Changing your router or updating your home network password often requires users to reconfigure their connected peripherals. If you're wondering how to change the Wi-Fi network on your HP DeskJet printer, it means your device has lost its connection to the router. This is a common problem faced by homeowners when upgrading their equipment. Modern models HP DeskJet have a fairly flexible interface that allows you to quickly restore your Internet connection.
The reconnection process may vary depending on the specific model of your device and whether it has a display. In most cases, the process takes no more than ten minutes and doesn't require any special technical skills. The key is to have the new Wi-Fi password handy and be prepared to follow a few simple steps. We'll cover the universal methods that cover most current models.
It's worth noting that the printer's wireless stability directly depends on the signal quality. Before setting up, make sure the device is in a strong reception area. If your router has been moved to a different room, you may need to temporarily relocate the router itself. HP printer closer to the signal source for successful synchronization.
Preparing to reconfigure your wireless connection
Before you begin using the device's menu, you need to perform a few preparatory steps. This will help avoid common errors, such as the printer not seeing the network or failing to obtain an IP address. First, make sure your router is turned on and providing a signal, and that the internet is working properly on other devices (such as your smartphone or laptop).
It's important to know your network's exact name (SSID) and current access key. If you've changed your router, the settings may have been reset to the factory defaults listed on the sticker on the bottom of the device, or you may have created your own. Write this information down so you don't have to search for it when entering it. For some models HP DeskJet With 5GHz support, network name separation may be required if the device only operates on the 2.4GHz band.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure AP Isolation isn't enabled on your router. This feature prevents devices on the same network from communicating with each other. If AP Isolation is enabled, your computer won't see the printer, even if both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Also, check that the wireless module on the printer is enabled. On many models, this is controlled by a separate button with an antenna icon. If the indicator light isn't flashing or solid blue, the wireless mode may be disabled by software. In this case, you'll need to enable it first before searching for a new network.
☑️ Checklist before setup
Using the wireless button on the case
The fastest way to initiate a search for a new network is to use the physical button on the control panel. On most models of the series HP DeskJet (e.g. 2700, 4100, 5000) it is located separately or combined with the information button. Pressing and holding this button for a few seconds puts the printer into setup mode.
Once setup mode is activated, the wireless indicator starts blinking blue. This means the device has created its own access point or is waiting for a command from the mobile app. At this point, the printer is ready to receive new network information. If the blinking doesn't start, try turning the device off and on again while holding the Wi-Fi button.
The next steps depend on whether your printer has a display. If there is no display, the app becomes the primary tool. HP Smart on your smartphone. If there's a screen, you can select a network from the list directly on the device. In both cases, the printer must be in connection mode, indicated by a flashing indicator.
Setting up via control panel with display
Owners of models with a color touchscreen or push-button display are more fortunate, as they can control the settings directly, without using a smartphone. The interface may differ depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. You need to access the wireless settings menu.
To enter the menu you usually need to click on the icon depicting an antenna or select the item Settings (gear). Then follow the path that may be called Net or WirelessIn the list that opens, select Wireless Master (Wireless Setup Wizard). This will start a scan for available networks.
Once the list of networks appears on the screen, find the name of your router. Note that if you have a dual-band router, the network name may be the same or have a different prefix. _5G. Select the desired one, enter the password using the on-screen keyboard, and press OK or ReadyThe printer will attempt to connect, and if successful, the indicator light will stop flashing and turn solid blue.
| Action | Wi-Fi indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Standby mode | It doesn't burn. | Wireless connection is turned off |
| Network Search / Setup | Flashing blue | Ready to connect |
| Successful connection | It's blue | Connection with the router is established |
| Connection error | Flashing orange | Incorrect password or weak signal |
Using the HP Smart app for mobile devices
For models without a screen or to simplify the setup process, HP has developed an app HP SmartIt's available for iOS and Android and serves as the primary management tool. You can download it from official app stores. Before launching, make sure your smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to connect the printer to.
Launch the app and sign in to your HP account (or create one). Tap the plus sign. + or button Add a printerThe program will begin searching for devices. If the printer is in setup mode (blue indicator flashing), the app will detect it and prompt you to configure it. Follow the on-screen instructions: select your network from the list (the password will be entered automatically) and wait for the process to complete.
During setup, the app will transfer network data directly to the printer. Your phone may temporarily disconnect from Wi-Fi to transfer data, then reconnect. Don't interrupt the process and keep your phone close to the printer. After successful data transfer, the printer will reboot its network module and connect to the router.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the printer?
Make sure Bluetooth and location services (for Android) are enabled on your phone. Also, check that you're not using mobile data (4G/5G)—the phone must be connected to the router's Wi-Fi network during setup. Sometimes, resetting your smartphone's Bluetooth helps.
WPS method: quick connection without password
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and the corresponding button, you can connect the printer without manually entering the password. This is one of the simplest methods, eliminating typing errors. However, this method only works if the router and printer are close enough to each other.
Press and hold the WPS button on the router for 2-3 seconds until the WPS indicator starts flashing. Then, within 2 minutes, press and hold the wireless button on the printer (or select WPS from the menu if it has a display). The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys.
The process takes about a minute. The printer's indicator light will flash and then turn solid blue, indicating success. If the indicator turns orange or continues flashing, the connection has not been established. In this case, try repeating the process closer to the router or use the app method.
⚠️ Attention: Some modern routers have the WPS feature disabled by default for security reasons. If the router's button isn't responding, check the security settings in the router's web interface or use an alternative setup method via the app.
Resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults
If none of the above methods help, or the printer is stuck in an error state, we recommend performing a full network reset. This will clear the device's memory of all saved Wi-Fi profiles and restore the network module to its default state. This often resolves software glitches.
The key combination for resetting varies by model. For many HP DeskJet (2700, 3700, 4100 series) You need to simultaneously press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (cross) for 3 seconds. The power indicator may flash. For models with a display, the path is usually found in the menu: Settings (gear) → Net → Restore network settings.
After the reset, the printer will reboot and the Wi-Fi indicator will begin flashing. This indicates that the device is ready for a new setup. You can now repeat the connection process using the app or control panel, as if the printer had just been purchased.
Common problems and their solutions
Even if you follow the correct sequence of steps, difficulties may arise. One common problem is that the printer doesn't detect the 5 GHz network. Most budget models HP DeskJet They only work in the 2.4 GHz band. If you have a single network name for both bands, try temporarily separating them in your router settings or force-switching the router to 2.4 GHz mode during setup.
Another common error is the incorrect encryption type. HP printers work correctly with WPA2 and WPA3 standards. If you have outdated WEP or specific corporate settings, the device may refuse to connect. Also, check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled, which could block new devices.
If the printer connects but the status in Windows or macOS remains "Offline," try deleting the device from the system and adding it again. Sometimes the operating system caches the old IP address, which has changed after changing the router. Updating the drivers from the official website can also help resolve compatibility issues.
Why won't my HP printer connect to Wi-Fi after changing my router?
When you change your router, not only does the password change, but the internal network structure often changes as well. The printer "remembers" the old router and tries to connect to it. Since the old device isn't there, it encounters an error. You must manually initiate a search for a new network through the menu or reset the settings.
Can I connect my HP printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, but it's more complicated. In Wireless Wizard mode, hidden networks aren't listed. You'll need to select "Enter a new network name" (or similar) in the printer menu and manually enter the SSID and password, taking care to ensure proper case-insensitive lettering.
What does a blinking orange wireless light mean?
A flashing orange light usually indicates a connection problem. This could be an incorrect password, a weak signal, or an authentication error. Try moving the printer closer to the router and double-checking the information you entered.