How to Connect an HP DeskJet 4720 Printer to Wi-Fi: 5 Proven Methods

Connecting a printer HP DeskJet 4720 Connecting to a wireless network is a challenge faced by both novice and experienced users. This model, released in 2020, supports modern Wi-Fi standards (802.11 b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHz), but has a number of nuances during setup. The main problem is the lack of a display on the case, which complicates manual entry of network parameters. In this article, we will examine all current connection methods, including WPS automatic mode, application HP Smart, and manual configuration via the router's web interface.

Peculiarity DeskJet 4720 - support for duplex printing and functions AirPrint for Apple devices, but these options only work with a stable network connection. If your printer was previously connected to a different network or reset to factory settings, reconfiguration will be required. We'll also cover common errors (e.g., "Network connection error" (or a flashing orange Wi-Fi indicator) and how to fix them without contacting a service center.

1. Preparing for connection: what to check before starting setup

Before you begin setting up, make sure the following basic requirements are met:

  • 🔌 The printer is plugged into a power outlet and is within range of your Wi-Fi router (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).
  • 📶 Your Wi-Fi network is stable. Check the connection on your smartphone or laptop. If the speed is slower 5 Mbps, the printer may not connect.
  • 📱 Do you have a smartphone/tablet with Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+ (for the method through HP Smart) or a computer with Windows 10/11.
  • 🔐 You have your Wi-Fi password handy—you'll have to enter it manually or through the app.

If the printer was previously used on another 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.
  3. Press and hold the buttons simultaneously «Wi-Fi» And Cancel (red cross) for 3 seconds - the printer will beep and reset.
⚠️ Warning: After resetting, the printer will lose all saved networks, including Ethernet connection (If configured). Duplex printing settings may also be reset and will need to be reconfigured.
📊 How do you usually connect printers to the network?
Via USB cable
Via Wi-Fi via the app
Via WPS
Via the router's web interface

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect your printer to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method works if:

  • 🔄 Your router supports WPS (most models do) TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic have this function).
  • 🔒 WPS is not disabled in the router's security settings.
  • 📡 The printer and router are close together (maximum 2 meters for a reliable signal).

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Make sure the printer light is on. blue power indicator (if orange is flashing, wait until initialization is complete).
  2. Press and hold the button «Wi-Fi» on the printer for 3 seconds until the Wi-Fi indicator starts blink blue slowly.
  3. For 2 minutes press the button «WPS» on the router (usually it is signed or marked with an icon 🔄).
  4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer turns on permanent blue - this means that the connection is successful.
Indicator on the printer Meaning Action
Blue flashing Network search Press WPS on the router
Blue permanent Connection successful You can start printing
Orange flashing Connection error Repeat the process or choose a different method
Orange permanent There is no connection to the router Check the distance or reboot the router
⚠️ Note: Some routers (eg. Zyxel Keenetic) require preliminary WPS activation in the web interface (Settings → Wireless → WPS). If the button on the router does not work, check this parameter.

The printer is turned on and ready for setup|The router supports WPS|The WPS button is physically accessible|The Wi-Fi password has not been changed recently-->

3. Method 2: Connecting via the HP Smart app (for smartphones)

Application HP Smart (available for Android And iOS) automates the connection process and allows you to control the printer from your phone. This method is suitable if:

  • 📱 You don't have access to the WPS button on your router.
  • 🔐 You don't remember your Wi-Fi password (the app can retrieve it from your phone settings).
  • 🖨️ You need to set up additional functions (scanning, printing from the cloud).

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Download HP Smart from App Store or Google Play and install it.
  2. Turn on Bluetooth On your smartphone, the app will first connect to the printer for initial setup.
  3. Launch the app and click Add a printer → Setting up a new printer.
  4. Select a model DeskJet 4720 from the list (if it is not there, click "My printer is not on the list").
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network and enter a password (or will generate one automatically).
  6. Wait for the setup to complete - the printer will reboot and connect to the network.

Important: If the app requests access to your location, allow it—this is necessary to search for the printer via Bluetooth. Without geolocation HP Smart may not detect the device.

4. Method 3: Manual connection via the printer control panel

If you don't have a smartphone or WPS doesn't work, you can enter Wi-Fi settings manually via hardware menu printer. DeskJet 4720 There is no screen, but there are button combinations for navigation:

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the printer and wait until it initializes (the power indicator is on blue).
  2. Press and hold the button «Wi-Fi» for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue and orange alternately - this is the manual setting mode.
  3. Click the button Cancel (red cross) one short press — the printer will start searching for networks.
  4. Wait until the indicator starts blinking intermittently - this is a signal that the printer has detected your network. Press «Wi-Fi» once for confirmation.
  5. Now you need to enter your password. To do this:
    • Every click on «Wi-Fi» cyclically changes the symbol (for example, a → b → c → 1 → 2).
    • Button Cancel serves to move to the next character.
    • To enter capital letters clamp down «Wi-Fi» for 2 seconds.
  • After entering the password, press and hold Cancel 3 seconds to confirm.
    • ⚠️ Please note: Entering your password using the buttons takes a long time and is prone to errors. If your password is longer 12 characters or contains special characters (!, @, #), it is better to use another method.
    What should I do if the printer doesn't see my network?

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

    1. Router settings: the network must operate in the mode 802.11n (and not only 802.11ac or ax), since the DeskJet 4720 does not support new standards.

    2. Wi-Fi channel: The printer may not see networks on higher channels 11 (change the channel in the router settings to 1–11).

