How to Connect the HP Envy 4720 Printer to Wi-Fi: 3 Methods + Troubleshooting

Multifunctional printer HP Envy 4720 — a popular model for home and small offices, but connecting it to a wireless network often raises questions. Even if you've previously set up other devices, the specifics of the drivers HP and protocol features Wi-Fi Direct can create difficulties. In this article we will analyze three official connection methods (via the printer panel, program HP Smart and WPS), and we will also look at typical errors - from the absence of a network in the list to authentication failure.

Peculiarity HP Envy 4720 - dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4 GHz And 5 GHz), but not all routers work correctly with both ranges simultaneously. We will discuss this in detail. How to choose the optimal channel and why a printer might not see the network, despite a stable connection with other devices. You'll also learn how to update the printer's firmware if it refuses to connect to modern routers. WPA3.

Important: If your HP 4720 was previously connected to another network, it must be reset to factory settings Otherwise, the new settings will not apply. You'll find reset instructions in the troubleshooting section.

📊 How do you usually connect printers to the network?
Via the device control panel
Using the manufacturer's program
Via USB cable
Via WPS
I have never connected it myself.

1. Preparing for connection: what to check before starting

Before you begin setting up, make sure the basic requirements are met. More than 60% errors when connecting HP Envy 4720 are associated with ignoring these points:

  • 📶 The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi.: Check that the wireless light on your router is on (usually blue or green). If you are using 5 GHz, temporarily switch to 2.4 GHz — the printer "sees" this range better.
  • 🔌 The printer is turned on and charged.: HP 4720 The device will not connect to the network if the battery level is below 20%. Plug it into a power outlet during setup.
  • 📱 Do you have network data?: write down the exact name of the network (SSID) and password. If the password contains Cyrillic or special characters (for example, !, #), temporarily change it to Latin.
  • 🖥️ The computer/smartphone is connected to the same network, to which you will connect the printer. This is critical for the via method. HP Smart.

If your router supports WPA3, but the printer does not connect - try temporarily switching to WPA2-PSK (AES). HP Envy 4720 Firmware older than 2021 may not support the new encryption standard. Updating the printer firmware via USB solves this problem in 90% of cases..

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses 160 MHz channel width in the range 5 GHz, the printer will not be able to connect. Switch to 20/40 MHz in the router settings.

2. Method 1: Connecting via the printer control panel

This is the most reliable method and does not require any additional devices. The instructions are valid for a printer with touch screen (models HP Envy 4720 released after 2019):

  1. Press the button on the printer Wi-Fi (antenna icon) or go to the menu Settings → Wireless Network.

  2. Select Setting up a wireless network (Wireless Setup Wizard).

  3. The printer will begin scanning for available networks. Find your printer in the list. SSID and select it.

  4. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard. Use the button Change the layout (usually indicated by the icon ABC/abc) if you need to switch between uppercase and lowercase letters.

  5. Confirm your input. The printer will attempt to connect—this may take up to 2 minutes. A blue light will confirm a successful connection. Wi-Fi (flashing → constantly on).

If your network does not appear in the list:

  • 🔍 Make sure your router isn't hiding SSID (the parameter must be disabled in the router settings Hide SSID or Hide network).
  • 📡 Try moving the printer closer to the router (up to 1 meter away) - sometimes a weak signal interferes with detection.
  • 🔄 Restart your router and printer (turn off both devices for 30 seconds).

The printer is plugged into the outlet.

The router distributes Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz range.

The network password was written without errors.

The "5 GHz Only" mode is disabled on the router.

3. Method 2: Connecting via the HP Smart app (for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)

Application HP Smart Automates the process and allows you to control the printer from any device. This method is convenient if the printer doesn't have a screen or you prefer to configure it via your smartphone.

Step 1. Installing the program:

Step 2: Connecting the Printer:

  1. Launch HP Smart and press Add a printer (Add Printer).

  2. The program will prompt you to select a connection method. Select Wireless network (Wireless).

  3. If the printer is new, select Setting up a new printerIf it has already been used - My printer was not found (My Printer Is Not Listed).

