Connecting the HP DeskJet 3700 Printer to Wi-Fi: 3 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Wireless printer connection HP DeskJet 3700 Connecting your printer to your home Wi-Fi network opens up new possibilities: printing from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet without unnecessary wires, accessing cloud printing features, and remote management. However, many users encounter difficulties already during setup—the printer doesn't find the network, constantly drops the connection, or requires incomprehensible drivers. In this article, we'll explore these issues. three official connection methods (via WPS, HP Smart and the printer control panel), as well as typical errors that interfere with stable operation.

Model DeskJet 3700 belongs to the budget segment, but supports all the key wireless printing functions. The main difference from older models (for example, DeskJet 4100) — the lack of a display, which complicates setup without a computer. We've taken this into account and adapted the instructions for various scenarios: from fully automated setup to manual network settings. If your router uses non-standard settings (for example, a hidden SSID or dual-band Wi-Fi), there's a separate section in this article with solutions.

1. Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you begin setup, make sure all system components are ready for use. 90% of problems with connection HP DeskJet 3700 Wi-Fi issues arise from missing preparatory steps. Here's a checklist of essential requirements:

• 🔌 The printer is turned on and plugged into a power outlet. The power indicator should be green (flashing orange indicates an error).
• 📶 The router is working stably.. Reboot it 5 minutes before setup (turn off the power for 30 seconds).
• 💻 Computer or smartphone connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you will connect the printer.
• 📥 Drivers and softwareFor the method through HP Smart Download the app in advance: HP official website.
• 🔒 Wi-Fi passwordMake sure you know the exact password (case-sensitive!). If you use WPS, check if your router supports it.

Make sure the printer is turned on and the indicator light is green.

Reboot the router (turn off the power for 30 seconds)

Connect your computer/smartphone to the target Wi-Fi network

Download the HP Smart app (for mobile devices)

Check your Wi-Fi password or WPS support on your router.

Please pay special attention to router operating mode. HP DeskJet 3700 does not support networks with frequency 5 GHz - only 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts both networks under the same name (SSID), the printer may freeze while searching. In this case, temporarily disable 5 GHz in the router settings or create a separate network for 2.4 GHz.

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses a security standard WPA3, the printer may not connect. Switch the network to WPA2-PSK (or mixed mode WPA2/WPA3) in the router control panel.

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 (usually there is a button with the inscription WPS or the 🔄 icon).
• 🔒 Mode enabled WPA2-PSK (WPS does not work with WPA3).
• ⏱️ The printer is within a radius of 1–2 meters from the router (for a reliable signal).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and in standby mode (the indicator light is green).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer panel for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router. Hold it down for 2-3 seconds.
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer turns on blue all the time (this will take 30-60 seconds).

If the light continues to flash or remains orange, repeat the process. WPS may not work the first time due to interference from other devices. Try disabling Bluetooth and the microwave oven during setup.

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

Application HP Smart (available for Android And iOS) automates the connection process and offers additional features, such as scanning documents to your phone or printing from cloud services. This method is convenient if you don't have a computer or your printer doesn't support WPS.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Download and install HP Smart from Google Play or App Store.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and allow the app to access your location (necessary to find the printer).
3. Launch the app and click Add a printer.
4. Select HP DeskJet 3700 from the list of detected devices. If the printer is not found, click Setting up a new printer.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will prompt you to connect to the printer's temporary network (the name will begin with HP-Setup...).
6. Once connected, select your primary Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password.
7. Wait until the setup is complete (the printer will reboot).

If your smartphone does not connect to the printer's temporary network in step 5, check:

• 📴 Are the modes disabled on the phone? Energy saving or Adaptive Wi-Fi (they may block the connection).
• 🔄 Restart the printer (hold the power button for 5 seconds).
• 📶 Make sure there are no other devices nearby broadcasting networks with the same name HP-Setup.

⚠️ Attention: After setting up via HP Smart, the printer may "forget" the temporary network. If you later want to reconfigure it, you'll have to reset the network settings (hold down the button). Wi-Fi And Cancel simultaneously for 10 seconds).

4. Method 3: Manual connection via the printer panel (without a computer)

If you don't have a smartphone or your router doesn't support WPS, you can enter the Wi-Fi settings directly on the printer. HP DeskJet 3700 there is no screen, so the process is carried out through combinations of buttons and indicator lights.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and located near the router.
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) and the button Cancel (❌) simultaneously for 5 seconds until the Wi-Fi indicator starts flashing.
3. Release the buttons. The printer will begin searching for networks. When the indicator light starts flashing blue and green alternately, press the button Wi-Fi again.
4. The printer will print out a sheet with instructions and WPS PIN code (8 digits). Save this sheet.
5. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the section WPS → PIN code.
6. Enter the PIN code from the printout and save the settings.

If the printer does not print a sheet with a PIN code, check:

• 🖨️ There is paper in the tray (even if the indicator does not signal an error).
• 🔋 Ink level (if the level is critically low, the printer may block the printing of service sheets).
• 🔄 Repeat steps 2–3, holding the buttons longer (up to 7 seconds).

