Connecting an HP printer to a laptop via Wi-Fi: Complete instructions with pictures

Wireless printer connection HP Connecting to a laptop via Wi-Fi saves time and eliminates the clutter of cables. However, not all users know how to properly set up such a connection, especially when it comes to models that support Wi-Fi Direct or HP Smart AppIn this article, we'll cover all connection methods—from standard network searches to manual configuration via IP address.

We'll pay special attention to common errors, such as the printer not being listed as available or driver issues. You'll learn how to check the compatibility of your model. HP with a laptop operating system (Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux) and what to do if the printer connects but doesn't print. For your convenience, we've compiled step-by-step instructions with illustrations of key steps and a compatibility chart for popular models.

If you've already tried connecting your printer but encountered difficulties, don't rush to reset the settings. In 90% of cases, the problem can be resolved by updating the firmware or changing the Wi-Fi mode on the router. Below you'll find a troubleshooting checklist and answers to frequently asked questions, such as how to connect a printer to a laptop without a router (in wireless mode). Ad-Hoc).

1. Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you begin setting up, make sure your printer is HP Supports wireless connectivity. This information is provided on the box, in the instructions, or on the official website. HP in the model specifications section. Please note the following:

• 📋 Printer model: series HP Envy, HP OfficeJet, HP DeskJet (with index e-All-in-One) And HP LaserJet Pro (with a note Wireless) are usually equipped with a Wi-Fi module. Budget models (for example, HP DeskJet 1112) may require a USB connection.
• 🔋 Nutrition: The printer must be plugged in and in Ready mode (the power light is green or blue). If the light is flashing orange, check the cartridges or paper.
• 📡 Wi-Fi network: The laptop and printer must be connected to the same network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Printers HP older than 2018 may not support 5 GHz networks.

Also prepare:

• 🔑 Your Wi-Fi network password (if it has changed since the printer was last connected).
• 💻 Laptop with updated operating system (for Windows, check the version via Win + R → winver).
• 📱 Smartphone with the app HP Smart (optional, but makes setup easier).

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses WPA3 encryption, some printer models HP (manufactured before 2020) may not connect. In this case, temporarily switch the network to WPA2-PSK in the router settings.

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

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to your network without entering a password. This method works if your router supports WPS (usually there's a button labeled WPS). Instructions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and located close to the router (no further than 2 meters).
2. Find the button on the printer. Wi-Fi or Wireless (may have an image of an antenna) and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the wireless network indicator flashes.
3. Press the button within 2 minutes WPS on the router. The printer's indicator light should stop blinking and remain solid.
4. On your laptop, check the list of available printers: Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.

If your printer doesn't appear in the list, refresh the page or restart your laptop. In some cases, you may need to install the driver manually (more on that in the next section).

⚠️ AttentionSome ISPs disable WPS by default for security reasons. If the button on your router doesn't respond, check the settings through the web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Make sure your router supports WPS|

The printer is on and in standby mode|

The distance between the printer and the router is no more than 2 meters|

Press WPS on the router within 2 minutes after activating the mode on the printer-->

3. Method 2: Connecting via the printer control panel

If WPS doesn't work or your router doesn't support it, use the printer menu to manually enter network information. This method is universal for most models. HP, including OfficeJet Pro 9015 or DeskJet 2720.

Setup steps:

1. Press the button on the printer Settings (or Setup) → select Net (Network) → Wi-Fi.
2. Find your Wi-Fi network in the list of networks and select it. If the network is not there, click Other networks (Other Networks) and enter the name (SSID) manually.
3. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the arrows and button OK on the printer panel. For complex passwords (with symbols) !@#$) You may need to connect the keyboard via USB.
4. Once connected, the printer will print a test sheet with network data. Save it—it contains IP address, which will be useful for manual driver installation.

Now add the printer to your laptop:

• 🪟 Windows: Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add a device.
• 🍎 macOS: System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Add (+) → IP tab.

What should I do if my printer can't find a Wi-Fi network?

If your network does not appear in the list, try the following:

1. Reboot your router (turn off the power for 30 seconds).

2. Make sure your network is operating in the 2.4 GHz range (HP printers often don't see 5 GHz).

3. Temporarily disable the "Hide SSID" function in the router settings.

4. Update the printer firmware via a USB connection to a PC (instructions on the HP website).

4. Method 3: Using the HP Smart app

Application HP Smart Automates the connection process and offers additional features, such as scanning to the cloud or printing from mobile devices. Download it:

• 🖥️ For Windows/macOS: HP official website.
• 📱 For Android/iOS: Google Play or App Store.

Connection instructions:

1. Install and open HP Smart on a laptop.
2. Select Add a printer (Add Printer). The application will automatically find printers on the local network.
3. If the printer is not detected, click My printer was not found (My Printer Isn’t Listed) and follow the prompts to manually add by IP address (specified in the test print).
4. Confirm the connection and print a test page.

Note: The HP Smart app may ask you to create an HP account - you can skip this step by tapping "Skip" (Skip). However, without an account, cloud printing features will not be available.

