Changing your internet provider, router, or even just your wireless network password often leaves users faced with the following dreaded reality: HP printer The printer stops printing because it's still searching for the old access point. This is a common occurrence with any office equipment that stores the previous connection settings. To resume printing, you need to reconnect, which may vary depending on your device model and whether it has a display.
Modern MFP (multifunctional devices) have built-in communication modules that allow them to be controlled remotely, but they must be on the same local network as the computer. Reconnecting can take five to fifteen minutes and doesn't require extensive technical knowledge if you follow the steps carefully. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, from using the button WPS to temporary connection through USB cable.
Before you begin setting up, make sure you know the exact name of your new network (SSID) and its password. It is also important that the router is working reliably, and that the computer used for setup is already connected to this Wi-Fi network. If you just bought a new router, you may need to configure it first. security settings on the router itself so that it does not block unknown devices.
Preparing equipment and resetting network settings
The first and most critical step is clearing the printer's memory of old network profiles. While the device is attempting to connect to a non-existent network, it will not be visible in the system. Non-touchscreen models often require a button combination that must be held down for several seconds. Typically, this is the wireless button (Wireless) in combination with the cancel button or the information button.
If your device has a display, you'll navigate through the menu. Find the network section and select the factory reset option specifically for the network module. This won't affect your personal files or print quality settings, but it will restore them. network parameters to the original state.
⚠️ Important: After resetting the printer, it may reboot automatically. If the wireless indicator starts blinking blue (or blinking in a different pattern than usual), this means the device has entered search mode and is ready for a new configuration.
For devices of the series HP LaserJet or DeskJet The procedure may vary slightly. Always check for visual indications: a blinking antenna icon indicates that the Wi-Fi module is active but the connection has not been established. A solid light usually indicates a successful connection.
☑️ Check before setup
Using the WPS button for quick connection
The fastest way to connect HP printer to the new network - using technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to automatically transmit a password, eliminating the need to manually enter it on a device, which often lacks a full keyboard. To implement this method, your router must also support this feature, which is true for most modern models.
The process is as follows: you need to press the button on the router WPS and hold it for a few seconds until the indicator light flashes. Immediately after this, within two minutes, you need to activate WPS mode on the printer itself. On models with a screen, this is done through the menu. Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Protected Setup, and on models without a screen - by long pressing the corresponding button on the control panel.
- 📡 Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for 3-5 seconds.
- 🖨️ Activate WPS mode on your HP printer within 2 minutes.
- ⏳ Wait until the wireless indicator stops blinking.
- ✅ Check your connection status by printing a network report.
If the printer's indicator stops blinking and turns solid, the connection is established. However, if the blinking continues for a long time or the device displays an error, the router has not transmitted the data. In some cases, routers limit the number of devices that can be connected via WPS or require the feature to be activated in the web interface beforehand.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
The WPS function may be disabled in your router's security settings or may not be supported by your ISP. Furthermore, some modern security standards (WPA3) may conflict with older WPS implementations on printers. In this case, use the USB cable method or manually create a network.
Setup via USB cable and software
If wireless methods seem complicated to you or do not work due to protocol incompatibility, the most reliable option remains to use USB cablesThis method allows HP software to automatically transfer Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer. You'll need a USB Type-B cable (square connector), which is usually included, and the full driver package installed.
Download the latest driver from the official website, specifying the exact model of your device. During installation, the program will ask for the connection type. Select "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" and then follow the on-screen instructions. When the installer prompts you to connect the cable, do so. Your computer will temporarily transfer the SSID and password for your current network to the printer.
| Setup stage | User action | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Launching the installer | Selecting a Wi-Fi connection type | PC screen |
| Connecting the cable | Connect the USB ports of the PC and the printer | Windows connection sound |
| Data transfer | Waiting for the process to complete | Network indicator blinking |
| Conclusion | Disconnecting the cable according to the instructions | Steady indicator light |
After successfully transferring the settings, the program will prompt you to disconnect the cable. From this point on, the printer should automatically connect to the router. This method is especially useful if your network name contains special characters or Cyrillic characters that the printer may not recognize correctly when entered manually.