What to do if the router does not support WPS PIN?

If your router's web interface doesn't have a WPS PIN entry option, try this alternative method:

1. Connect the printer to the router via an Ethernet cable (if there is a port).

2. Go to the printer's web interface (the address is indicated on the printout with the PIN code, usually http://192.168.223.1).

3. In the section Network or Wireless Manually select a Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

5. Solving common errors

Even after successful connection HP DeskJet 3700 may be unstable. Here are typical symptoms and how to fix them:

🔴 The printer can't find the Wi-Fi network

Possible reasons:

• 📡 The network operates in the range 5 GHz (the printer only supports 2.4 GHz).
• 🔍 The network SSID is hidden (disable this option in the router settings) Hide network).
• 📶 The signal is too weak (move the printer closer to the router).

Solution: Temporarily disable 5 GHz in the router settings or create a guest network just for 2.4 GHz.

🟡 The printer connects but doesn't print.

Check:

• 🖨️ Are the drivers installed on your computer (download from HP website).
• 📄 The printer is selected by default in the print settings (Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners).
• 🌐 Your firewall or antivirus is not blocking the connection (add the printer to the exceptions).

🟢 Printing is very slow

This is typical for DeskJet 3700 When working with large documents, the following will help speed up the process:

• 📶 Switching the router to a channel 2.4 GHz with less workload (use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer for ether analysis).
• 🖼️ Reduce the print resolution in the driver settings (select Quick Print or Draft).
• 🔌 Connect the printer to the router via an Ethernet cable (if there is a port).

Via WPS

Via the HP Smart app

Manual connection via the printer panel

Another method-->

6. Optimizing printer performance on a Wi-Fi network

To HP DeskJet 3700 worked stably, follow these tips:

• 📶 Printer placement: Place it at a distance of no more than 5 meters from the router, avoiding obstacles (walls, metal objects).
• 🔄 Firmware update: Check back regularly for updates via HP Smart or HP websiteNew versions fix connection errors.
• 🔒 Safety: Disable guest access to the printer in the settings if you don’t need it (HP Smart → Printer Settings → Security).
• 📄 Test page: Print a test page periodically (HP Smart → Diagnostics) to check the quality of the connection.

If the printer is used in an office with a large number of devices, consider assigning a static IP addressThis will prevent DHCP conflicts and make accessing the printer easier. Instructions:

1. Find out the MAC address of your printer (printed on the sticker on the back or in the HP Smart).
2. Go to the router's web interface and find the section DHCP reservation or IP binding.
3. Add a new rule by specifying the printer's MAC address and the desired IP (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

7. Resetting the printer's network settings

If all connection attempts fail, please follow these steps: complete reset of network settingsThis will reset the printer to factory Wi-Fi settings.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Press and hold the buttons Wi-Fi (📶) and Cancel (❌) simultaneously during 10-15 seconds, until all indicators flash.
3. Release the buttons. The printer will reboot and reset its Wi-Fi settings.

After the reset, repeat the setup using any of the methods described above. If the problem persists, test the printer on a different router—this will help identify the hardware issue.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting network settings does not affect other printer settings (such as print settings or cartridge counters). However, if you reset all settings (by holding the power button for 20 seconds), the printer will return to the factory state, including the language and region.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Connecting the HP DeskJet 3700

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, for this use:

• 📱 Application HP Smart on a smartphone (method 2).
• 🔄 Button WPS on the router (method 1).
• 🖨️ Manual connection via the printer panel (method 3).

You only need a computer to install drivers if you plan to print from a PC.

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

Check the following:

1. Are the drivers installed for HP DeskJet 3700 (download from official website).
2. The computer and printer are connected to one Wi-Fi network.
3. The Windows Firewall settings allow access for the printer (Control Panel → Firewall → Allow interactions...).
4. The printer is not in sleep mode (press any button on the panel to wake it up).

If the problem persists, try connecting the printer to your computer via USB and installing the drivers manually.

How do I connect my printer to a new Wi-Fi network after moving?

There are two options:

1. Reset settings: Hold Wi-Fi + Cancel 10 seconds (as in section 7), then re-set.
2. Via HP Smart: Open the app, select the printer and click Change Wi-Fi network.

If the new network uses WPA3, temporarily switch the router to WPA2 for customization.

Is it possible to connect the HP DeskJet 3700 to a public network (for example, in a cafe)?

Technically yes, but there are limitations:

• 🔒 The network must use WPA2-PSK (most public networks operate on WPA2-Enterprise, which is not supported).
• 📶 The printer will not be able to connect to the network port isolation (for example, in hotels).
• 🖥️ To print, you will need a device (laptop/smartphone) that is already connected to this network.

We recommend using USB cable or mobile hotspot (Wi-Fi sharing from a smartphone) for printing in public places.

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

There are several ways:

• 🔄 Look at the indicator Wi-Fi on the printer: permanent blue — connected, flashing - network search, orange - error.
• 📄 Print network configuration report: hold the button Wi-Fi 5 seconds (the printer will print a sheet with connection data).
• 📱 Open HP Smart — the connection status is displayed on the main screen.