software package installed. HP Smart or the HP Setup utility. The cable must be in good working order and connected directly to the computer port, without using a USB hub.
Launch the printer setup utility on your computer. During installation or in the "Device Settings" section, select "Change wireless connection" or "Reconfigure wireless connection." The utility will prompt you to connect the device via USB. Follow the on-screen instructions: the utility will automatically retrieve the current network settings from your computer and transfer them to the printer.
Path to the utility menu: Device Settings → Network → Wireless → Change NetworkAfter the printer confirms the new settings, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. From now on, the printer should operate over Wi-Fi. This method is especially useful for models of the LaserJet, where there is no convenient screen for entering characters.
☑️ USB Setup Checklist
Using the HP Smart app for smartphones
Smartphone owners can use the mobile application HP Smart, which is available for iOS and Android. This modern management method is often more efficient than standard drivers. The app allows you to add a printer to a new network, even if the phone itself is already connected.
Open the app and tap the plus sign to add a new device. If the printer isn't found, the app will prompt you to enter setup mode. You'll need to put the printer into setup mode (usually by holding the Wi-Fi button and the "i" button for 3-5 seconds until the power light starts flashing).
The app will then detect the printer in setup mode and prompt you to select a new Wi-Fi network from the list of available ones. Since your phone is already connected to the new router, the password will be automatically retrieved or taken from the Android/iOS system. This eliminates the risk of entering characters incorrectly.
⚠️ Attention: When setting up via the mobile app, make sure Bluetooth and location are enabled on your phone. These permissions are required for the printer to be found during initial setup.
Resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults
In situations where the printer has "remembered" multiple old networks and refuses to connect to a new one, or if you've changed the network name (SSID) but left the password unchanged, a full network reset may be necessary. This will return the printer's network module to its "out of the box" state, deleting all saved Wi-Fi profiles.
For models with a display, the procedure is as follows: press the "Settings" button (gear icon), go to the "Network" section or the antenna icon. Find the "Restore network settings" or "Reset network settings" option. Confirm the action. After rebooting, the printer will enter connection standby mode.
For devices without a screen, such as HP DeskJet 2600 or 3700A button combination is used. Typically, you need to simultaneously press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) for 5-10 seconds. The power indicator should flash, indicating a successful reset.
| Printer model | Network reset combination | Success indicator |
|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2600/3700 | Wi-Fi + Cancel (5 sec) | The power indicator is flashing |
| HP LaserJet M100 | Wi-Fi button (5 sec) | The Wi-Fi button is flashing |
| HP OfficeJet Pro | Menu → Network → Reset | The screen turns off and on |
| HP Smart Tank | Wi-Fi + Information (3 sec) | The blue indicator is flashing |
Solving common problems when changing a router
Even if you follow all the instructions, technical issues may arise. Often, the problem lies not with the printer, but with the security settings of the new router. For example, if the new router uses an encryption protocol WPA3If your printer is old and only supports WPA2, the connection won't work. In this case, you'll need to go to your router settings and enable compatibility.
Another common issue is frequency band separation. If your new router broadcasts the "Home_2.4" and "Home_5G" networks as separate SSIDs, but the printer only sees the 2.4 GHz band, make sure you're trying to connect to that specific network. Hidden networks (without broadcasting an SSID) can also cause problems with automatic connection.
- 📡 Check if MAC address filtering is enabled on the new router.
- 🔒 Make sure the encryption type is compatible with the age of your printer.
- 🔄 Restart your router if the printer cannot obtain an IP address for a long time.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall software on your computer during setup, as they may be blocking the device from being detected on the local network. After successful setup, the protection should be restored.
Can I connect my HP printer to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most budget and mid-range HP printer models only support the 2.4 GHz band. Connecting them directly to a 5 GHz network is not possible. However, if the router broadcasts both networks under the same name, the printer will automatically select the available one (2.4 GHz). If the networks are separate, connect the device strictly to the 2.4 GHz network.
The printer sees the network but won't connect. What's wrong?
Most often, the problem is an incorrect password or password characters that the printer can't process correctly. A weak signal or a full DHCP client table on the router could also be the cause. Try simplifying the password, using only letters and numbers.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing Wi-Fi?
Usually not. The operating system (Windows or macOS) sees the printer as a network device. If the printer's IP address changes (which happens during a reset), the system may find it automatically. If printing doesn't work, remove the old printer from the device list and add it again; the system will find it using its new IP address.