Changing your wireless network password is a standard security procedure, often required when replacing a router or experiencing a data compromise. Office equipment owners are faced with the need to reconfigure HP LaserJet or HP DeskJetWhen old credentials stop working or you need to increase your perimeter security. Many users mistakenly believe that this requires complex software, but modern solutions make it quick and easy.
The process for updating the access key depends on the specific device model and whether it has a touchscreen. In some cases, physical access to the device will be required, while in others, using the built-in web interface will suffice. Understanding your model's architecture HP Smart Tank or HP OfficeJet will help you avoid unnecessary actions and save time on setup.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for changing credentials, from using control panel buttons to resetting network settings to factory defaults. You'll learn how to properly interact with your router via WPS and why it's sometimes easier to start over from scratch rather than try to edit an existing profile.
Preparing to change network settings
Before making any configuration changes, you need to make sure you have access to your router's current security settings. You'll need to know the network name (SSID) and a new, complex password that you plan to use. It is also recommended to have a computer or smartphone connected to the same local network to be able to download drivers or use the utility. HP Smart.
⚠️ Caution: If you change the password on your router but do not update it on your printer, the device will lose its internet connection and go into standby mode.
It's important to determine the interface type of your device. Models with a monochrome screen require arrow keys to navigate, while touchpads allow for direct data entry. Make sure the printer is turned on and in a ready state, not in deep sleep mode.
Check for current firmware updates, as older versions of the software may contain bugs that prevent proper connection to new encryption protocols. WPA3Sometimes the problem is solved not by changing the password, but by simply updating the device's firmware via a USB cable or a temporary Ethernet connection.
Resetting the HP Printer Network Settings
The most reliable way to force the printer to forget its old password is to reset the network settings. This doesn't affect personal files or the page counter; it only resets the LAN and Wi-Fi settings to factory defaults. After this, the device will be ready to pair with a new access point.
For non-touch screen models such as the series HP LaserJet Pro MFPThe procedure is usually performed using a button combination. You need to press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button simultaneously for a few seconds. The indicators will flash, confirming a successful reset.
- 🔘 Find the button with the image of an antenna or wireless signal on the control panel.
- 🔘 Press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (cross) buttons simultaneously for 3-5 seconds.
- 🔘 Wait until the power indicator starts flashing, which indicates that the network module is rebooting.
- 🔘 Make sure the wireless indicator light is no longer solid.
If you have a model with a touchscreen, navigation will be more intuitive. Go to the settings menu, select the network section, and find the restore settings option. This will disconnect the current connection and make the printer visible for initial setup again.
Using WPS technology to connect
Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) allows you to connect devices to a network without manually entering a password. This is ideal if you've just changed the access key on your router and don't want to re-enter it on your printer. This method works by exchanging encrypted keys between the router and printer using physical buttons.
Find the WPS button on your router. It may be separate or combined with the Wi-Fi power button. On an HP printer, activate WPS search mode via the menu or by long-pressing the corresponding button. The device will begin searching for a signal from the router within two minutes.
⚠️ Warning: WPS is considered less secure than manually entering a complex password, as it is susceptible to PIN brute-force attacks. Use it only in home networks with trusted connections.
After a successful handshake, the wireless indicator on the printer will turn blue. This means the device has received the new password and saved it. You can now try printing a document from your computer to test the connection.
What to do if the WPS button does not work?
Some modern routers have WPS disabled by default for security reasons. Access the router settings via a browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check the Wireless -> WPS section. If the feature is disabled, use the manual entry method or a temporary USB connection.
Configuration via the Embedded Web Server (EWS)
For advanced users and office models, the most flexible tool is the Embedded Web Server. This is a printer management interface accessible via a browser. To access it, you need the device's IP address, which can be found by printing a configuration report or viewing the device's properties in the operating system.
Enter the IP address into the browser's address bar. If the connection is established, the control panel will open. HP JetdirectGo to the "Networking" tab, then select "Wireless." Here you can manually enter the SSID and a new security key.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Your wireless network name | Exact match with the router |
| Security Mode | Encryption type | WPA2-Personal or WPA3 |
| Passphrase | Minimum 8 characters, letters and numbers | |
| IP Assignment | Method of obtaining IP | Auto IP (DHCP) |
After making changes, be sure to click the "Apply" button at the bottom of the page. The printer will reboot the network module and attempt to connect with the new information. If the password is entered incorrectly, the device will revert to access point mode or the error indicator will flash.
☑️ Check before saving in EWS
Reconfiguring via the HP Smart app
The most modern and convenient way to control peripherals is to use an application HP Smart For Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. The app automatically detects the printer on the local network and prompts you to update the settings if the environment changes. This is the best choice for users who don't want to deal with IP addresses.
Launch the app and add your printer if it's not already listed. If the device has lost connection, the app will prompt you to "Add a new printer" or "Set up a new device." Follow the on-screen instructions: select your network from the list and enter a new password.
The app will transfer the new credentials to the printer via a temporary direct connection or Bluetooth (if supported by the model). The process takes approximately 1-2 minutes. Once the status has been successfully updated in the app, you can immediately perform a test print.
⚠️ Important: The HP Smart app requires an HP ID account. Make sure you remember your account login and password, otherwise the setup may be blocked during the authorization process.
If automatic setup fails, try using the "Direct Connection" mode, which creates the printer's own network. By connecting to it from your phone, you can forward the main router's settings directly to the device through the app interface.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Even if you follow the instructions exactly, technical difficulties may arise. Often, the problem lies in the frequency range: many older HP printer models only work within the frequency range 2.4 GHz and don't see 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts the same name for both bands, try temporarily separating them in the router settings.
Another common error is an incorrect password format. Make sure the letter case is correct, as the system is case-sensitive. Case Sensitive input. Also, check if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router, which can block the connection even with the correct password.
- 📶 Make sure the printer is within a strong signal reception area (no further than 10 meters from the router without walls).
- 📶 Check if the list of saved profiles in the device's memory is full (relevant for office MFPs).
- 📶 Reboot your router, as it may be frozen and not assigning new IP addresses via DHCP.
In some cases, a full power cycle can help. Turn off the printer and router, wait 30 seconds, turn on the router, wait for it to fully boot up, and only then turn on the printer. This allows the network module to properly initiate the connection process.
Is it possible to change the WiFi password on a printer without a computer?
Yes, this is possible if your model has a touchscreen or navigation buttons. You can use the printer's menu to search for networks and enter a password. You can also use WPS technology by pressing a button on both the router and the printer.
What should I do if my HP printer doesn't see the new WiFi network?
Check if your network is operating in the 2.4 GHz band, as many models don't support 5 GHz. Make sure the network name (Hidden SSID) is set to "hidden"—in this case, you'll need to enter it manually. Also, try moving closer to the router.
Will the page counter reset if I change my WiFi password?
No, resetting network settings or changing the WiFi password does not affect the page counter, language settings, time, or calibration settings. This data is stored in non-volatile memory separate from the network modules.
How do I find the printer's IP address to access the web interface?
Press the "Wireless" or "Information" button on the printer control panel to print a configuration report. The IP address will be listed in the IPv4 section. You can also find the address in the HP Smart app or in the list of connected devices on the router.