Manual setup via the control panel (for models with a screen)
Devices of the series HP OfficeJet Pro or HP LaserJet With a color touchscreen, you can configure your network completely autonomously, without a computer. This is convenient if you don't have a PC handy or want to connect a printer to a guest network. To get started, open the main menu and find the section often marked with a gear or antenna icon.
On the menu Net or Wireless communication Select "Wireless Setup Wizard." The printer will begin scanning the surrounding area and display a list of available networks. Find your router's name in the list (SSID) and click on it. The system will ask you to enter a password.
Be careful when entering your password: use the virtual keyboard on the screen, observing the letter case. After entering, confirm the action. The device will attempt to obtain IP address from the router. If the password is correct, a success message will appear on the screen, and the Wi-Fi icon will become active.
⚠️ Note: If your router hides the network name (SSID Hidden), you will need to select the "Enter a new network name" option and enter the name manually, being careful to type every character.
Troubleshooting device visibility issues on the network
Even after a successful connection, sometimes a situation arises where the computer "doesn't see" the printer. This is most often due to the devices being on different subnets or networks. Modern routers often broadcast two networks: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Most HP printers only operate in this range. 2.4 GHz.
If your computer is connected to a 5 GHz network and your printer to a 2.4 GHz network, they may not be able to print to each other, even though both are connected to the internet. The solution is to merge the network names (SSIDs) on the router or temporarily connect the computer to the 2.4 GHz network to install drivers. The problem may also lie in Windows Firewall settings, which are blocking the discovery of new devices.
- 🔍 Make sure your PC and printer are connected to the same router.
- 📡 Check your Wi-Fi frequency (it is important to use 2.4 GHz for the printer).
- 🛡️ Check your antivirus and firewall settings on your PC.
- 🔄 Restart your router and printer to update the DHCP lease.
Sometimes restarting the print service on your computer helps. To do this, click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the Print Spooler service. Restarting it may refresh the list of available devices. If the issue persists, try temporarily disabling your VPN if you're using one, as it changes the network route.
Using Wi-Fi Direct as an alternative to a router
If setting up via the main router causes demasiatic difficulties or the network is temporarily unavailable, you can use the technology Wi-Fi DirectIn this mode, the HP printer creates its own wireless network, which you connect your computer or smartphone to directly, bypassing the router. This is the ideal solution for quickly printing documents from your phone.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the printer's control panel or select the corresponding option from the menu. The network name (e.g., HP-Print-xx-LaserJet) and password. Connect to this network from your device as you would to a regular Wi-Fi network.
Keep in mind that when connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, your computer may temporarily lose internet access because the network adapter will switch to the printer. After printing is complete, you'll need to manually switch back to your primary network. This method doesn't require complex router passwords and works even if the internet connection is down.
How do I find the printer's IP address for manual installation?
To obtain the IP address on models without a display, press and hold the Wireless button and the Information button (the "i" icon) simultaneously for a few seconds. The printer will print a report showing the IP address in the IPv4 Address line. On models with a display, this information can be found under "Network" -> "View Details."
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network?
Yes, this is possible. When setting up the printer manually through the menu, select the "Enter New Network Name" option instead of choosing from the list. You will need to manually enter the exact network name (SSID) and password. Make sure the letters are capitalized correctly.
What should I do if my printer says "IP address error"?
This means the printer hasn't received an address from the router. Try rebooting the router. If that doesn't help, find "Restore network settings" in the printer's network settings or manually set a static IP address that matches your router's subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.X).
Do I need to reinstall drivers when changing Wi-Fi?
Usually not. A driver is a control program that remains on the computer. However, if the computer hasn't seen the printer for a long time, you may need to re-add the device through the Windows Control Panel, specifying a new IP address or rediscovering it on the network.