    3. Hidden network (SSID): If your network is hidden, you can't select it manually - use WPS or HP Smart.

    5. Method 4: Connecting via the router's web interface (alternative method)

    If the printer refuses to connect via standard methods, you can "force" it to join the network through the router settings. This method requires access to the router's admin panel.

    Instructions:

    1. Connect the printer to the router via USB cable (temporarily).
    2. Open the router's web interface by entering into your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the address is indicated on the router sticker).
    3. Log in (login/password usually admin/admin or indicated on the router).
    4. Go to the section Local Network → DHCP or Devices and find the printer in the list of connected devices (it may appear as HP_DeskJet_4720 or by MAC address).
    5. Fix it MAC address printer (example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
    6. Go to Wireless Network → MAC Filter and add the printer to the list of allowed devices.
    7. Save the settings, disconnect the USB cable and restart the printer – it should automatically connect to Wi-Fi.

    This method doesn't work on all routers, but it helps in cases where the printer doesn't see the network or returns an authentication error.

    6. Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even with the correct settings HP DeskJet 4720 may produce errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

    Error Cause Solution
    The orange Wi-Fi indicator is flashing Incorrect password or network not found Please re-enter your password or reset your printer.
    The printer is connected but does not print. Drivers are not installed on the PC Download the driver from official HP website for your OS
    Message "Error connecting to the network" The router is blocking the new device. Disable MAC address filtering in your router settings.
    The printer periodically disconnects from Wi-Fi Weak signal or network congestion Move the printer closer to the router or change the Wi-Fi channel

    If the printer is connected, but the computer does not see it:

    1. On Windows: open Control Panel → Devices and Printers and press Add a printer.
    2. On Mac: go to System Preferences → Printers & Scanners and press «+».
    3. Make sure the printer and computer are in one network (check IP addresses).

      4. 7. Setting up Wi-Fi printing after connection

      After a successful connection, all that remains is to set up printing from different devices:

      • 🖥️ Windows:
        • Download the driver from HP website (select model DeskJet 4720 and your OS version).
        • When installing, select the option Wireless Network.
        • IN Control Panel → Devices and Printers check that the printer is showing up as "Ready".
      • 📱 Android/iOS:
        • Use the app HP Smart for printing documents and photos.
        • For iPhone turn on AirPrint in the printer settings (via the web interface or HP Smart).
      • 🌐 Cloud printing:
        • Register your printer with the service HP ePrint - this will allow you to print from any device via email.

    To check the connection, print test sheet:

    1. Press and hold the button on the printer "Information" (icon i) for 5 seconds.
    2. The printer will print a page with network data, including IP address And MAC address.

    8. Additional tips for stable operation

    To avoid connection problems in the future:

    • 🔄 Update your firmware regularly printer through HP Smart or HP website.
    • 📡 If your printer frequently switches off, assign it static IP address in the router settings.
    • 🔋 Do not unplug the printer for long periods of time, as this may reset the network settings.
    • 🛡️ If you use guest network, make sure it is not isolated from local devices.

    To improve your Wi-Fi signal:

    • Place the router at a height 1–1.5 meters from the floor.
    • Avoid obstacles between the router and the printer (walls, metal cabinets).
    • If the network is overloaded, switch the router to a channel 1, 6 or 11 (they intersect the least).

    FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Connecting the HP DeskJet 4720

    Can a printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?

    No, HP DeskJet 4720 supports only frequency 2.4 GHzIf your router is in dual-band mode, make sure the network 2.4 GHz enabled and has a separate name (SSID).

    The printer is connected, but the computer doesn't see it. What should I do?

    Check:

    1. Installed on the computer correct driver (download from HP website).
    2. The printer and PC are in one network (check IP addresses via ipconfig on Windows or ifconfig on Mac).
    3. Firewall or antivirus does not block access (temporarily disable them for testing).
    How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?

    There are two ways:

    1. Software reset: hold down the button «Wi-Fi» for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes 3 times.
    2. Full reset: hold down Wi-Fi + Cancel for 5 seconds - the printer will return to factory settings.

    After the reset, you will need to reconnect to the network.

    Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a router (in Ad-Hoc mode)?

    No, HP DeskJet 4720 does not support the mode Ad-Hoc (direct connection to a PC). A router or access point is required for operation.

    How to update printer firmware?

    Updating the firmware solves many connection issues. You can do this:

    • Through HP Smart: Printer Settings → Firmware Update.
    • Through HP website: Download the firmware file for your model and upload it through the printer's web interface (http://[printer IP address]).

    Do not interrupt the update process - this may damage your printer!

    📖 Read also

    How to Connect an HP Printer to Wi-Fi: Step-by-Step Instructions Complete HP Wireless Printing Setup Guide. Solve Driver, IP Address, and Printer Issues Printing from a Samsung phone to a printer via Wi-Fi: A step-by-step guide How to set up printing from a Samsung phone via Wi-Fi? A complete guide on connecting an Android device to the printer. How to set up Wi-Fi on the Samsung M2070W printer: a complete guide A detailed guide on connecting the Samsung M2070W MFP to a router via WPS and menu. Troubleshooting How to connect the Brother HL-L2340DWR to Wi-Fi: instructions Detailed setup instructions for the Brother HL-L2340DWR via Wi-Fi. Instructions for Windows, macOS, and mobile devices. How to connect a Pantum printer to Wi-Fi: complete instructions A detailed guide to setting up Pantum wireless printing. Solve problems with drivers, WPS, and How to Connect the Epson L3050 to Wi-Fi: Step-by-Step Instructions Detailed instructions: how to set up an Epson L3050 printer on a Wi-Fi router. We'll also troubleshoot driver issues.