Setting up wireless printing for office equipment series HP DeskJet Plus 4120 Wireless LAN is becoming the standard for modern workplaces, eliminating unnecessary cables. Many users experience difficulties when initially syncing their devices with their home network, often due to the inherent limitations of WPA2/WPA3 security protocols or the incorrect operation of temporary IP addresses.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to ensure a stable connection between your laptop and your multifunctional device. Wireless connectivity requires attention to detail, especially if you use dual-band routers that broadcast both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks under the same name.
To get started, make sure your MFP is turned on and in a strong signal reception area. HP Smart — This is the main software that significantly simplifies the process, but there are also alternative methods of manual configuration through the printer's control panel, which will be discussed below.
Preparing for wireless driver installation
Before starting the installation process, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory steps, ignoring which often leads to errors during the device search stage. Network settings The laptop's settings must be correct, and the router itself must operate in normal mode without any MAC address restrictions.
Make sure your computer is running the latest version of the operating system, as older builds of Windows or macOS may not support the new encryption protocols used by default in HP DeskJet Plus 4120. It is also recommended to temporarily disable third-party antivirus firewalls, which may block printer detection on the local network.
⚠️ Attention: If your router distributes Wi-Fi with the same name (SSID) for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, but the printer doesn't see the network, try temporarily separating them in the router settings or connecting your laptop to the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
Checking the cartridges is an important step. The printer may not enter setup mode if consumables are not installed or the cartridge access door is open. Make sure the protective orange tapes are removed from all internal mechanisms before turning on the power.
- 🔌 Check the power connection and whether there is paper in the tray.
- 📶 Make sure your laptop is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to.
- 🛡️ Temporarily disable VPN services on your computer.
Activating the setup mode on the printer
In order for the laptop to “see” the new device, you need to transfer The HP DeskJet Plus 4120 enters a special configuration mode. There are several ways to do this, and the choice depends on the current display on the control panel.
If the wireless indicator is flashing blue, the device is already in setup mode, and you can proceed with the software installation. If the indicator is solid or off, you'll need to perform a hard reset of the network settings.
Pressing a combination of buttons Wireless And Cancel This will initiate a factory reset of the network settings. After this, the indicator light next to the wireless button should begin pulsing blue, indicating it's ready to pair.
In some cases, especially after a firmware update, the printer may automatically go into standby mode. Wi-Fi DirectThis creates a direct access point that can be connected to without a router, but for full functionality on a shared network, it's better to use the classic router method.
What is Wi-Fi Direct and when to use it?
Wi-Fi Direct allows you to print from mobile devices without connecting to your home router. The printer creates its own network, which your phone or laptop connects to. This is convenient in offices or places without access to the main Wi-Fi network, but for regular home printing, it's better to set up a connection through your main router.
Using the HP Smart app for automation
The easiest and most reliable way to set up is to use the proprietary application. HP Smart. This software suite automatically scans the system, finds the printer, and downloads the necessary drivers without user intervention.
Download the app from the Microsoft Store for Windows or the App Store for macOS. After launching, click the "Add Printer" button or the "+" icon. The app will begin searching for devices within range.
☑️ HP Smart Pre-Launch Check
When the system detects HP DeskJet Plus 4120: Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be prompted to select your home network from the list and enter the password. It's important to enter the password carefully, paying attention to the capitalization, as even a single character error will result in connection failure.
During the installation process, the application may prompt you to update the printer firmware. Firmware update This is a critical procedure that fixes known bugs and improves connection stability. Do not interrupt this process, even if it takes a few minutes.
⚠️ Attention: The HP Smart app interface may change depending on the update version. If you don't see the familiar buttons, look for the "Printer Settings" or "Advanced Settings" section.
Manual configuration via Windows Control Panel
If using a cloud service If HP Smart is not working or is causing errors, you can use standard operating system tools. This method requires manual installation of drivers, which can be found on the official support website.
Go to the Start menu, select Settings (the gear icon), and open the Devices section. Under Printers & Scanners, click Add a printer or scanner. The system will begin searching for available devices.
If your The HP DeskJet Plus 4120 is in setup mode and should appear in the list. If the search returns no results, click the "My printer isn't listed" link. In the window that opens, select "Add a printer by IP address" or "Add a local printer" if the driver has already been downloaded.
For correct operation through local network It is important that the port type is defined correctly. Usually the system automatically detects the port as WSD or Standard TCP/IPIn most cases, it is recommended to use the WSD port for HP to maintain full scanner functionality.
Setting up a connection using the WPS method
The fastest way to connect Connecting the HP DeskJet Plus 4120 to Wi-Fi without entering a password is possible using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method only works if your router supports this feature and has a physical button or software interface for activating it.
Press and hold the button Wireless on the printer's control panel until the power light starts blinking. Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys.
A successful connection is confirmed when the wireless indicator stops flashing and turns solid blue. If the indicator continues flashing or turns orange, the connection is not established and the procedure must be repeated.
It's worth noting that many modern routers have the WPS feature disabled for security reasons. In this case, you'll have to use the password entry method through the app or web interface.
| Indicator status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing blue | Setup mode | Run a printer search in the software |
| It's blue | Connected to Wi-Fi | You can print |
| Flashing orange | Network error | Check password or signal |
| It's glowing orange | Wi-Fi Direct mode | Connect to the printer network |
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, situations may arise when the laptop does not detect HP DeskJet Plus 4120. One common cause is client isolation (AP Isolation) in the router settings, which prevents devices on the network from exchanging data with each other.
Check if Windows Firewall is blocking the connection. Sometimes antivirus programs flag the print service as potentially dangerous and block network traffic. Try adding an exception for the application. HP Print and Scan Doctor.
If the problem persists, perform a full reset of the printer's network settings. To do this, hold down the button Wireless and the button Cancel simultaneously for 5 seconds. The printer will reboot the network module, and you can start the setup process again.
It's also worth checking whether you're using a static IP address that conflicts with the printer's address. In most home networks, it's best to leave the IP setting on automatic (DHCP) so the router can assign the correct addresses automatically.
Why won't my HP DeskJet Plus 4120 printer connect to my 5GHz network?
Most printer models, including the 4120 series, only support the 2.4 GHz frequency band. If your router combines 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under a single name, the printer may be "lost." Solution: separate the networks in the router settings or ensure that the laptop is connected to the 2.4 GHz band during setup.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
Press the Wireless button on the printer, then the Information button (the i icon). The printer will print a report showing the current IP address. You can also view the address in the HP Smart app under Printer Information.
Is it possible to connect a printer without the Internet?
Yes, using Wi-Fi Direct technology. In this case, the printer creates its own network, which your laptop connects to. Your laptop won't have internet access at this point (unless you're using a second network connection), but printing will still be possible.