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The program may ask:

    • 🔗 Connect the printer to the computer via USB (a temporary cable is included).
    • 📶 Enter Wi-Fi details manually.
    • 🤖 Bring your smartphone to the printer to transfer settings via NFC (if supported).
  • After successful connection, the printer will appear in the list of devices. HP Smart.

  • If the program does not find the printer:

    • 🔌 Connect the printer to your PC/laptop via USB - this will force the installation of drivers.
    • 🔄 Reinstall HP Smart, having previously deleted the old version via Control Panel → Programs (Windows) or Launchpad (Mac).
    • 🛡️ Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software—they may be blocking communication with the printer.

    4. Method 3: Quick connection via WPS (if your router supports it)

    Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to a network without entering a password, by pressing a single button on the router. This is the fastest method, but it only works if:

    • 📡 Does your router support WPS (usually there is a button with the inscription WPS or the 🔄 icon).
    • 🔒 It's enabled on the router WPS (check in the router's web interface, section Wireless Network → WPS).
    • ⏱️ The printer and router are close to each other (within a radius of 1 meter).

    Connection instructions:

    1. On the printer HP Envy 4720 go to the menu Settings → Wireless → WPS Setup.

    2. Select WPS button (Push Button).

    3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (usually you need to hold it for 3-5 seconds).

    4. Wait for the message Connected on the printer screen. Indicator Wi-Fi will stop blinking.

    If connection failed:

    • ⏳ Repeat the process - you have only 2 minutes after activation WPS on the printer.
    • 🔄 Restart your router and printer, then try again.
    • 📋 Check if it is disabled WPS in the router settings (sometimes it is deactivated after unsuccessful attempts).
    ⚠️ Note: Some routers (eg. Keenetic or ASUS RT-AX) require prior activation WPS in the web interface, even if there is a physical button. Go to the router settings at 192.168.1.1 and turn it on WPS manually.

    5. Table: Comparison of connection methods HP Envy 4720 to Wi-Fi

    Way Complexity Required devices Setup time When to use
    Through the printer panel ⭐⭐ (average) Printer only 3-5 minutes If the printer is new or has a screen
    Through HP Smart ⭐ (light) Smartphone/PC + printer 2-4 minutes For users who prefer mobile apps
    By WPS ⭐ (light) Printer + router with WPS 1-2 minutes If the router supports WPS and is located nearby
    Via USB cable ⭐⭐ (average) PC + printer + cable 5-7 minutes If other methods don't work or you need firmware

    6. Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even if the instructions are followed correctly HP Envy 4720 may not connect to Wi-Fi. Let's consider the most common problems and ways to eliminate them:

    Error 1: The printer cannot find the Wi-Fi network.

    Reasons:

    • 📡 The router only works within the range 5 GHz, and the printer is searching 2.4 GHz.
    • 🔍 Network hidden (SSID (not broadcast).
    • 📵 The Wi-Fi channel is overloaded (for example, in apartment buildings).

    Solutions:

    • 🔧 Enable it in your router settings 2.4 GHz or set the mode Mixed (2.4 + 5 GHz).
    • 📡 Change the channel 2.4 GHz on 1, 6 or 11 - they are less susceptible to interference.
    • 🔍 Temporarily make the network visible (disable Hide SSID).

    Error 2: Incorrect password or authentication failure

    If the printer "sees" the network but does not connect, check:

    • 🔑 The password was entered correctly (case sensitive!).
    • 🔒 Encryption type: HP 4720 does not support WPA3 on old firmware.
    • 📵 The signal is too weak - move the printer closer to the router.

    How to reset network settings on a printer:

    1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi And Cancel (or Back) simultaneously for 10 seconds.

    2. The printer will reboot and reset its network settings.

    3. Please repeat the connection process again.

    What should I do if my printer is connected to Wi-Fi but won't print?