5. Manually adding a printer by IP address

If automatic methods don't work, add the printer manually using its IP address. This method is suitable for experienced users and network printers in offices.

Steps for Windows 10/11:

1. Find out the IP address of the printer (print a self-test page or check in the menu Network → Wi-Fi Settings on the printer).
2. On your laptop, go to Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add a printer.
3. Select The printer you need is not in the list → Add a printer by TCP/IP address or hostname.
4. Enter the printer's IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.105) and press Next.
5. Select the driver from the list (if your model is not there, click Windows Update for downloading).

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + → tab IP.
3. Enter IP address, select protocol Line Printer Daemon - LPD and specify the print queue (usually lp or print).

6. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, errors may still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔌 The printer is connected but does not print.:
  • Check the print queue: Start → Settings → Printers & Scanners → your printer → Open queue. Remove stuck tasks.
  • Restart the print service: at the command prompt, type (Win + R → cmd) command:

    net stop spooler && net start spooler

• 📶 The printer keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi.:
  • Update your printer firmware via HP Smart or from the official website.
  • Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (for example, from Auto on 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
• 🖨️ The driver is not installed:
  • Download the driver from the website HPBy selecting the exact printer model. Avoid third-party sources!
  • Remove old drivers via Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features.

⚠️ Attention: If your printer stops working after a Windows update, check the driver compatibility. Some models HP require manual installation of the driver in Windows 8 compatibility mode.

7. Connection without a router (Wi-Fi Direct mode)

If you don't have access to a Wi-Fi network, you can connect your laptop directly to the printer via Wi-Fi DirectThis mode creates an access point on the printer to which the laptop connects.

Instructions:

1. Activate on the printer Wi-Fi Direct (on the menu Network → Wi-Fi Direct). Write down the network name and password (they will be displayed on the printer screen or printed).
2. On your laptop, connect to the printer's network (for example, DIRECT-xx-HP OfficeJet Pro 9015).
3. Add a printer via Settings → Printers and Scanners or HP Smart.

Wi-Fi Direct mode limitations:

• 🚫 No internet access on the laptop (the printer replaces the router).
• 📱 Only one device can be connected at a time.
• 🔄 After printing, it is recommended to return to your regular Wi-Fi network.

8. Optimizing Wi-Fi printing

To ensure stable wireless printing, follow these tips:

• 📶 Printer locationPlace it no further than 5 meters from the router. Obstacles (walls, metal objects) will degrade the signal.
• 🔄 Regular updates: Check for printer firmware and driver updates every 3 months.
• 🖼️ Print quality: To save toner, select the mode in the driver settings Draft (Draft) for internal documents.
• 🔒 Security: turn off Wi-Fi Direct after use to prevent unauthorized access.

For offices with multiple printers, configure static IP addresses in the router to avoid conflicts with automatic DHCP assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My HP printer can't find my Wi-Fi network. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

1. Make sure your router is operating in the 2.4 GHz band (many printers HP do not support 5 GHz).
2. Temporarily disable the "Hide SSID" feature in your router settings.
3. Restart the printer and router (turn off the power for 1 minute).
4. Update your printer firmware via USB connection to your PC.

If the problem persists, try connecting via WPS or enter network details manually.

How to connect an HP printer to a Linux (Ubuntu, Mint) laptop?

For Linux, use the standard print manager. CUPS:

1. Open your browser and go to the address localhost:631.
2. Select Administration → Add Printer.
3. Enter the printer's IP address (you can find it out through the printer menu or by printing a test page).
4. Select the driver from the list (for example, HP OfficeJet Pro 9015, hplip 3.21.12).
5. If your model is not available, install the package hplip via terminal:

   sudo apt install hplip

To scan, please install simple-scan or xsane.

Is it possible to connect an HP printer to a laptop and a phone at the same time?

Yes, if the printer is connected to a Wi-Fi network, multiple devices (laptop, smartphone, tablet) can connect to it simultaneously. The main requirement is that all devices must be on the same network.

To print from your phone:

1. Install the application HP Smart (Android/iOS).
2. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
3. Select the document to print and send it to the printer through the app.

Some models (eg HP Envy) support printing via the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) even without a local network.

My HP printer is printing blank or streaky paper. What's wrong?

The problem is usually related to the cartridges or print settings:

• 🔄 Check the ink/toner level in HP Smart or on the printer panel.
• 🧹 Clean the print head: Settings → Service → Printhead Cleaning.
• 📄 Make sure that the paper tray contains the appropriate type of paper (for example, glossy paper is needed for photo printing).
• 🖨️ In the driver settings, select the correct paper profile (e.g. Plain paper, and not Photo paper).

If streaks appear after refilling the cartridge, the toner may be of low quality. Try a genuine cartridge. HP.

How do I reset Wi-Fi settings on an HP printer?

To reset your printer's network settings to factory defaults, follow these steps:

1. On the printer, go to the menu Settings (Setup).
2. Select Net (Network) → Restore network settings (Restore Network Settings).
3. Confirm the reset. The printer will reboot and be ready for a new Wi-Fi setup.

For some models (eg. HP LaserJet) reset is performed by holding the button Wi-Fi within 10 seconds.