    If HP Envy 4720 connected to the network, but does not respond to printing tasks:

    1. Check if the printer is installed as default device in Windows/macOS settings.

    2. Reinstall the drivers from the official website HP (do not use drivers from Windows Update!).

    3. In the printer settings, disable the mode Toner saving - it can block the printing of color documents.

    4. If you are printing from a smartphone, make sure it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

    Error 3: The printer connects but keeps disconnecting.

    This is typical for networks with:

    • 🔄 Frequent change of IP addresses (DHCP with short lease time).
    • 📡 Channel overload (many connected devices).
    • ⚡ Unstable power supply to the router.

    Solutions:

    • 🔧 Assign a static IP address (based on the MAC address) to the printer in your router settings.
    • 📵 Reduce the number of devices connected to Wi-Fi.
    • 🔌 Connect the router to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

    7. Updating the printer firmware (if nothing helps)

    If HP Envy 4720 If your router refuses to connect to modern routers, it may be due to outdated firmware. This update resolves issues with:

    • 🔒 Support WPA3.
    • 📡 Stability of connection to 5 GHz.
    • 🖨️ Compatible with the latest versions HP Smart.

    How to update firmware:

    1. Download the latest firmware from official HP website (Support section → enter model Envy 4720 → "Software and drivers").

    2. Connect the printer to the computer via USB (use the original cable!).

    3. Run the downloaded firmware file and follow the installation wizard instructions.

    4. Do not turn off the printer until the process is complete (may take up to 10 minutes).

    After update:

    • 🔄 Restart the printer.
    • 📡 Try connecting to Wi-Fi again.
    ⚠️ Caution: If the printer is disconnected from the USB port or loses power during the firmware update, it may malfunction. Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for both the computer and the printer.

    8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Can the HP Envy 4720 be connected to Wi-Fi without a screen?

    Yes, if your model does not have a touch screen, use:

    • 📱 Application HP Smart on a smartphone.
    • 💻 Program HP Smart for Windows/Mac with USB connection.
    • 🔄 Button WPS on the router (if supported).

    Also suitable for models without a screen Wi-Fi Direct mode — the printer creates its own network, which can be connected to temporarily.

    The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

    The problem is usually related to network settings or drivers:

    1. Make sure your computer and printer are connected to one Wi-Fi network.
    2. Reinstall the printer drivers from official HP website (do not use Windows drivers!).
    3. In your firewall settings, add an exception for HP Smart and printer.
    4. Check if your antivirus (for example, Kaspersky or Avast) network interaction.

    If you use Windows, try adding the printer manually via Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a Printer.

    How to reset Wi-Fi settings on HP Envy 4720?

    There are two ways:

    Method 1 (software):

    1. On the printer, go to Settings → Wireless Network.
    2. Select Reset network settings (Restore Network Defaults).

    Method 2 (hardware):

    1. Turn off the printer.
    2. Press and hold the buttons Wi-Fi And Cancel (or Back).
    3. Turn on the printer without releasing the button for 10 seconds.
    4. Release the buttons after the message appears. Reset.

    After resetting, the printer will create a new network. HP-Print-XX-Envy 4720 for initial setup.

    Is it possible to connect HP Envy 4720 to a public network (in a cafe, hotel)?

    Technically yes, but there are limitations:

    • 🔒 If the network requires browser authentication (for example, entering a username/password), the printer will not connect—it does not support web authentication.
    • 📡 Often used in hotels Portal Isolation — devices on the same network cannot see each other. In this case, the printer will connect to Wi-Fi, but printing from a computer or smartphone will be impossible.
    • 🖥️ Solution: Connect the printer to your laptop via USB and use the mode General access in Windows/macOS.

    For printing in public places it is more convenient to use mobile hotspot (distributing Wi-Fi from a phone).

    How do I check if my printer is connected to Wi-Fi?

    There are several ways:

    • 📊 On the printer: indicator Wi-Fi must burn blue (don't blink!).
    • 📄 Print network configuration report:
      1. On the printer: Settings → Reports → Network Configuration Report.
      2. Find the line in the report Wi-Fi status — it should be Connected.
    • 📱 In the app HP Smart: the printer should show up as Online.